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.

Deena, I was supposed to be way more fucked up than this. (pauses, considers life. Flirting with strangers over net connection and waiting for copy of "Practical Homicide" that I know about because my fake boyfriend swears by it...ok, bad, bad, example) But it's not all a *diagnosis*. It could be, I expect. ETA: Vw, you are a model of sincerest restraint. Because those are your words and your politics/values... I'd be, well, screaming rage might cover it...might have to use some of the Milch-type expletives too. But then, I don't keep that particular lid on all that tightly anymore. Bad companions.

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.

Yep. And better the devil you know. {{Deena}}

I'm feeling pole-axed. I'm tired. It'll be better tomorrow after I incorporate it into my world view.

O-oh, yes. The "one more thing" deal. "Doc didn't say it out loud, but when I said, 'You think it's esophogeal cancer, don't you' he didn't say no." (that turned out to be a false alarm) "They saw some dark spots in my lungs, they want to make sure." (And that one turned out to be scarring from his days as a fireman, smoke inhalation damage)

You get so used to protecting one spot of your soul, then they come in from your blind side.

Wishing all the strength in the world to Deena and Susan.

but it doesn't help me deal with them

Nope. That's the rough part. Hence, you amaze me with your strength and perseverence.