Finding Support

Since getting Zach’s Asperger’s diagnosis, it’s been kind of odd for us. We’re avoiding telling Zach what the doctors have said because he’s so high functioning and just needs a little help in the social areas. We don’t want him to use his diagnosis as a crutch for poor choices in behavior because he can try to be manipulative like that.We are telling the adults in his life that need to know.

The reaction I’ve gotten from my family is more of an “Oh.” reaction. They don’t really know what to say even though I tell them it doesn’t change Zach, it just changes our techniques for helping him cope with life.

I’ve been looking at local groups online. I have to admit I’m a put put off by their websites. From what I can tell, the families that participate in the groups have kids who are more symptomatic than Zach. I feel like they will look at us and think “You don’t have it so bad. Why are you here?” They also seem to really push the gluten and casein free diet. One of the groups has that as #4 on their list of things you should do after your child is diagnosed on the autism spectrum. The diet may work for some kids. I won’t dispute the anecdotal evidence parents have shown. I just don’t feel it’s the right choice for our family. I just feel like the local groups are pushing the gluten and casein free diet a little too much for my taste.

So now what? I can’t do anything with our health care, the school, or finding a new therapist for Zach until I have that final report in my hands. That has yet to happen. At the same time, he’s not a “normal” child, but he’s not as symptomatic as a lot of kids on the autism spectrum either. Where do we fit into all of this? This is a question I will probably be asking a lot along our journey. You’re welcome to come along for the ride.