Joined a support group...

[bayoubaby1]

DH and I have been talking about it for a while now because we are never going to have family or friends who really "get it" and we are so tired of trying to explain, or feel like we have to tell the that he is not being "bad", etc. So, there is a local autism support that I contacted last night. Thanks Rachael for the positive note that you wrote about joining one. You really inspired me. The only issue is that they meet on the first Thursday of the month, but it is at 6 PM and I have no sitter and DH is at school, so I will have to bring Chance with me. That is his bedtime, so he will be really cranky. I have no other choice though unless it is to not go, and I really think that I need to connect with other families like ours.

[chicadee1245]

You know, I have found that even when I don't attend for a while, the families I have met are like old friends. We can pick up and have a converstion right where we left off..No excuses or apologies needed, kwim? We all *get* each other and the amount of time that goes into just an average day for us, kwim??

Just knowing that I have this connection with these families is a support...Someone that really understands. Someone that I don't have to explain anything to or apologize for the way McKenna may be acting on any given day.

I don't attend as much as I would like to, but that is OK. they are there just like you all here!! Plus, the annual walk is a time for us all to reconnect and come together too!!! I think you will really find some great connections and playdates for Chance as well!! I only have two good girlfriends, since childhood, that I feel comfortable around and that really understnd our lives or as much as they can anyway! So, I totally understand, girl!!! Leyt us know how it goes!

[bayoubaby1]

Thanks! It is Thurs night almost at bedtime but at least they will see him in "regular" form at night. It is so hard to try to explain things to others...why we ignore certain behaviors, are adamant about him "using his words", and are really firm about the things they THEY do not feel are important. I am so tried of no one "getting it" and I find myself sinking further and further away from any of our old friends and even family. We really need to meet people with similar issues.

[MuttonStew]

You're very welcome for the post. I completely understand both of your posted information and thank you as well for posting your views.

Things have been so crazy over here since before and after Miranda's first day of school. So sorry I have not posted more often. Trying to get adjusted to everything. I will be posting an update on what's been going on with me and my family in another post.

Yes, you are right about going whenever you can. The families that you connect with there are extremely understandable. The leader of our support group was sad only a handful of people showed up. I did let him know it was the first month of school and things can get really nutty during that time of the year (as well as the last month of school). When I said that to him, he got a huge smile on his face and said, "yeah." Just little tiny things like that make you and the other feel really good.

Yes, the people at the OI Support Group all have the same issues. I am sooooo happy I started going with my husband. I didn't know there were so many parents out there that do not have OI and their child has it. The people that I have talked to there have really made me feel really great about myself without even saying a word on how great a parent I am and to not feel bad about certain things.

Maybe, you can make a suggestion on switching meeting places after you get better acquainted with everyone. Offer up your home to a meeting or outdoors at a park on the weekend. You'll be surprised how anyone is open to new things.

My family is looking forward towards the next meeting. I know I am.

[bayoubaby1]

We did not get to go since Chance was so sick that week.