my son is going to be tested for autism.....

why am i taking this sooo hard? i feel like i am losing it myself.... has anyone been through this process......

Becky, there are a LOT of support systems out there for parents and children with autism. You are NOT alone! My son (31) has Asperger's, which is part of the autism spectrum. I know there's a premier autism program at U of L that you really should investigate. I'll be hoping you get a good result from his testing. I know how difficult the whole process can be. How old is your son?

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http://louisville.edu/childevaluation

The Weisskopf Child Evaluation Center (WCEC), a division of the University of Louisville School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, was established to help children who have special needs realize their full potential. At the WCEC, children with developmental, learning, and behavioral disorders receive appropriate diagnostic and intervention services. Genetic evaluation and genetic counseling are provided to children and adults who have or who are at risk of having a birth defect or genetic disorder. We primarily serve those residing in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, although services are also provided to individuals from more distant locations. Referrals to the Center are initiated from a wide range of sources, including physicians, nurses, school systems, health care agencies and therapists.

Beside direct patient services, WCEC is also commited to training professionals and community advocacy. Throughout the year, professionals from many different areas rotate through our Center. This provides them with an opportunity to have a hands-on rotation with this population. The Center also collaborates with professionals in the community to better serve children with special needs and their families.

Systematic Treatment of Autism & Related Disorders (STAR)

Behavior Management
Biomedical Consultation
Early Childhood
Family Counseling
Occupational Therapy
Outreach Consultation
Program Planning
Speech & Language Pathology
Social Skills

Becky, one of the forum members frequently references her son who has autism or another developmental disorder similar to autism. I think it's Meghan, but can't be sure. Does anyone else know who I'm talking about? You might want to drop her a pm; I'm sure it would be reassuring to hear from another parent who can offer you a first-hand glimpse at the testing experience and what comes next. Hugs.

My heart hurts for you. I've sent you a PM.

Becky, Lois is right - there is a lot of support and programs out there for kids on the Autism sprectrum. While I don't have a family member affected, I serve on the STAR board at UofL and its a wonderful program. They have just moved the program to the Kosair Charities campus on Eastern Parkway so there is plenty of free parking and easy bus service. Not only does STAR work with the affected child, they also provide counseling, support and services for siblings and parents.

STAR is having an open house on May 26, from 6 - 8pm at the Kosair Charities campus, Community Room, 928 Eastern Parkway. Staff from the University of Louisville Autism Center will discuss:
Clinical services
Training initiatives
Resources
Research
After the presentation there will be a tour at 7:15 PM of the University of Louisville Autism Center at Kosair Charities. The Center is located across the parking lot from Community Room at 1405 East Burnett St.

I hope this helps. Good luck and hang in there.

Dear Becky,
My heart is w/ you and your son. We have a friend who started FEAT-- which may have evolved into the STAR program-- i'm not positive on that. There are many resources available to help-- I will try to find her email and shoot it to you via pm.
We all just want our kids to be healthy and happy, and when it doesn't go so easily, it can seem overwhelming. Lots of us have been through rough patches as parents,,,, please take care of yourself, as well.
Hugs, paula

I'll be honest And tell you I haven't been impressed with the star program yet. Mostly because NO one ever calls you back. I've left message upon message without return. Jennifer from the ky autism training ctr. @ U of L (who is very nice) said I was the 3rd parent that day to tell her the same thing. As if I'm not stressed enough to have to call 10 times just to get information/help. (btw STAR is part of Weiskopff). We did not have our eval there, but at Square One and they are amazing!

thanks for all the information and words everyone....

please do not think that i am ignoring anyone. i am just extremely overwhelmed. and i personally feel that my posting this was probably completely inappropriate and done in a state of being extremely overemotional. even typing this and reading the responses i am on the verge of tears.......

i really do apologize at not being able to even discuss a topic i started.

becky

Seriously Becky, call me when you can. I cried for about a week straight. However, sometimes knowing is the best and there's nonother way to move forward and get the help/services he needs until you get that dang diagnosis. The necessary evil.

Becky
Big hug to you dear. My experience with autistic children is limited. I work with a couple and I have a family member that may (or may not) be autistic. (Specialists don't seem to agree with each others' diagnosis.) Meagan can certainly offer you better advice than me with her first hand experience but I will add this... don't get hung up on the label and the big scarlet A. The bottom line is your child will need to be communicated with differently than other children. You will learn how to do that and your rewards as a mother will be just as great as other mothers. They may be different rewards, they may come slower or less frequently or perhaps the milestones aren't as obvious or even the same as other mothers but they will still be there and you will revel in them.

Becky:

I just got the following message from the Administrator of the Jefferson Family Courts:

HOME OF THE INNOCENTS' NEW PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT CENTER IS OPEN TO SERVE CHILDREN.

The new Hockensmith Pediatric Assessment Center at the Home of the Innocents is a full medical clinic with a wide array of other services including dental, radiology, hearing testing, laboratory, and a not-for -profit, pediatric pharmacy. The Home welcomes children who are medically fragile, children with autism, children who affected by Downs Syndrome, children who have emotional/behavioral issues and children whose families have difficulty with accessing health care in the community.

WE ARE LOCATED AT 1100 EAST MARKET STREET ON THE MAIN CAMPUS OF THE HOME OF THE INNOCENTS.CALL 596-1040 FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES, FAMILY AND ANYONE WHO MAY BENEFIT FROM THE INFORMATION. IF YOU USE FACE BOOK PLEASE HELP US BY PUTTING THE INFORMATION ON YOUR FACE BOOK PROFILE. CALL 596-1040 FOR AN APPOINTMENT. MANY THANKS.

Another local autism resource, Becky:

An email discussion group on Yahoo Groups:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismKentucky/

i have added all these numbers and places to my growing list that i have in my planner. it really is overwhelming..... theres just soooo much.

this past week was insane. i kept going over so many things. what did i do wrong? what could i have done differently? what should i be doing differently now?? i obsessed over his baby pictures. we always joked that he was our "angry little old man" because he never smiled as a baby. and now i feel guilty about it. i remember arguing with the dr. when he was 2 or so because he wouldnt answer to his name. dr just said it was "selective hearing". i feel relieved because he is getting tested.... finally getting somewhere. i feel guilty because i feel as if i am labeling my son. cant i just run away with him to our own little world????

as disjointed as these words sound pretty much sums up how i feel......