a. How does it feel to be the parent of your child?
With my son, Joshua Hoa (8 years old), I am faced with challenges nearly every day. As a parent, I am constantly on my toes, 24/7. For instance, I have to be aware of where he is at and what he is doing. Joshua is very friendly; however, he can also be very compulsive at times (i.e. emotional, moody). In public, I have learned to become thick-skinned because it is sad and annoying when other people stare at my child. Having Joshua has changed my life. For example, I have realized what I have taken for granted with my child, such as holding his hand.
b. How is your child developmentally the same or different from other children at the various ages?
With regards to physical development, Joshua is at the same level with other children at his age. He loves to play sports, especially baseball and basketball. He can throw the ball just as far as some of the other kids. However, it is Joshua's mental and social development that is different from his peers. His biggest problem is that he has difficulty interacting with other children at his age because of his lack of social skills. His speech and language are delayed which make it difficult to comprehend what he is saying at times. In addition, Joshua also has some sensory issues, such as moving his hands through shaving cream, which makes him feel calmer.
c. What professionals/agencies do you deal with? What services are available to you and your child?
I deal with social services, which has offered many options for Joshua. Regional Center of Orange County, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities, is also available to our family. RCOC had to first observe and test my son in which Joshua was eventually diagnosed with autism at the age 4. In addition, we also deal with private speech and language services, special day classes and different doctors, who prescribe him medicine. Joshua was in a day care program for a while, but it then became a huge problem.
d. How did you find out about the above services?
Joshua's preschool teacher had first identified that something was wrong with my son. So she recommended that I take him to the regional center to be tested. There, I found out about community workshops, seminars, online resources and the above services regarding autism.
e. What financial burden, if any, are you experiencing?
I am definitely experiencing a financial burden. I have spent a whole lot on expenses and bills; and I must say that it does help to have money. I had to hire lawyers for Joshua's behavior treatment, play therapy and music therapy. Moreover, his medications cost a lot too. Later on, I figured that it would be less expensive to have him play sports, which he enjoys very much.
f. What other information do you want to share?
I want people to be aware that having an autistic child can be hard on marriages. It is important to understand how different it makes everything, and that it can tear you apart. I am frequently tired because I have to teach him and play with him constantly. Also, when Joshua was diagnosed, my wife and I had opposing views in supporting him, but we eventually developed strategies for taking care of him. I have spoken to others who have a child with autism, and a high percentage of them are now divorced.
Sometimes you just want someone to tell you what to do, but the fact of the matter is that no one can really do that. As Joshua's father, I have benefited from several services, but I have learned more about Joshua just by being with him. For instance, I have learned to keep up with his routines, which is very important. On Sundays, he has developed a routine where he needs his hot dog and a candy bar after.
My Glogster link:
http://samejames2188.glogster.com/Autism/?
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