We often fear things we don’t know anything about. Just educate yourself, learn along the way, and remember YOU are YOUR CHILD’S biggest advocate.
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Don’t be scared. My nephew has Autism. His is moderate. I love the way he sees the world.
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My oldest son is Autistic. He was diagnosed at 2 years old but we pretty much always knew he had autism. It’s nothing to be scared about. He’s just behind on certain things. But he’s an awesome little guy who’s always happy and full of energy. He can’t talk yet and isn’t potty trained but I love him so much and wouldn’t change a single thing about him. There are special needs classes he can go to and a lot of therapy.
Follow Finding Coopers Voice it is an amazing page about autism!
Hi, Mom of an autistic 6 year old here. He was diagnosed at 4 almost 5. It’s scary news. We all thought he might be because we saw things that made us wonder. But it wasn’t until he started pre k that it really started to manifest. Before a certain age it presents as “normal” child behavior which is why most drs won’t diagnose before 3 or 4. Sounds bothered him, He rarely responded if at all to his name being called, He couldn’t really talk and what he could say was very hard to understand, he had meltdowns over simple things. He didn’t play with toys the normal way kids play with them. He would turn his cars upside down and spin them. He also has adhd and so he didn’t sleep well if at all when he was younger. Now he’s a pretty well adjusted 6 going on 7 year old. He gets help through the school with programs and there are many other things we could probably get into for him but counseling and behavior development are the main two for now. He is not currently medicated but in a few years if I see that he needs it I will medicate him. As of now I just think he’s still too young to medicate. But it is scary and it does take a toll on you but I wouldn’t trade my kid for the world. He’s uniquely him and that’s what I love about him. Go to a psychologist and get him tested. It’s going to sound like then end of the world if you get the diagnosis. But I can tell you it’s not. It’s a very hard road and we have issues and problems everyday with it but we make the best of it.
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My son was but he grew out of it the older he got
I am the mother of an autistic 11 year old girl. Early in life she was an only child and I missed the signs. I assumed she was just introverted and to be honest as my 1st and only child for a large part of her life I didn’t know what signs to look for. Her school actually helped me diagnose her but not until 5th grade.
I felt ashamed and hurt. I felt like I didn’t pay attention enough. But like people say it isn’t a death sentence. The school and community I live in have great programs. She is now thriving and like others, we learn from each other.
Don’t beat yourself up. Just be grateful that it is now brought to the forefront and your child can get the services he needs.
Did you have him tested for strep/pandas?
I know it’s as scary my 11 year old is autistic and he is amazing!! He has surpassed every hurdle that drs have put on him… he was diagnosed at 6 though we suspected very early (non verbal till 5) (very socially awkward ie parallel play instead of playing with others) (late potty training) (sound stimming)(hand stimming)
Remember even with a diagnosis you will still love your child no matter what. I worked with My son daily he is 24 now, autistic and he has surpassed what the doctor’s said he would be able to do. Don’t just listen to the doctors listen to your child. They know what they need and you can learn a lot about them and yourself. The next step for my son is to live alone. Not sure if that will happen but he does everything else the doctor’s said he wouldn’t do. You are going to do great with or without autism. You and kiddo got this.
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Talk to the school district they can have an evaluation done. They would also be the ones to provide some of the services he needs, whether it be autism or something else. Dont forget your health insurance may pay for extra therapy, etc. I wish the best for you and him
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Sweetheart, my son has level 1 autism and is a honor roll student. They are some of.the most amazing kids ever!
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Honestly there’s nothing to be afraid of…… The sooner you get it figured out, the sooner you can get him the resources to thrive. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being anxious about the possible diagnosis but it doesn’t help him at all to live in absolute fear about it. He is who is he is and its your job to be proactive and take care of him… and yourself through this transition.
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My brother has PDD level autism and my husband has level 1. I love them both so much and they are talented!
The sooner you get an evaluation and proper services the better. Something that helped was growing up with other kids on the spectrum and my mom connected with their parents. In school, they can create an IEP for services and adapter in class once there’s a diagnosis.
