According to the doctor, we need to get him into pre-school as soon as possible and view all his oddities as strengths starting now. She was quite pleased with his ability to concentrate on things despite everything going on around him, as well as his ability to count to 23 and sort books according to his own system. She says he's going to be brilliant.

I have several LJ friends who are on the spectrum, and they manage to get stuff done. They're not all "high-functioning," either. One takes as many of his college classes remotely as he can, and he's aiming for a career with minimal personal contact so he won't go into overload. He didn't get that aversion training that's all the rage in some circles, either, and from what I hear, he's better off for it.

Connie... you make me laugh

Glad to be of service.

Another is a university website, which I'm sure I'd need a more specific person to contact than the webmaster of the university.

Most universities are very touchy about copyright, so contacting the webmaster might be enough.

{{{Deena}}} They know so much more about autism now and there are great results with early intervention. I'm just sorry that it's going to mean more work for you. Just think what a striking eccentric genious Aidan's going to make!

Strength to your family, Susan.

They're not all "high-functioning," either. One takes as many of his college classes remotely as he can, and he's aiming for a career with minimal personal contact so he won't go into overload. He didn't get that aversion training that's all the rage in some circles, either, and from what I hear, he's better off for it.

This is much like a kid I went all the way through school with - Nick. He graduated with us, and then completed the rest of his diploma work and about half of his college work remotely, as well as going to UAF. He's a good guy.

{{{Deena}}} I know you must be stressed, love, but everything will be all right.

So much ~ma for you and yours, Susan.

And in happier news on my familial front, Annabel is now officially, for real, walking. She still prefers having a thing or person to hang onto, but regularly takes unassisted steps.

I'm in this weird limbo place of just going about my normal life (which this week involves some freelance jobs and a busy choir schedule in addition to my normal writing and mothering stuff), because really, what else can I do at this point? But it feels like I should be doing something more, you know?

The son of JZ's Matron of Honor at our wedding is mildly autistic. It's taken her a ton of work, but he's progressed amazingly well. He's well socialized - you probably couldn't tell if you weren't an expert in the field. The early diagnosis and therapy made a huge difference.

The county has a free daycare that he'll likely start in September. The bus comes and picks him up and drops him off; he'll ride in a car seat and there will be an aide along with the driver. He'll be there from 9:30 to 12:30 and will spend time with all kinds of kids with all kinds of problems, as well as various types of therapists.

The doctor also recommends speech therapy as soon as possible.

As for me... it's just one more thing. I'm feeling pole-axed. I'm tired. It'll be better tomorrow after I incorporate it into my world view. It explains the snake-mean tantrums and the refusal to call me mommy, but it doesn't help me deal with them. Google ahoy, I guess.

Much ~ma for Susan's dad, Susan and family.

Time to go make dinner.

Deena, What Betsy Said. Also, one of my best friends is the mom of a mildly autistic boy who is doing very, very well - if you want, I can check in with her about what literature helped her get a good grasp on the situation and what therapies have worked (I know it's a YChildMV issue, but FWIW, from all your stories of him Aidan sounds very similar in energy level, development and engagement with the world to Peanut at Aidan's age).

eta: Crosspost (unsurprisingly) with Hec!

Grrrr, vw. Very, very icky to have your words used as ammo by anyone without your permission, let alone someone whose stance is opposed to yours. Here's hoping a strongly worded email or three resolves it.

And (((Susan))). No advice or experience to offer, just punctuation, and a promise to light a candle for your father at Easter.

JZ, yes, thank you. I would appreciate any help she can give.

Deena, I've got a bunch of books and articles I can recommend, if you'd like. I'll e-mail you after dinner time.