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Autism

(86 Posts)
Sielha Sun 05-Aug-18 20:56:07

Have posted before about this when my grandson was 8 months old. He is now 18 months old and showing very definite signs of autism (hand flapping, no language skills, walking on tiptoes). My daughter has today expressed her concerns and is going to seek medical advice this week. I am devastated but know that we must accept it if this is the case. I am worried though that we will not get a formal diagnosis until he is about 3 and everything I read says that the earlier you get help, the better the outcome. To add to this, my husband is in hospital recovering from a serious injury and I can’t share it with him for fear of hindering his recovery. Am sitting in the garden drinking wine and trying to deal with everything. Do most of us grans carry on having problems when we think life should be getting easier?!!!!

Doodle Tue 07-Aug-18 18:19:54

I have read that "if you know one autistic child, you know one autistic child". I agree. Like all children, each one is unique. I love my DGS to bits, no more and no less than my other GC. He has abilities (humour and sharp wit) that the others don't have . They have skills (socialising the ability to get on with others well) he doesn't. Who knows what the future holds for any of our grandchildren. The best we can do is to love them unconditionally and support them in their lives and dreams.

Doodle Tue 07-Aug-18 18:21:14

Dollypond I too try and promote 'The reason I jump* to anyone who mentions the word autism. A brilliant book.

moggie57 Tue 07-Aug-18 19:40:35

he is a child. and you have to be there for your daughter/husband/ grandson. there are wonderful specialists out there .you have to pull together and deal with this .of course there will be moments when you are upset. but who said life would be a smooth path..lots of hugs to you and family. be kind but be strong,

Luckylegs9 Wed 08-Aug-18 07:45:12

I hope your husband makes a full and complete recovery. Your grandson, whatever his problems, will always be a source of joy, you will love him just the same, just accept him for what he is. Don't compare him with others. It is early days and you daughter has started the ball rolling and he will get the help he needs because you will all be fighting for him.

Rocknroll5me Tue 14-Aug-18 11:02:17

thanks trisher I enjoyed that.

Fennel Tue 14-Aug-18 16:46:03

I haven't had contact with autistic children since I retired.
But nowadays being out and about, on buses etc, I 've noticed several children with various degrees of probable autism, some in wheelchairs. There does seem to be more. Maybe it's the school holidays and normally they would be at school.
I was waiting for a bus yesterday and sat next to me was a small family with a hyperactive boy who was jumping up and down, hand flapping, making strange noises etc. So difficult for the family, but they obviously loved him.

MiniMoon Tue 14-Aug-18 17:46:23

I've just had a fleeting visit from my 8 year old GS who has high functioning autism. He takes everything literally. He came in and complained about the drizzle. We asked if his family knew where he was and he said yes. He was just making himself at home when his brothers and sister appeared at the window and his Dad came in. Apparently they are all going for a walk, but DGS had had a conversation with his mum and was sure she said he could stay with us until the others came back. Of course, this conversation occured a few weeks ago, not today. ??
He put his coat and boots back on and left with the rest of them.
I love him. ❤️❤️

Greenfinch Tue 14-Aug-18 20:18:00

I have just made the mistake of saying to my eleven year old autistic grandson" Would you like to tidy up now".He took it literally as a question and said " No thank you".I have to be very careful with "Would you like.........."

Iam64 Tue 14-Aug-18 20:53:07

Great family stories Greenfinch and MimiMoon. Our 12 year old grandson complained the ham on white bread he chose at the buffet had “disgusting green stuff on it, so he couldn’t eat it”. Don’t worry, Grandad said, here’s some money, go and get another one. He did exactly that and was so disappointed when the green stuff appeared again. Literal thinkers x

Greenfinch Tue 14-Aug-18 21:47:00

grin Iam64