Questions about Autism that still bother me….
I try and put these questions to the back of my mind because I know I will never find the answers to them. But there are times when I can’t help but dwell on them, then I get frustrated and angry.
1. Why is only one of my children autistic?
Edward’s older brother Matthew is neurotypical. There are only two years and eight months between them. Matthew had a traumatic birth with an infection. I had diamorphine and an epidural. We stayed in hospital for a week with Matthew on antibiotics. Edward was induced and then flew out in 5 hours and I only had gas and air.
Everything with Matthew was easy, weaning, crawling, walking, talking, toilet training etc. I just assumed that it was because we did everything right with him and I was sure that Edward would be the same. I just don’t understand why Edward is autistic and Matthew isn’t.
2. Does Autism only affect one part of the brain?
I’ve only been pondering over this one recently. I don’t even know why this question popped in my mind. Is this why autism is a hidden disability? Does anyone know if there has been any research into this?
3. Was it caused by Edward’s temperature when he was seven weeks old?
This one plays on my mind a lot. Edward was only seven weeks old when he had a temperature for a few days. I phoned 111, I wasn’t sure if I should give him Calpol because the bottle says from eight weeks old. The Doctor said to give him 2.5ml. His temperature went down but kept coming back up when the Calpol had worn off. Was it this that caused his autism?
4. What goes on inside Edward’s brain?
I’m convinced that Edward’s brain is like a pinball machine. When he talks, you can really see him trying to process what he wants to say but it’s pinging round so fast he can’t get his sentences out. I would love to know what he thinks about.
5. Why is there still such a fight to get support for autism?
Is this because it’s a hidden disability again? People don’t seem to believe there are any genuine difficulties because they are not physically obvious?
I assumed that medical and healthcare professionals constantly keep abreast of developments and changes in the medical profession and would therefore have a thorough understanding of autism. Then why are there still cases of mistreatment and abuse of autistic people?
So many parents are still facing fights everyday just to get appropriate educational provision for their child. Professionals don’t seem to believe what the parents are saying. Why?
Does anyone have any thoughts on these questions? What questions do you have about your child’s autism?
I think individuals are born with autism. It’s nothing you have done. It’s a mystery but the profs think it’s partly genetic. Partly environmental but ultimately no ones knows for sure.
With regard to sleep. We’ve always had issues. We use a timed routine. Melatonin and a red light on in the room.
I totally agree about lack of funding and support. It’s a disgrace. I might right to people within government about it at some point. I will write more another time. Lucille
Thank you so much for your comment. I need to write to the government too. The lack of funding is not acceptable!