An Update on my grandson.
Well, we got the word yesterday: it's Autism. Well technically it's 'Autism Spectrum Disorder', but you get the idea. I'm glad that we finally have a name for it, and that now we can proceed with the things that need to be done.
I ask now for some good old fashioned lounge vibes. We're all in shock, even though it was the expected diagnosis. I'm worried that we're not up to the task. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
and here is the obligatory, 'oh-my-god-he's-so-cute!' picture:
= new reply since forum marked as read
I'm sorry to hear of his diagnosis, but glad - like you - that you have some answers now.
Hugs to everyone
We're taking this one day at a time.
Thanks for the hugs.
They're greatly appreciated!
vibes to him and you and all the family.
My boyfriend's had custody of his nephew, who is autistic, since nephew was 4. He's 14 now and is living as normal of a life as possible. And boyfriend is doing this as a single parent, and raising a biological kid and two foster children to boot!
Yes, he's a cutie! 
Good Luck! 
it's just so much to deal with, but your story gives me hope.
At the time he had many of the typical symptoms: erratic but rigid behavior at times, spinning in circles, looking out of the corner of his eyes, lining things up or putting everything movable in a room in one big pile, very picky about food, hypersensitivity to touch (didn't like dirt or anything gooey on his fingers), and most of all, he didn't speak. At all.
I stay home with him during the day, and work nights while his mother is home with him. I take him to therapy four times a week, two with the speech therapist and two with the occupational therapist. Luckily we have the state insurance for kids.
I spend a lot of time with him playing games that are helpful to his needs and so does his mother. He goes to preschool 12 hours a week and it has helped greatly with his social needs.
At first he did use sign language and still uses sign language for the word "potty" even though he can say it now.
I started doing some work with him that I had taken a workshop on eleven years ago called EFT and we have seen major, major improvement in his sleeping habits and temper tantrum throwing.
Hard work and dedication do pay off!
This morning we were watching a phonics video that showed letters and words that started with each letter. He was repeating each word except octopus (too hard!). He is reading more than he can talk and is starting to count. He is saying short phrases, bye bye, Cindy, Night Night Nana, etc.
Everyone has marveled at his progress.
We still have a lot of work to do on diet as he still will only eat a very few foods. He has never eaten meat of any kind and refuses to.
Keep your chin up and good luck. Enjoy him for the unique person that he is and strive to help him become the most that he can be.
Here is a picture of my grandson right before Christmas, he is 2 1/2.
I put it under my subscriptions. Thanks mzteris.
Yes, "our" world.
There are a number of other Autsitic people at DU, some of whom post in the Asperger's/PDD group mentioned above.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1145
My 9 year old grandson, was diagnosed at 2 1/2 years old as being on the
spectrum.
My little guy didn't talk real words until he was over 4 years old, he potty trained
weeks before his 5th birthday and seemed lost at the most simple directions.
Now, at going on ten, he has learned to move mountains. This came with much intervention by professionals and
a lot of commitment and follow through on his father's and our part (grandpa and grandma) but we
recognize a real and distinct personality in him and he shares personal interests with family and has his own interests, now.
And I wouldn't trade him for all the tea in China.
Tikki
And it's good that you know now. Like a lot of folks here, I can relate. My 21-year-old son has Asperger's. He's in college, will graduate this year. His future is uncertain, he wants to go to grad school to study history, but has to take the GRE. He's incredibly, I mean amazingly, intelligent - he has a 3.9 GPA or something, and is graduating a year early. Has a photographic memory, is intensely interested in politics, loves Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert and politics in general - but has absolutely no clue how to socially interact with people. He's been bullied, ridiculed and mocked since he was young, and it's been heartbreaking to watch. Therapy has helped some, but it's still an issue. Part of the problem is that his father, my ex, refused to see a problem till right before he went to college - simply thought our son was being stubborn. My MIL, rest her soul, finally put HER foot down and made noise, and got our son into therapy in the college town where he is now.
Whatever resources are available, take advantage of, and as soon as you can. Every little bit helps. I blame myself, a lot, for not doing more much sooner. Family support means so much, and bless your heart for being involved. Best wishes to you all. Vibes, and BTW, you ARE definitely up to the task!
I'm glad that your son is doing so well. It gives me hope.
I can't not be involved. Ever since he was born, I've felt protective of him; and I'll continue to be, until I take my last breath.
I hope the diagnosis can bring you some real techniques for coping and helping now that you know.
There appears to be some real breakthroughs for autism these days although many of them seem so daunting. Sounds like you and yours are going to come out with guns blazing to help your guy. He's lucky to have you in his life!