Overwhelmed
I am looking for someone in the same situation to chat with.
I have two daughters with Asperger's . They were both diagnosed in 2008.
Their ages are 11 and 15 ... although i've had questions to their behaviors for years ... not one pediatrition or teacher was ever of any help. That is until my oldest daughter began cutting on herself and I called out pastor ( whom has a degree in pyshcology ) After just two hour long meetings with our daughter he mentioned Apsperger's. I looked it up on line and OMG it was like reading about my daughter! I made an appointment with her reg. doctor and all she could say is but she's not autistic ... I hashed it back and forth as I told her I said Asperger's not Autism ... She was rude and of no help what so ever.
So then we found a specialist whom diagnosed my daughters both with asperger's along with ADD
Now that we have answers it is better to a point but it's been so overwhelming in our home for so long. ( before the diagnosis ) that it has taken it's toll on my metal health... I now suffer from Stress, angxiety & depression ... I want so badly to help my beautiful girls and also make our home more peaceful.
Is there anyone going through a similar situation?
I can't say my experience is all that similar to yours, but I know what it is like to have situations with your children take their toll on your mental health. I have been taking anti-depressants since my second child was 1, due to what I think of as delayed post-partum depression, but maybe just an inability to manage two children including one with special needs. Whatever the reason, I'm not a high wire anymore, and that was a necessary change in order for me to be the parent my unique kids needs. The medication keeps me calm and centered, which isn't always the easiest place to be, is it? That was my solution, but it may not be yours.
I am so glad that your pastor had the brains to understand what was going on with your girls. Parenting an AS child is very different from parenting a "normal" one. You finally have the keys. It will help a lot.
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Mom to an amazing young adult AS son, plus an also amazing non-AS daughter. Most likely part of the "Broader Autism Phenotype" (some traits).
