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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around the challenges faced by parents of children with autism, particularly from a Christian perspective. Participants share personal experiences, offer support, and discuss various approaches to managing autism-related issues.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares her sister's struggles with her two sons diagnosed with autism and seeks support from others with similar experiences.
  • Another participant mentions her experience working in a chiropractor's office and suggests that chiropractic care may be beneficial, although she acknowledges that she does not have direct experience with autism.
  • One participant discusses a cousin with autism who benefited from specific treatments and mentions a book written by the cousin's aunt that addresses the challenges faced by families with autism.
  • Several users express that there is no clear consensus on the causes of autism, with some attributing it to vaccines while others note the complexity of the condition.
  • One participant highlights the importance of support for parents, suggesting counseling or group therapy as a potential resource.
  • Multiple participants reference a heartwarming story about Jason McElwain, which has inspired many parents of children with autism, while also acknowledging the wide spectrum of autism and the varying degrees of functionality among individuals.
  • Another participant shares her background in psychology and her experiences working with autistic children, emphasizing the individuality of each child's needs and characteristics.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, relates her own challenges with her son who has learning disabilities and is being tested for Asperger's syndrome.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the causes of autism, with some participants attributing it to vaccines and others emphasizing the complexity of the condition. There is no clear consensus on specific treatments or approaches, as experiences vary widely.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes and experiences, reflecting a range of perspectives on autism and its impact on families. The thread serves as a space for emotional support and sharing of information among those with similar challenges.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to parents, caregivers, and individuals seeking to understand the experiences of families affected by autism, particularly within the Christian community.

autismrobert kennedy wrote a great article in rolling stone magazine about this. (http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/7395411/deadly_immunity/ ) check it out if you are interested and also - i have a tone of research i can forward to you if you are interested. it's a listing of books, articles, websites, etc. we spent and still spend a lot of time researching this as we decided to wait on vaxing. my son is 2 now and we still haven't given any shots! it's a really tough decision either way!!

i feel for any parent / family in a situation with a child with special needs or illness!! as a teacher i taught many sn kids and my heart went out to each and every one of them!! i wish we could wrap our little babies up in bubble wrap so nothing and no one could hurt them!! my son has torticollis and plagiocpehaly - but that is NOTHING compared to autism and asperger's. my thoughts are with you all!!

jen
ps - was there a reason why you asked a christian cheffer for help? just curious as there are many cheffers out here who may not be christian but could offer support, advice and (((((hugs))))) :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #32
jcwarr said:
ps - was there a reason why you asked a christian cheffer for help? just curious as there are many cheffers out here who may not be christian but could offer support, advice and (((((hugs))))) :)

I just went back and read my original post and realize I didn't make it clear why I said "a Christian cheffer". My sister prays daily about her boys and the struggles they all face with autism. After that weekend she was really struggling with whether God is hearing those prayers. She tries so hard to give the boys everything they need and to do everything she can for them....then one stupid, insensitive remark can destroy everything and make you start doubting yourself and God. Those of us that believe in prayer know that God doesn't always answer "yes" or even right away. We have all reached a point at one time or another where we feel like maybe our prayers aren't being heard. I thought that I could find someone on here that had prayed those exact same prayers and could encourage her.

I have been amazed at the support and wisdom I have received through this thread. It went in directions that I didn't expect but am glad it did! Thank you all so much! I am copying these posts and will be sending them to Lori this week. I know that many times she feels alone in this, she will be encouraged by the words of all these people she doesn't even know!:)
 
GeorgiaPeach said:
I just went back and read my original post and realize I didn't make it clear why I said "a Christian cheffer". My sister prays daily about her boys and the struggles they all face with autism. After that weekend she was really struggling with whether God is hearing those prayers. She tries so hard to give the boys everything they need and to do everything she can for them....then one stupid, insensitive remark can destroy everything and make you start doubting yourself and God. Those of us that believe in prayer know that God doesn't always answer "yes" or even right away. We have all reached a point at one time or another where we feel like maybe our prayers aren't being heard. I thought that I could find someone on here that had prayed those exact same prayers and could encourage her.

I have been amazed at the support and wisdom I have received through this thread. It went in directions that I didn't expect but am glad it did! Thank you all so much! I am copying these posts and will be sending them to Lori this week. I know that many times she feels alone in this, she will be encouraged by the words of all these people she doesn't even know!:)

Lisa--first, ((hug)) to your sister. It is so hard when we pray for something specific and feel like it is not getting answered.

I remember that although I may pray, I may not get the answer I want. Everything is God's will-not MY will. and so I will only get the answer to my prayer if it is HIS will.
God never leaves someone with an unanswered prayer. she just isn't getting the answer she wants...and maybe doesn't recognize that.

I want to share a little story....
Growing up in California, one of my biggest fears was that when I had a family-my child would be lost (either by abduction or death)
When I moved to Idaho and eventually joined my church-I always read stories in our magazine about sick kids and prayers for their health...but there was always a phrase in that prayer: "IF it by THY will" I always said to myself that I didn't have enough faith to pray that way...because how could I leave my childs health up to HIM???
Almost 4 years ago (a week before christmas) when my oldest daughter was just 5 - she had a brain hemorrhage in 2 places. They were considering life flighting her to another state, she was very critical and they did not know that she would make it. We had 4 CT scans and an MRI as well as a spinal tap that night. that morning I prayed so hard for her. asking for Heavenly Father to make her well....and I remember saying "if it by THY will"
I realized in that moment how much my faith had increased-and how much I trusted in Him to take care of my child.
Now we got our answer that day that I wanted. She is still here with us. But that could change at any time-that answer could be different tomorrow.

The point is, tell her to not give up. He does answer our prayers. He may not change things for us and make our children whole. He may not take away our sons autistic disorders-but He can help provide the strength to us to deal with it...maybe that is what she should pray for instead...I know that it makes a difference in my life, my outlook, and my way of dealing with Noah (my son)
 
((Hugs)) to you and your sister Lori and her two boys. I will keep them in my prayers and for you also so you may be her source of comfort. I am new to this path~ long time looking and wondering.. and now that I have truly understood the life I will have with HIM~ I am in awe. Love and Prayers , Karen
 
GeorgiaPeach said:
This past weekend was a breaking point for her, her 3 yr old had spit at her, scratched her (drew blood), broke her bead bracelet, then threw himself on the ground screaming. While she stood there trying to catch her breath, a lady walked up and told her that if she couldn't control her child, maybe she should let someone else raise him.

((hugs)) to your sister!

I have definitely been there before! Although my DS hasn't done this in a few months, there was a period of time where he would try to scratch or bite me, or even spit at me while I tried putting him in his carseat. It took all the strength I had just to buckle the belt sometimes. Of course, if we were in public everyone would look at me as if I was the worst mother in the world.
 
I would definitely have him tested for food allergies. It could alos be the mercury in the vaccines. I notice a change in my son after he turned 4. The same time he had his vaccinations. It took 9 years for us to get the help we needed. He was labeled ADHD & was put on numerous medications (at different times) that never helped his symptoms. Then my cousin was diagnosed with Aspergers and I realized that his symptoms were the same as my son's. We had him visit a DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctor. He was put on 2 supplements & GFCF diet. That was about 4 months ago & it is amazing the difference in him. He still has problems with school work; he is also dyslexic & cannot understand phonics but is getting better. I dealt with the "fits" for about 8 years not knowing what caused them or how to stop them. It is tough. Luckily, I have a wonderful husband that is helping me with my son. Not to mention all of the prayers. Tell your sister to hang in there and continue to push for answers. She knows her children better than anyone else.
 

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