Hello,

I need some support and prayers for my daughter. Her name is Marissa and she was recently diagnosed as being autistic. This is all so new to my husband and me. She is our only child and she was also born premature. We do not know much about what a child her age should be doing, but we sensed there was something wrong. She is a little over 2 years old. She is talking well, but not using gestures to indicate she notices something or wants something. She does not run to meet Daddy at the door when he comes home from work. She plays very well alone, and would all day if I let her. She shows no emotion or pays attention if I am crying or upset. We had an autistic consultant come to our home to evaluate her and she said she is on the autistic spectrum for social and emotional. She has not had any seizures or intestinal problems. I wonder if there are any other moms out there in my situation. I would really love some support right now. I am a Christian and am seeking help from the Lord. I would really appreciate any feedback from anyone else with a child who is autistic.

Thanks for hearing me out.[praying]
Kendra

Awww, that must be so hard. I don't know much about autism but I just wanted to offer you some (((HUGS))) and mention that there are a couple of moms here in your boat who can probably do a lot of sharing with you!

And there's a thread about the GFCF diet too.

praying for you...their is an autism support group on yahoo.com....but I don't know if many of them are Christians..

there may also be some information on a website called thinktwice.com that may be helpful.

First Kendra Hugs to you sweetie. My oldest was diagnosed with learning difficulties and I remember it being so hard because he was my first, you have nothing to compare to and that can catch moms off gaurd and you feel unprepared for what lies ahead.

Sweetie you will find the help you need, occupational therapists and speech therapists are wonderful, as well as other moms. I know in the beginning it all seems so overwhelming you aren't sure where to start, pray. God will lead you trust His path.

There are a few moms on this board that will be wonderful help to you.

God Bless

I have no experience or advice to offer, but just wanted to extend a cyber {{hug}} to you. I hope some of the other ladies here can give you some information and advice!!

I am praying for you. I know this is tough. My daughter has cerebral palsy and a lot of sensory challenges that are similar to children with Autism. You are not alone. I pray that God provides you great resources in the way of doctors, therapists, etc. to help your daughter reach her absolute potential!

Hi Kendra
When I saw your post at first I got a lump in my throat! I too have a ds ( almost 5 yrs old) with Autism, he was diagnosed back in Sept. I want to tell you to hang in there, you are actually very blessed to have got such an early diagnosis. Also there is hope, it is so important to remember that and the fact that your dd has Christian parents and people who love her is a huge bonus in her life!
I have a lot I could share with you but don't feel right now is the time or place, so feel free to pm me anytime and ask questions. The first few weeks can be extremely difficult. Surround yourself with people who are willing to pray, cry with you and just love you. I hope you have a supportive Church and family. I will keep you in my prayers!

I wanted to tell you that autism speaks is now sending out a free kit to families who have just had their child diagnosed, it has lots of helpful info. to help get you stared with things you need to do after the diagnosis as those early days are very overwhelming.
Here is a link to the page, I hope this helps
www.autismspeaks.org/press/100_day_kit.php

you are not alone! *hugs*

my son is 5, nonverbal, and it's tough at first. I think you settle in and then something else comes up and it's a little tough again. He goes to a wonderful school, and I loved almost every one of his therapists and I did love all 3 teachers he's had so far. I find a lot of support here, in my church, and elsewhere online. I have a friend who has a son on the spectrum. Sometimes we call each other to cry, celebrate an accomplishment, or for advice/support. I will pray for you to find someone local like that; it's been wonderful for me. I know God has a plan for us.

check out the potpourri forum - special needs :)

Praying! ~Kerri

Hi Kendra...there are a couple other moms with autistic children around here.

My son was dignosed at around the same age. He will be nine this May. He was social, emotional, and completely non-verbal (no audible sounds whatsoever...including laughing and crying).

He did start speaking around 4-5 years of age. He is still socially and emotionally cold for lack of a better word. BUT at the same time he is so sweet and unique. It was very difficult for me in the beginning (as all parents will say) and for me until I understood that the Lord created him perfectly and just for me....and until I received that God trusted me and that my little boy loves me even if he doesn't show it - I couldn't deal with it well.

I pray that the Lord give you revelation-that you will see the little things that your child will do to express love (it will never be like normal people) because for me the hardest part was that my son seemed so closed off. He still is...we've just learned that he is perfect just the way he is.

Praying for you...I believe you will find lots of support around here.