Hi, I'm new!...and obviously not very original.

Post Reply New Topic

Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2012 4:44 am Post subject: Hi, I'm new!...and obviously not very original.
plus I already posted this in the getting to know you section...but here I go again:)

I have an eight year old daughter who is a recently diagnosed Aspie.

We are all new to this. The school doesn't know it yet, and she is passing reasonably well, though it obviously takes immense effort. Luckily, it is a highly academic school and since she is very clever, at least her academics give her some standing within her class.

We are currently living in one of the former Eastern Block countries and although she goes to an international school, she has plenty of local classmates whose parents would be less than understanding if they found out, so 'coming out' is tricky here.

We also have no access to English language counselling or any form of therapy, so it is going to be a long and winding DIY road. Hope to find lots of useful stuff on here.

She is a smart, fun and fantastically talented daughter and I hope to be able to smooth her way to success.
GN

Welcome, grailnine! Good luck!

I'd suggest you do a google search for autism in the country where you live: most places have an autism society which might help you better navigate the system where you are.

Haha, never been the popular girl, more like the friendly nerd:)
I've taken a cautious look at resources here, but they are so far behind in thinking and doing that I'm reluctant to unleash that on my daughter. The thinking is, we'll put them in special schools and teach them wood shop, so that when they grow up they can earn a pittance selling decorative wood carvings through charitable organisations.
Since my girl is currently deciding whether she wants to be a marine biologist or an astrophysicist or possibly both (and quite possibly neither:)), she doesn't fit the preconceived notion here of a person on the spectrum.
I've been browsing the forum, picking up very useful info. I'm also considering doing the CAT therapy training. I think we are better off braving it on our own for now (with large helpings of virtual support of course). Might change my mind later, or better yet, might move to a place more suited to her needs.
Thank you for the welcome!
GN

Right - there are loads of resources stickied at the top of the board, and feel free to post any specific questions here.

FWIW, I wasn't thinking of the government-provided resources, but the actual autism society. Fortunately, many more people all over the world are starting to recognize the need for self-advocacy and are playing watchdog over what's out there: they can be a big help. For instance, in the US, we've got groups like the Autism Self-Advocacy Network, GRASP, and Aspies For Freedom.

There are lots and lots of sharp kids all over the world like your daughter apparently is, who still need extra support to get through their school years. Most of the world is coming around to them...you just have to look in the right places.

Good Luck!

Thank you, Momsparky! For all my big words, I'm very grateful for any and all advice, and a kind voice and some understanding is a godsend. I'll look around and see if there are any parents' organisations, that is a great idea. I'm too new to this to have any specific questions at the moment, but I'm sure they will come when I have wrapped my brain around this a bit better:)
GN