It's a shock 😲 trauma v autism

I guess it's been coming for a while but I still can't quite believe it may actually happen.

My son has had assessments for about 5 childhood conditions and may have one or more of them. I could kick myself. I've known things weren't right, but it's the age old battle of trauma v childhood developmental conditions.

When it comes down to it, with fostered or adopted children most professionals start off assuming trauma is the culprit for unusual behaviour.

I'm not at all arguing with them. I thought so too. But that nagging feeling there was more to it plagued me. Yet, because of the start both of my adopted sons have had, schools haven't wanted to entertain the idea that there could be more.

Of course I don't have the results of the assessment in my hands yet, but if my son has Autism or some other significant diagnosis, we may all look at things through a different lens. The approach is bound to be slightly different.

How will I feel telling people, explaining that he does things in a certain way because he has...I'm not embarrassed or ashamed about it. It's just a completely different narrative. I'm used to saying it's because of his history and childhood trauma.

It's new ground and I'm pretty sure like so many parents who have children with diverse needs I'm going to go through a very steep learning curve.

Of course I know daily life won't change much but I've already found myself understanding my sons reactions better than I did before. His need to have the bedroom door open to exactly the right amount at night. Its no longer so annoying but has become a tiny bit fascinating.

I will of course share how everything pans out but for now I'm recovering from the shock!

Nyree x