Well it's official

[greysonsmom]

We went to the Marcus institute Wednesday and DS was diagnosed with ASD.

Not what I was hoping to hear but I knew it wasn't off the table. Feeling pretty overwhelmed with all the recent info, I feel like I have a bunch of phone calls to make. But I am happy that my insurance will finally start covering therapy.

Anyone with experience can you give me your opinions on ABA.

[mrsbuttinski]

No experience with my child.

But ABA is the gold standard for ASD. Early Start Denver Model is another good program but it doesn't have the data to back it up as robust as ABA.

[mrsbuttinski]

How are you holding up with the new dx. Be gentle with yourself and those who care about your son/

[greysonsmom]

I've been better. Just a lot to take in right now. We will be ok. My inlaws are making me crazy though, they are acting like DS was just diagnosed with a terminal illness. I need to distance myself from them for a bit.

[zaraceligon]

I'm agre ABA is the best therapy from all the therapists the my kid has. The only thing the I don't like is,the this therapy requires a lot of hours and it depends from your insurance. For my kid are 20 hrs for week,plus 8 hours of parenting consulting for month. They can be provide no only at home but as well in private schools, and is not just one person who gives the therapy. Basically is one small team the is with the kid. For example my kid has 3 different person plust the supervisor. I recommend you to check with your insurance what are your benefits for the therapy, and if the cover for session, for day or for hour.

[mrsbuttinski]

Feb 12, 2017 21:29:37 GMT -5 greysonsmom said:

My inlaws are making me crazy though, they are acting like DS was just diagnosed with a terminal illness. I need to distance myself from them for a bit.

It gets better, but it can take time to process this new information even when you have suspected something might be different about your child. 

As for the in-laws, it's a pretty classic reaction. Given how ASD is portrayed in the media, you can see where this looks like the worst thing ever from their perspective. Plus the impact of a child on spectrum is more of a 360 experience for them in some ways. Parents, as a rule, just want what's best for their kids- even when their kids are adults and parents themselves. No loving adult is going to be thrilled to see their child called upon to parent at the level those with sick or disabled children (as in goodbye money and free time) do or to miss out on the typical parent-child experiences like Little League, a circle of friends, prom, etc and the social isolation that can bring. Nor are they going to be happy to see life harder for their beloved grandbaby. Plus, it's harder for them to be the grandparent they'd always dreamed they get to be.

In a lot of ways, this reaction beats complete denial as my dad did. But do step back and take a break if that's what's best for your little family. 

It's funny, my mom got her knickers in a twist last week because my uncle and his wife were bragging about their grandson in front of DS. DS had stopped by after his internship job to help move some boxes for her at the new house. My aunt was positively crowing about her youngest grandson getting into grad school and getting his first patent on the same day and it chapped my mom's ass which is highly unusual. Meh, it didn't bother me; I am truly happy for the kid. And I'm real happy and proud of where DS is right now.  But it took me a while to get to my zen place and TBH, if DS weren't doing well it probably would have hurt. 

[djtippietoes]

Are you in Atlanta? (Or maybe there's another Marcus Institute, I don't know.) If you are, I can talk some local stuff with you.

[greysonsmom]

Feb 13, 2017 13:55:22 GMT -5 djtippietoes said:

Are you in Atlanta? (Or maybe there's another Marcus Institute, I don't know.) If you are, I can talk some local stuff with you.

Yes I am!

[djtippietoes]

greysonsmom, just sent you a PM.