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Mother of an autistic 9 year old here 
autism isn’t as bad in some kids as others best would be to take the first test and get your child tested before anything. Could be a million other things. I found out my daughter was on the spectrum at 3 years old and I can tell you this autism isn’t always SO BAD! they have their days just like anyone else. My daughter will be in 4th grade next year she goes to a regular main stream public school no assistance in class whatsoever besides special seating(literally all that means is she sits in the front row INCASE the teacher needs to get her attention), straight As & Bs btw. She can be super sensitive but also some days most would never know she’s autistic she’s a friendly funny kid with a huge personality. All I can say before freaking out and scaring yourself for nothing have your kid tested and take the steps you need if the outcome says he is. It’s not ALWAYS hard all children are different
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Get an assessment as soon as possible. Autism has a large umbrella of symptoms covering many various issues. Children are like jewels they have many facets to their rapidly developing personalities. The sooner you get an assessment the sooner you can give your child the tools to cope with any challenges that may arise in their life. Parents be proud of yourselves for addressing these issues early. Best wishes to you.
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You should be dealing with your doctor or your pediatrician about this. I don’t mean to be mean but I don’t think I would turn to Facebook.
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My daughter was diagnosed when she was 2 1/2 yrs old and now she’s 12. Sometimes its not caught right away, especially when you haven’t been around someone with autism or see the signs. That was me. Get a second opinion from a developmental pediatrician. That what I did. Bring whatever evaluations you’ve had done, so the doctor can compare what they see for themselves to what’s written. Join some support groups on FB, especially in your state because that will be extremely helpful in regards to services and benefits that your son could be entitled too. Just breathe and take it day by day. It’s stressful and confusing especially in the early days but it gets easier.
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God will give you the grace to get through this don’t borrow trouble you only have to leave today tomorrow is not here yet
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Autism is a spectrum. Not linear. Every autistic person is different but may share similar traits. They diagnose with levels. Some don’t care for the functioning labels because its misleading and suggests that higher functioning kids do not need as much support which is not true. My son is almost 5. He was diagnosed with high functioning autism level 1 and high IQ at age 2. I’ve always been told if you’ve met one person with autism then you’ve met one person with autism. Always advocate for him and what you think is best. The system is hard to get therapies and appointments covered but always fight for him. It’s also ok to be sad and morn. It doesn’t mean you love him any less just maybe you had a different picture of how things would be. I still catch myself getting sad or upset when I see some things just dont come naturally to him
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Know it’s hard my daughter has autism its better with a diagnosis as they will get help with there needs
My 2 year old has level one autism. (Asperger’s) he is happy and super smart. He has supper sensitive days and he doesn’t do public, he prefers to play alone and be alone. When his brother screams and cries he tries to isolate himself and he doesn’t make eye contact. We are doing more and more speech games and such and he is getting better. We have to do behavior therapy because he is alil agressive. Just more to love. I know it’s stressful and scary but stay positive. He can sense it alot more than non autistic children can. My toddler always knows when something is wrong with me and he acts certain way. It’s just more to love momma.
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May not be autism. It could be a multitude of things. ADHD can manifest like autism in high functioning children.
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Hello. I am a mother of a special needs daughter. My daughter is 5 years old today by the way. As soon as I have given birth to her at 36 weeks I didn’t get to see her or held until the next day. She was rushed to the NICU as we just found out she has cleft palate. Months later, she was diagnosed with Kabuki Syndrome. It’s a rare genetic disorder. 1 baby in 35,000. 5 years was extremely hard years for my child and I. She’s been in and out or ER, seeing a lot of specialists doctors, non stop of therapies day by day. It was never easy and will never be. My daughter’s recent procedure was on June 1st,2021. She just developed having issues with her stomach. This is the best example that simply she didn’t have any problems with her stomach before, it doesn’t mean it can’t developed. Even to us, people without disabilities, we can also catch some illnesses later in life. We’re just human beings. Love and take a very good care of your baby. Child is a God’s gift. God bless.
Don’t waste time. It is important to get him tested as early as possible.
If he is, give yourself time to grief, feel sorry, whatever you need. Your grieving time has to have a short time frame and after that be strong for him.
You can’t help him if you are not in the right state of mind. Go all out to find how you can help him.
That is what I did when I found out my daughter was hearing impaired. Today she’s an ‘A’ student in a normal hearing college
I wish you all the best 
Im in the same boat mama,my son is 4 set up appointment to see a specialist. I’m so scared and cry alot I’m here if u need someone to talk to I kno how ur feeling 
Mac and cheese, peas, carrots (cooked and cut small) spaghetti with egg noodles or chopped up spaghetti noodles I didn’t put meat in my son’s but you can do as you please there haha. But those are some of the things my boy ate at 8 months old.
