5 Worst Decisions Regarding Ashley and Autism

The last blog I did was on some of the best decisions I feel like we have made regarding Ashley and autism. Here is a list of some of the worst decisions we have made. If you are just starting down the path of special needs, I hope this list will provide some insight. If you are well into this journey I’m certain you will relate to some things on this list. Of course, we have made a lot of mistakes these are just the big ones or ones I keep repeating, that stand out in my mind.  

1. First thing we did wrong was waiting way too long to get a diagnosis. We knew something was wrong and even looked into it, but then chose to believe all the positive and encouraging things. I’m not saying we did nothing or didn’t try things, but we waited way too long to get serious. We should have gotten more assertive and proactive much sooner. I often wonder how much it would have helped if we started ABA at age 2 versus age 4.
2. We got way too involved in a lot of the experimental treatments, and put a lot of money we didn’t really have into these treatments. I’m not saying all of these methods are wrong for everyone. But for us, we did not have the financial resources, and we desperately and chaotically tried too many things. If I had it to over again I would be much more discriminating.
3. I would have gotten Ashley’s talker much sooner. In my defense, I didn’t know they existed and I put my faith in a very clueless and young speech therapist. I can only imagine where she would be today, if she got a talker at age 3 instead of age 9.
4. I would trust my instinct when it comes to doctors, teachers, and therapists. They may be the expert in their field, but I’m the expert on my child. If I know something is or is not going to work, I need to make them listen to me or find someone else that will.
5. I would learn to relax and have some fun. It is a stressful life, but worrying only makes it worse not better. I spent a lot of years constantly worried and exhausted. Ashley’s autism and the other children’s needs are not going away. You can’t complete a marathon if you try to sprint the whole thing. It is okay to rest and have some fun, those special needs will be right there waiting for you (I’m still struggling with this one). Like us on Facebook

Originally posted February 2012