Dear Experienced parents and child development experts,

I have a 4-year old child suffering from mild autism which was discovered when he was two. As a concerned parent, i have taken steps by spending a lot in hiring speech and behavioural therapist, and seeing a development pediatrician with some success achieved at least in getting him stable to be able to absorb what he's being taught in class.

With diagnosis done confirming the mildness, i was encouraged to allow him do things regular children do which will help him grow out of the disorder.

Now i noticed that he has memory challenge in terms of ability to retain and recall information especially in his study which is a big concern to me. He also dislikes reading and writing but enjoy visual-based instructions.

In light of above, i need help from parents who have gone through this challenging phase with such kids and also autistic child development experts on how I can help my child over come the short term memory problem,repetition of words, writing and reading.

Please help!!!

GWagonlover:
Dear Experienced parents and child development experts,

I have a 4-year old child suffering from mild autism which was discovered when he was two. As a concerned parent, i have taken steps by spending a lot in hiring speech and behavioural therapist, and seeing a development pediatrician with some success achieved at least in getting him stable to be able to absorb what he's being taught in class.

With diagnosis done confirming the mildness, i was encouraged to allow him do things regular children do which will help him grow out of the disorder.

Now i noticed that he has memory challenge in terms of ability to retain and recall information especially in his study which is a big concern to me. He also dislikes reading and writing but enjoy visual-based instructions.

In light of above, i need help from parents who have gone through this challenging phase with such kids and also autistic child development experts on how I can help my child over come the short term memory problem,repetition of words, writing and reading.

Please help!!!

Do not fret about your kid, he is a special breed.

One thing I know about autistic kids is their power to be more visually oriented and artistic in nature.

If he's better at visuals or artistic stuff, encourage him more on that trajectory and get him all the visual learning aids you can get.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association used to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD have:

1) Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
2) Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
Symptoms that hurt the person’s ability to function properly in school, work, and other areas of life.

Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. ASD occurs in all ethnic, racial, and economic groups. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and ability to function.
The above is copied from American mental health.

In Nigeria this spectrum goes undiagnosed in most cases. One would ask why it is so easily arrived out in outside the shores of Nigeria. Is it due to better knowledge of the spectrum because more cases are seen there or overdiagnose?
In Europe this diagnosis is immediately given to every active child. My son to was given this diagnosis to my greatest discomfort. The only thing here is that I am knowledgeable of certain facts of the disease being that I also work in the health professional, though psychiatry is not my area.


This epistle is in reply to @MrsC143 statement about parents in Nigeria taking their children for testing. I don't mean to state a contrary opinion to hers here and do agree with her as regards the testing. But I do shy away a little from taking to much faith in whatever impression they tend to arrive at in Northern America and Europe. I say this cos I know from experience that some impressions they make are not true in all totality. I mean as parents we ofcos want the best for our children but we should be ready to contest a diagnosis that may not completely cover the interest of our children without bias.

I have seen studies that stated in clear terms that this diagnosis is reached to quickly.
It would be nice we discuss this issue here, who knows we may help someone shed more light on what he/she is experiencing with their children.

PS: MrsC143, I actually tried reaching u directly but couldn't. So I decided to highlight this here so u can see it and comment.

Join this group on Facebook


https://m./176655142672778?group_view_referrer=profile_browser.

Search for " Autism Nigeria and Beyond"

GWagonlover:
Dear Experienced parents and child development experts,

I have a 4-year old child suffering from mild autism which was discovered when he was two. As a concerned parent, i have taken steps by spending a lot in hiring speech and behavioural therapist, and seeing a development pediatrician with some success achieved at least in getting him stable to be able to absorb what he's being taught in class.

With diagnosis done confirming the mildness, i was encouraged to allow him do things regular children do which will help him grow out of the disorder.

Now i noticed that he has memory challenge in terms of ability to retain and recall information especially in his study which is a big concern to me. He also dislikes reading and writing but enjoy visual-based instructions.

In light of above, i need help from parents who have gone through this challenging phase with such kids and also autistic child development experts on how I can help my child over come the short term memory problem,repetition of words, writing and reading.

Please help!!!

U are already on the right track. Don't relent. I know ur pain. My son was also given the same diagnosis. He has speech difficulty, is active and doesn't concentrate in school. Then again we are not taking the diagnosis just like that, we are always in contact with his paediatrician, his child psychologist, his speech pathologist and many other colleagues involved in the whole thing. Just continue what u are doing right.

How old is the child now?

Don't worry your child will definitely grow out of it. From experience, just ensure your therapist is a good one and make sure you confides in the class teacher so that they can gently follow him up in class and also to avoid harsh reactions towards him as a result of him not coping faster like his mate in class. Remove sugar from his meal and follow up with folic acid. But most importantly, call upon our God who alone can correct every anomalies in our system and I believe he will heal your child and make him whole in Jesus Name amen!
Do not be afraid, encourage him, get him a lesson teacher also from the school. Surround your house with educational materials, so as to enable him constantly see them and memorise them gradually.
PRAY AND CONTINUOUSLY PRAY TO GOD AND BEFORE YOU SAY JACK, YOUR BOY WILL BECOME THE BEN CARSON OF OUR TIME. GOD BLESS OUR CHILDREN IN JESUS NAME AMEN

GWagonlover:
Dear Experienced parents and child development experts,

I have a 4-year old child suffering from mild autism which was discovered when he was two. As a concerned parent, i have taken steps by spending a lot in hiring speech and behavioural therapist, and seeing a development pediatrician with some success achieved at least in getting him stable to be able to absorb what he's being taught in class.

