Check out Reliv.com. They are nutrition shakes and have lots of testimonials of children's autism syptoms totally cured after a few weeks! It would not hurt to try. My daughter has been drinking it for a few weeks and I have noticed a huge difference in her ADD/ADHD symptoms. Good luck. Embrace it.

Obviously Autism and disorders along the Autism Spectrum are complex and there are multiple theories as to the cause and many protocals that are utilized by professionals with experiences with this population. Make sure that the diagnosis is accurate. Early intervention is key. Please ask your pediatrian to refer you for an evaluation with qualified medical professional such as a certified speech language pathologist as well as a pediatric neuropsychologist for testing. Additional and close collaboration will be needed now before school starts and in the preschool years with the educational system and an AI (Autism Program through the public schools).

Of course, I am sure that you are trying to communicate with your 2 yr old but it is not cut and dry...while utilizing American Sign Language is a start, you should not rely on it as the only method for communication because often a combination of techniques is required which a certified speech language pathologist is more qualified to evaluation and treat.

You are wise to act now and read all that you can about the disorder.

First of all, before calling anyone, BREATHE. Stop, give your child a hug, have a good cry if you need to, whatever it takes. The next few years are going to be a whirlwind. Right now, before it starts, sit down and make a commitment to yourself to take care of Mommy. Too many moms of children with special needs neglect themselves in their frenzy to care for their children. If that sounds selfish to you, remember that when you are neglecting yourself, you are neglecting the person who needs the sanity and energy to raise your child.

Now, start the phone calls. If you are a passive sort who doesn't like to be pushy or offend anyone, get over it. You are now charged with the responsibility of being your child's advocate. You will have to learn to not take no for an answer. You will learn to ignore the stares of know-it-all moms who are convinced that if they had your child, "He wouldn't act like that!" You will learn to look "experts" in the eye and say, "I'm sorry that you don't agree with me on this, but I am his mother."

You will know gut-wrenching emotional pain. You will celebrate with more joy than you thought humanly possible. You will cry. You will dance the silly dance when you child says Mom. You and your spouse/partner will fight more but somehow become closer than you were before.

Once you get the ball rolling with early intervention, your very next step is to FIND A MOM FRIEND! Ask your therapists, doctors, etc. if they know of a support group or just another mom that might be willing to talk to you about their experiences. Do whatever it takes to find another mom who you can share this journey with you. When you need to vent, cry, laugh, celebrate, share tips, etc. CALL HER!

If you are not known for your financial responsibility, now is the time to change that. Take a hard look at your budget and make cuts now. You are going to need to free up as much money as you can. The more therapy you can get for your child now, the better. If enough isn't provided by the early intervention group in your area, you may have to pay for it yourself.

I would say good luck, but luck isn't what you need. So, instead, I send every ounce of love and support I have.

first you have to contact early intervention. That's what it's called in my area. Do this right away becuase they only work with the child in your home till he or she is 3. Let me know!!
Eastinana44@aol.com