The day my daughter was diagnosed i had a choice to make. My daughter thought it was a great day because she knew there were other kids just like her. For me it was my worst day because I let my fears come to the surface! But I chose to let my child lead. By that I mean she was happy being diagnosed she felt like she was no longer an outsider she knew there were other kids just like her! She graduated high school, she has her drivers liscense, she has a job. Did she do it as fast as her peers NOPE but she got there in her own time. She is super funny! I personally think some of the greatest comedians and actors are on the spectrum. Autism is not always easy! But it has been an amazing adventure so far. She even has a boyfriend now.
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Call his doc! I just called my daughters doc to get their opinion. She’s also 6.
My son has severe ADHD and has tics, no autism. You’ll be okay
Write all your concerns down. Ask family or friends their opinion.
My 7 year old has autism we started to see signs about 4 years old she has random Outburst he cannot control his anger he is definitely different than all of my other four children however he is different in his own way they say You’re supposed to parent your children all the same way but that is not true I have to parent all five of my children a different way he is very smart he is very inquisitive he is verbal however he flips on the drop of a dime. I have just come to the conclusion that he will probably be with me the rest of my life
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Did he get booster shots?
Take to Dr , I know it hard , but it’s ok , my nephew has atisim and use to have to take medicine for itn
They find their niche so build on it! My grandson is the most talented builder of lego’s and knex he puts motors on everything and can fix anything he is 9 yrs old!!!
Early intervention. My oldest is autistic with 8 other diagnosis. I got him therapy at 18 months, had to drive 4 hours to get there, but he’s now almost 21 lives on his own and doing amazing! He’s been in therapy from 18 months to 18. I made sure I was his warrior, all through school, and memorized all special education laws pertaining to him. I had his school HATING me, but he got what he needed to be successful! He even graduated 4 months early! Do your research, make them do tests even if they say unnecessary, be is advocate and warrior. You are all he has! Good luck, you got this!
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try and get him tested, i’m 26 and i’m autistic, i only got diagnosed when i was 20:joy:
my mum just thought i was an ignorant child when i was younger until i hit my teens then more signs started to show, so i got tested at 19 x
Okay 
you can’t handle your kiddo being autistic? I’m a parent of a autistic child he is now 18 graduates this next year he was none verbal until 8 . Tell me why can’t you handle it did you know that autistic children are absolutely amazing im so annoyed by hearing this on Facebook… First see a doctor and after results if he is then you need counseling its not east at first it is hard very hard … But it 100 percent worth every moment did I fail to mention that I was a single parent and did this on my own for years and work a full time job … However my son my amazing 
Son will be done with school and going to college… Because I never gave up ever … Seek professional help now…
Weather or not he does he is still the same kid.
Get him tested right away .
I ask a Professional
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You know your child best if you sense something isn’t right don’t let people tell you it’s just his age etc. Get him evaluated by professionals through school or local mental health and behavioral agencies.
Don’t be afraid first of all, follow through with the testing. There are things that may present as Autism and may not be the case. If you do not like your Dr’s. answers ask for a 2nd or 3rd opinion. You got this momma 
It’s really bloody difficult my son has so many different forms of Autism he is 15 you can’t change what you can’t control you can only deal with the hand your delt read up about it that’s the key to try and communicate better with your child and if they doctors have picked up on it they’re usually right my sons was obvious it took two years from start to finish to be fully diagnosed.
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There is nothing wrong with being autistic, and there is nothing to cry about 
your child is still the exact same child they’ve always been. All a diagnosis does is give your child access to any support/accommodations they may need in life, and allows your child to understand why they feel different than other kids - because whether or not we’re told we’re autistic, we always instinctively know we are somehow different, and instead of listening to other people call you names about it, knowing you’re autistic and that there’s nothing wrong with being autistic allows you to begin understanding that the fault lies with people who can’t accept your differences, NOT with you.
Source: an autistic adult
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Don’t be scared, there’s more support out there for people who’s on the autism spectrum, also if you start to research it yourself and join autism Facebook groups ect then you will be more at ease if little one gets a diagnosis because u will know what to expect if he has extra needs, u got this mama xx
It took 5 years for my sister to be diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome (a form of autism). It’s nothing to be scared of, just means they struggle with different things. Socially for example, some autistic people struggle to communicate like we would and lack social awareness. It doesn’t make them any less of a person, but I would insist that your child gets tested and that they support you.
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My son didn’t get diagnosed with ASD, ADHD and ODD until he was 10 years old, right at the start of lock down and started secondary school in the September which was extremely challenging. I wish it had been detected sooner so that he had got the extra support throughout primary school. Although his behaviour can be difficult at times I wouldn’t have him any other way.