With diagnosis done confirming the mildness, i was encouraged to allow him do things regular children do which will help him grow out of the disorder.

Now i noticed that he has memory challenge in terms of ability to retain and recall information especially in his study which is a big concern to me. He also dislikes reading and writing but enjoy visual-based instructions.

In light of above, i need help from parents who have gone through this challenging phase with such kids and also autistic child development experts on how I can help my child over come the short term memory problem,repetition of words, writing and reading.

Please help!!!

Pls Google to know more about it

But let's hear from parents here

ststyreal:
Don't worry your child will definitely grow out of it. From experience, just ensure your therapist is a good one and make sure you confides in the class teacher so that they can gently follow him up in class and also to avoid harsh reactions towards him as a result of him not coping faster like his mate in class. Remove sugar from his meal and follow up with folic acid. But most importantly, call upon our God who alone can correct every anomalies in our system and I believe he will heal your child and make him whole in Jesus Name amen!
Do not be afraid, encourage him, get him a lesson teacher also from the school. Surround your house with educational materials, so as to enable him constantly see them and memorise them gradually.
PRAY AND CONTINUOUSLY PRAY TO GOD AND BEFORE YOU SAY JACK, YOUR BOY WILL BECOME THE BEN CARSON OF OUR TIME. GOD BLESS OUR CHILDREN IN JESUS NAME AMEN

Op,this is the way to go.

You have already started on the right part.You just need to keep on giving that suppport.
He needs patient people around him too.

I have an 8 year old son who was diagnosed as autistic and mentally handicapped at age 3.
He didn't talk till age 5 plus.
However now he is on a regular schol and his IQ is above average.
It was a long battle.
Please start by using the teaching aids that interest him.
People criticised me for letting him so long on the computer but that was the way i was able to reach him initially.
I have made a video where I spoke about my journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mqUuN5-Q2I

mutter:
I have an 8 year old son who was diagnosed as autistic and mentally handicapped at age 3.
He didn't talk till age 5 plus.
However now he is on a regular schol and his IQ is above average.
It was a long battle.
Please start by using the teaching aids that interest him.
People criticised me for letting him so long on the computer but that was the way i wsd able to reach him initially.
I have made a video where I spoke about my journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mqUuN5-Q2I

Well done madam. I actually took time out to listen to the whole clip. You are a strong woman! Your kind is rare.

I wish your son the very best.

Nuttella:
I dont know the difference between both.

Then do read up or watch youtube videos on them.

ststyreal:
Don't worry your child will definitely grow out of it. From experience, just ensure your therapist is a good one and make sure you confides in the class teacher so that they can gently follow him up in class and also to avoid harsh reactions towards him as a result of him not coping faster like his mate in class. Remove sugar from his meal and follow up with folic acid. But most importantly, call upon our God who alone can correct every anomalies in our system and I believe he will heal your child and make him whole in Jesus Name amen!
Do not be afraid, encourage him, get him a lesson teacher also from the school. Surround your house with educational materials, so as to enable him constantly see them and memorise them gradually.
PRAY AND CONTINUOUSLY PRAY TO GOD AND BEFORE YOU SAY JACK, YOUR BOY WILL BECOME THE BEN CARSON OF OUR TIME. GOD BLESS OUR CHILDREN IN JESUS NAME AMEN

It's good Nigerians are religious but pls let's be pragmatic about this and discuss this issue without complicating it with religion. Thank you.

mutter:
I have an 8 year old son who was diagnosed as autistic and mentally handicapped at age 3.
He didn't talk till age 5 plus.
However now he is on a regular schol and his IQ is above average.
It was a long battle.
Please start by using the teaching aids that interest him.
People criticised me for letting him so long on the computer but that was the way i wsd able to reach him initially.
I have made a video where I spoke about my journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mqUuN5-Q2I

This is good information. Thank you

Nuttella:
An autistic child and a child with down syndrome, which is worse?

I do understand the question but the word worse is rather harsh here. U won't understand till u are in the situation. It depends on the grade of autism or how much the child can concentrate. There is no worse or better of the two cos they both have their own issues.

drnoel:


I do understand the question but the word worse is rather harsh here. U won't understand till u are in the situation. It depends on the grade of autism or how much the child can concentrate. There is no worse or better of the two cos they both have their own issues.

I guess I didnt present the question in a good way. Thanks for the kind reply.

drnoel:


It's good Nigerians are religious but pls let's be pragmatic about this and discuss this issue without complicating it with religion. Thank you.

