Ted Said:

Which poem is better?

We Answered:

In my opinion I like the
" I am the Daughter of a woman who was sent to speech therapy to learn “proper” English.
She sat in classrooms overflowing with girls with long straight hair, and sparkling blue eyes,
Wishing her hair was less kinky and her lips more slender.
She eventually realized that she is just as beautiful as those that surrounded her. This woman has now graduated from university with a smile on her face, holding her degree up high."

It kinda reminds me of my mum even though she is Mexican, She wont let people let her down because of what race she is.

Esther Said:

Have you ever had to...?

We Answered:

Not shoes but a pushchair! We were out and my daughter who was 2 was really hard on her pushchair...she always kicked at it...that day it literally fell apart in the middle of the city! We had to go and buy a new one right away as we walked everywhere then due to no car! I have had to buy loads of new outfits due to pee and juice being spilt....as for the embarrassing stuff they say...yes...my eldest was convinced this strange man was her Daddy...she kept pointing to him and saying Daddy! In a sort of accusatory voice....all the shop was laughing and saying he had a secret love child!

Jeanne Said:

What would you do with rude people when it comes to your disabled child?

We Answered:

My 8yp is on the Autism Spectrum (PDDNOS) and people have made comments right in front of him. It makes me so angry I want to scream. I will try and explain to my son that these people are very confused and don't understand. Then I will send him off with his dad or whoever is with me, and whether it's the right thing to do or not, I confront them. I give them a brief education on the subject, but don't feel the need to explain every little detail, as I shouldn't have to "make excuses" for my son. I will then inform them that their behavior (not them) is very ignorant. They insult something they have no awareness off, to me that's ignorance.

I wouldn't suggest this for all parents. It's just right for ME. I try to be nice, and if they listen, and truly seem to understand what they've done I leave it at that. If they don't, I admit, I push the matter because I'm just so irritated. But once I find myself stooping to a low I don't approve of, I walk away.

There are a lot of people like this in the world. It's sad, but it's the truth. You have to remember that these people are either uninformed, or just uncaring. And you have to figure out the best solution for YOU and YOUR CHILD. But no matter what, do NOT allow them to hurt you. You're a great mom with a wonderful kid, and if they don't see that, it's their loss.

Hang in there. If you ever need to talk, feel free to contact me.

Holly Said:

Question about behavior issues, question regarding spectrum of Autism. Please advise.?

We Answered:

Autism is such a vast diagnosis, that no 2 kids are exactly the same.Yes, some autistic children are "slow" and some are very very smart. I have a 4 year old who has Autistic Disorder, he does all of what you mentioned with your son. Get your son evaluated that way you can get started on services that he needs so he can live a normal life. My son was just diagnosed in January, we're still working on getting services started.

ETA:I should add that most autistic children excel in something. My son has recognized (not memorized) letter & numbers by 2. He's 4 now and is already doing addition and subraction.

Alvin Said:

Speech delay and BIG behavioral issues?

We Answered:

If you ask 20 parents of speech delayed children, you will probably get 20 different answers, there is a huge overlap of symptoms with the various disorders surrounding speech delays. Yes, tantrums are common with speech delayed children. I'm not an MD, but sometimes other moms who have lived it have better advice than the experts. It sounds like your son is also exhibiting "sensory seeking behaviors."

I can recommend books and videos that helped us get to the bottom of my daughter's speech delay and behavior issues, which were food allergies and Sensory Integration Disorder. I highly recommend "A Picture's Worth: PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism" by Andy Brody. This book helped decrease the tantrums and showed me a path to encourage good communication skills even if my child wasn't verbal. Don't let the title scare you, it doesn't mean your child is Autistic. Do what works. I would also recommend "Kids in the Syndrome Mix" by Martin Kutscher and "The Out of Sync Child" by Carol Stock Kranowitz.

I also swear by videos for the visual learner: Baby Einstein, Baby Babble, and My Baby Can Talk are all great for increasing vocabulary (even if your child can't say COW, he should know what one is) and implementing sign language.

I would also recommend that you google "Babies Can't Wait" for your state. It will help you find other resources available to you.