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My cousins children are autistic, they are non verbal and when they have a meltdown they bang their heads constantly against the sofa, they dont like loud noises but they are the most rewarding, they dont have an understanding of most things like toileting for example, the only way they communicate is through makaton and if they want sweets they bring the tub to you or if they want something in general they will show you want they want, I worked with an autistic lad and he was brilliant, non verbal but I understood everything about him and what he wanted to do and eat/ drink x
My great grandson was diagnosed autism non verbal at the age of 2 , he’s made great progress and now he can say words ,it’s better he gets tested to see where he’s at he may need therapy of some type. Don’t be afraid he’s still the sweet little boy has always been.
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I work with people with autism and they are some of the most amazinf people i have ever met. Dont be scared of the diagnosis embrace is and support your son in whatever he wants to do if he does have autism.
My 7 year old has autism diagnosed at 5 I always knew he was on the spectrum since he was about 2 … as they get older the more noticeable it can be my son has the major melt downs hes always angry doesn’t recognise other people emotions he will only walk one way to school only eats certain foods an has developed a stutter all though autism … not gonna sugar coat it coz it is hard an difficult but he’s very smart … if u think he’s on the spectrum speak to ur gp get a referral don’t for him an u will get all the help ur son needs an how to deal with a child with autism if u need any more help or advice feel free to inbox me … I don’t see him any different hes unique xxx
My oldest is in the spectrum he will be 25 next Monday! I’ve learned so much from him! Advocate and love
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No need to explain yourself; I imagine being a parent is scary. I can’t offer any words of wisdom on parenting, because I’m not a parent.
However, I was diagnosed with autism when I was your son’s age. I was selectively mute with strangers and family (besides my mom and grandma) until I was probably 8 years old. Once my mom talked with a specialist, they were able to give her tools to help me. She started with trying to get me to say simple words to family members then it escalated to ordering for myself at food places when I was older. Not saying that’s what you’re dealing with because it’s truly different from person to person, but the best thing you can do is try to understand what he struggles with and come up with ways to improve or assist. On a side note, autism doesn’t affect intelligence. He can easily grow up and seem to be a typical person. I had no issues in school other than socializing, I graduated college, I work in the OR. I guarantee that nobody other than my family and close friends even know I have autism. I also work with a surgeon who is autistic. Idk, just thought that those little tid bits may bring your mind to ease that even though it’s scary, it doesn’t mean he can’t lead a normal life. He’s still the son you’ve had this whole time.
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We are in the process of being tested for ADHD/autisum and GLD at the age of 10…whatever the outcome she will still be my baby girl, educate yourself on it to help your child through the bad days… it’s not all that bad 
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My little boy (4) is autistic and yes he has his typical traits but he is so loving and kind. He has his moments but all children do. As he is growing he seems to be getting more understanding of the world around him and extra support in school has been incredibly important. I always heard once everyone is slightly autistic. There is nothing to be scared of, they are very unique and special 
when someone is diagnosed they don’t sprout new traits and become a different person I don’t mean that to be patronising I really don’t what I mean is you already know and love him. The difficult part of having an autistic child is fighting for the support they need and deserve you’re his parent now but you’ll become his advocate too x
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Sometimes the parent can’t see it like an outsider can, I wouldn’t worry about it, it wouldn’t affect your son in anyway and there is lots of support out there for yourself and tour family x
Don’t be scared, I knew something was “different” with my son I noticed all his little quirks early on unfortunately nobody would listen to me, FINALLY at 7year old someone listened and got him diagnosed with autism, it’s not made me parent him any differently or anything like that I’m super grateful for his diagnosis because it explained his quirks to me and also since then the school has excelled in helping in anyway he can and all of his friends love his “weirdness” so honestly as scary as it seems as long as your child is happy you get used to dealing with ticks, meltdowns and in time you know what sets them off and work out how to cope
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What has happened?
I only ask because my eldest randomly started a tic one day. Took him to the drs and got referred to a consultant and they ran tests. It stopped after a few weeks. They put it down to stress. I later found out that his dad and misses had been arguing…
I obviously confronted him about it and we got it sorted. It lasted maybe a few weeks and now it’s resolved. Both of my kids have been referred to camhs and my youngest was suspected of autism. I’m not convinced but he was showing some traits. Investigations are still ongoing because covid scuppered everything xx
I’m a mental health nurse who has worked with children for over three years and can tell you autistic children can go on to lead very successful, brilliant lives. we always focus on ensuring they know that although they see the world differently, we are all different and it won’t stop them achieving their dreams. X
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Has he been on any antibiotics lately? My kids exhibit autism symptoms when they have a yeasty gut, like around Halloween and Christmas, all of the sugar really gets their gut balance off. I’d try adjusting his diet to a lot of whole foods for a while and see if it helps. Also, a good multivitamin, especially with vitamin A helps.