Please you don't have to quote me cos I didn't reply you. You should learn to respect people's opinions and views without looping into it. Give your own suggestions and let others be. This is what I believe in and I own you no explanation on why I should hold this believe. So please, stop quoting people unnecessary. Proffer your own solution and move on. I am a Christian and I believe in the power of prayers, which has been working for me and my family, so if you don't believe in it, that is your business.

ststyreal:

Please you don't have to quote me cos I didn't reply you. You should learn to respect people's opinions and views without looping into it. Give your own suggestions and let others be. This is what I believe in and I own you no explanation on why I should hold this believe. So please, stop quoting people unnecessary. Proffer your own solution and move on. I am a Christian and I believe in the power of prayers, which has been working for me and my family, so if you don't believe in it, that is your business.

U can keep ur beliefs without attempting making others swallow it and the topic in question is more important than your beliefs.
Besides, replying ur words comment for comment will derail us so pls let's move on. Cheers!

drnoel:


It's good Nigerians are religious but pls let's be pragmatic about this and discuss this issue without complicating it with religion. Thank you.

Please tell me what solution your so called "pragmatism" has provided. Autism has been with us so long, yet ur "pragmatism" has not brought any solution.

Op, your solution lies in Jesus. God created that child, him alone can cure him. God is the manufacturer and he has spare parts for everything he created.

dahmie2013:

Please tell me what solution your so called "pragmatism" has provided. Autism has been with us so long, yet ur "pragmatism" has not brought any solution.

Op, your solution lies in Jesus. God created that child, him alone can cure him. God is the manufacturer and he has spare parts for everything he created.

That's a good question. In Nigeria and some parts of Africa the probability of even reaching such diagnosis is scarce and even if such a diagnosis is reached it's never on time. I know of several Nigerian families that their children were given similar diagnosis when the kids were well into their early teens. If I may throw ur question back to ur face, why then did their religion fail them?
Ur comment and I quote "God created that child, him alone can cure him. God is the manufacturer and he has spare parts for everything he created", true as it maybe is very myopic and misleading.

Autism spectrum disorders does not have a cure, atleast not in the sense of that word. Pls I don't mean any disrespect, but U should educate urself more about an issue before u come to comment and show ur ignorance. Google really explains ASD very well, u should do well to research it.

Don't get me, I am also a believer but I don't believe blindly. I believe with reasons. Besides Bible says and I quote "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead"- James 2; 17.

Pls lets be pragmatic with information and reasons. Bringing religion and God into this discussion will only complicate the topic. Let's keep it simple cos blind belief would not solve the issue. There are parents suffering cos of this and children who are not getting their needed therapy because of lack of information. Thank you again.

drnoel:



U can keep ur beliefs without attempting making others swallow it and the topic in question is more important than your beliefs.
Besides, replying ur words comment for comment will derail us so pls let's move on. Cheers!

What I am telling you is stop quoting people unnecessary. I didn't force you to accept my believe. Leave me with my believe and proffer your own solution please. This is my own view which has worked for me, I didn't force you to accept it, so face your own and leave me with mine please.

ststyreal:

What I am telling you is stop quoting people unnecessary. I didn't force you to accept my believe. Leave me with my believe and proffer your own solution please. This is my own view which has worked for me, I didn't force you to accept it, so face your own and leave me with mine please.

U are still harping on this stale issue? Pls move on and stop derailing the thread. There are people that need the information. If u don't then do eyes right and move away

drnoel:


U are still harping on this stale issue? Pls move on and stop derailing the thread. There are people that need the information. If u don't then do eyes right and move away

Then you should move away as well from quoting me. You quoted me first. So do eyes right and quit from quoting me. Excuse me please

The person with the last comment above has too much time on her hand. Pls to stop her derailing this thread, I suggest we all do eyes right and move on with the thread.

drnoel:


That's a good question. In Nigeria and some parts of Africa the probability of even reaching such diagnosis is scarce and even if such a diagnosis is reached it's never on time. I know of several Nigerian families that their children were given similar diagnosis when the kids were well into their early teens. If I may throw ur question back to ur face, why then did their religion fail them?
Ur comment and I quote "God created that child, him alone can cure him. God is the manufacturer and he has spare parts for everything he created", true as it maybe is very myopic and misleading.

Autism spectrum disorders does not have a cure, atleast not in the sense of that word. Pls I don't mean any disrespect, but U should educate urself more about an issue before u come to comment and show ur ignorance. Google really explains ASD very well, u should do well to research it.

Don't get me, I am also a believer but I don't believe blindly. I believe with reasons. Besides Bible says and I quote "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead"- James 2; 17.

Pls lets be pragmatic with information and reasons. Bringing religion and God into this discussion will only complicate the topic. Let's keep it simple cos blind belief would not solve the issue. There are parents suffering cos of this and children who are not getting their needed therapy because of lack of information. Thank you again.

If indeed you are a believer, then I am ashamed of you. The fact that your science has no cure to a disease, does not mean Jesus has no cure. I repeat, God created that child, him alone can cure him. God is the manufacturer and he has spare parts for everything he created. Deal with it!#BelieveThat