Grandson has been diagnosed with Autism

[Grazing90]

Hello everyone,

My 9 year old grandson is currently going through the process of being diagnosed with severe autism, and as a family we're trying to learn as much as we can and find ways to support him as best we can. I'd appreciate hearing from parents, grandparents, carers, or anyone who has been through something similar. What things have helped your child cope with day to day life?

Some things I'd like to hear about are:

- Sensory toys or items that worked well
- Calming strategies during meltdowns or periods of overwhelm
- Communication tools or techniques
- School support and what helped most
- Managing changes in routine
- Anything you wish you'd known when your child was first diagnosed

I understand that every child is different, but hearing real experiences from people who have been there would mean a lot to me.

Thank you in advance for any advice, suggestions, or stories you'd be willing to share. We're all trying to do the best we can for him and learn as we go.

Kind regards.

[Suzie, FRG Adviser]

Dear Grazing90

Thank your posting on the parents’ forum. My name is Suzie, online adviser at Family Rights Group and I see that you ae seeking support from persons who might have experienced a child diagnosed with autism to help you and your family navigate this journey for your 9-year-old grandson.

I hope that you will receive some support from posters with lived experience. Below I am including information that may be useful to you and your family.

In this link there is a list of the organisations that you and your family can contact for additional advice and support they offer to children diagnosed with autism an their families. This includes The National Autistic Society the leading organisation in this field.

You can read HERE about the legal duties that children’s services (new name for social services) have to children with disabilities in their area. This will, I hope, give you an understanding of the help and support that can be requested for your grandson from your local authority

Advice is available from Contact 0808 808 3555 who offer advice and support to parents with a disabled child.

I hope find the information provided helpful to get more details about how best to support your grandson.

You can post again if you wish to have more advice or if there is any children's services involvement relating your grandson. Alternatively, you can telephone our free confidential advice line on 0808 801 0366. The advice line is open from 9.30am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)

Best wishes

Suzie