Rowena Atkinson could give some advise as we have 2 autistic boys
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My sons has autism he was diagnosed at 4 he’s 13 tomorrow he also has adhd & global development delay I’m not saying we haven’t struggled sometimes it was bloody hard but you have to push for everything for him & we try to do the best for him, to be honest he’s done absolutely fantastic he amazes me & im so bloody proud of him x
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This is my daughter shes 7 she has Autism the diagnosis has helped get the support she needs and will remain in main stream school and live a normalish life.
Before she would be excluded for punching, kicking, strangling others because she couldn’t get across she was over whellmed.
At first I won’t lie we thought she was a bad child and when we realised thier was something she was 51/2 autistic children are so intelligent in many different ways thier brains are fabulous and mask thier true emotions until sadly they get home and you get it full pelt.
But I wouldn’t change her for the world she will rule the world one day, In her own way xx
Don’t worry too much momma. My daughter is 2 and a half and got diagnosed 6 months ago… She’s the most loving unique little girl the world could have asked for. I think the most important thing is just being the biggest advocate for your little boy. If momma doesn’t act like anythings different then they’ll never feel like they’re any different
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What is scary about him having autism? If you can list it out then you can address each of your fears with knowledge.
As a mum of 5 4 of which have austim. Plus other additonal needs. There are worse things your child could have. Its not life threatening. Your child is unquie and amazing in there own way.
You will learn as you go. I know i did.
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Yes my son was six when he first started showing symptoms and back then they labled him sktyzo-effictive, which basically means they thought he had very early signs of skytzophrinia, which usually dosent appear till early twenties. By the time he was eight I had done enough research to taalk to the doctors and get them to see what I saw, and they chanded his diagnosis to Augsburgers syndrome, which is a mild form of autism. He is doing 21 now and doing well.
My son is 8 years old and has been diagnosed with ADHD and SPD. He was around 3 years old when diagnosed and has been in speech therapy and occupational therapy ever since. He has an IEP for school and even goes through speech therapy and occupational therapy through them too. It’s never something you want to find out your child has, and yes, it’s mentally exhausting, but that’s your child. You won’t love them or treat them any differently. Getting the help they need early on is a HUGE help and will definitely help them in the long run. Get more than one doctors opinion, get more than two if you need it. But the earlier you get the child help, the easier it will be on them. You have to be their number one supporter and fight for them. Make sure they get the help, love and understanding they need. It’s not something that goes away… Make sure they know that EVERY person is different and EVERY person has their own strengths. Kids on the spectrum are SO VERY smart, sweet and just like any other child. They just need a little more help and that’s okay. All the good vibes you and your baby. You’ll get through this and so will he.
I have 2 autistic children. It is a huge spectrum. My children struggle in different areas, but are great kids. Don’t be scared. Get your child tested and educate yourself on how to best help your child.
There is no use speculating about this. If he has not been diagnosed, consult with a child psychiatrist or a paediatric neurologist. They will do a complete assessment and diagnosis. Then you will have an idea of what steps to take, going forward.
If it really is new onset please research PANDAS /STREP
I recommend you to join the group Autism Inclusivity. It is run by autistic people and it’s a great place to learn about autism.
You as a mother will find your strength no matter the diagnosis. Love from a mother of her child conquers any and all tics or disabilities.
My 9 year old got diagnosed at 7. We knew it at 18 months but her first ped failed her then her insurance wouldn’t cover it so the school had to test. “Autism” is nothing to fear. It’s like diabetes or Down syndrome. It’s part of the person you love and you learn what you need to do to help your child.
Also you’re not going to know unless you do all the testing.
If he’s autistic, he’s always been autistic. The chances are he’s been masking. There’s nothing to be scared about he is still the same child he always has been, being diagnosed doesn’t change that either.
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Dont be scared incase he is autistic, he will still be your wee boy but i do understand the worry. Has there been a conversation that the doctor is leaning towards autism or is it just 1 of a couple of outcomes? My son has had tics since he was 1, he is now nearly 9 and still has them. He isnt autistic though. He cycles through physical tics and vocal tics. It’s just part of who he is and he calls them his habits. It’s always a worry when something we dont expect appears but I’m sure you will make sure he has all the support he need regardless of the outcome of tests x
Help a mama out and respond anonymously on our forum. I am scared my son may have autism: Advice? - Mamas Uncut