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Name: jennym

[ Original Post ]

Hi our 3yo son has just been diagnosed with Asperger's, OCD and sensory integration dysfunction and we desperately need help. We live in Dubai and his therapies won't start til Oct. Lately he seems to screech all the time and spends most nights awake wandering his room, during the day he goes into these random fits and can't be calmed down. We are so exhausted, worried, frustrated etc. We put him on the GFCF diet but are so limited here in resources etc. and feel soooo alone. Can anyone relate? Does anyone have any advice/suggestions. I feel so low and frightened please if anyone has anything to offer it would be sooo appreciated.
thanks, Jenny ↓

Name: angee0327 | Date: Aug 16th, 2010 7:58 PM

Hi Jenny,
My two autistic sons have been on a GFCF diet for 6 years now. It has been worth the headache, finance, and struggle. Hang in there! One of my boys also has sensory integrations dysfunction too. Alot of the therapies you can do with him one on one. Do some online research as to which exercises you can try with him. Most of all, don't get fustrated! The answers will come! Take a deep breath, and one day at a time. You can chat with me anytime. [email protected]
Angie ↑

Name: tasha1011 | Date: Aug 16th, 2010 8:34 PM

Hi JennyM,

Many children (not all though) on the spectrum have had problems with sleep. I suggest that you have your child on a strict schedule. First, if he is taking day time naps, stop them. Do not let him fall asleep at any time during the day (just for now). Set a bedtime schedule and follow it, every single night. If that doesn't work, sleep with him (grabbing any type of sleep whenever you can). You can also talk to his pediatrician. See if this helps.

As for the fits, I give my son some alone time (a space where he is safe) until he settles down. We talk about it afterwards when he is calm. Your child is 3, this may work. I also have taught him breathing techniques. He uses them (not during the fit) but once he is calm.

As for you, join a support group. I do not know of the resources in Dubai but there are resources on the internet. Type in the words, "support and asperger" and see what support groups exist online. Support groups have helped me in my journey. You can also type in the words, "asperger, support and Dubai" to see what exists where you live. Asperger's is on the pervasive development disorder spectrum so you can replace the word with "autism". Parents will share their experiences and offer support.

If you want to read what I have done with my son (who has autism), you can visit my blog at http://raisingsucautistic.blogspot.com/.

Hopefully, this will help. ↑

Name: jennym | Date: Aug 17th, 2010 4:35 AM

thanks... we are very limited here on resources as they block a lot of sites in the uae.. as for the naps i discussed this with my husband this morning and we're going to try it this avo...wish us luck... unfortunately the summer months everything shuts down and as it coincides with ramadan this yr we are sol as for support... i have contacted the autism centre here in dubai which organises the support groups and they resume in october along with therapies....thanks for the advice j ↑