Caron - Interview 15

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Caron and her husband have two young sons; Leo aged five and Peter aged two. Leo was a very quiet, undemanding baby who didn’t smile or want to be held. Paediatricians saw him regularly because of an arm problem and Caron often raised concerns about his development. She was not taken seriously until Peter was born and Leo’s behaviour deteriorated markedly. The paediatrician thought he might be on the autism spectrum and referred him for assessment. Autism was diagnosed with after a three week assessment when he was three years old.
Caron was relieved to get the diagnosis and had already found information about autism on the internet. She would have liked more information at the time of diagnosis and some ideas and advice about how to help Leo at home. Attending two support groups has helped greatly, as has the exchange of ideas and experiences with other parents.
Leo is having speech therapy and he now speaks like a two year old. He has obsessions such as cars, particular foods and so on. He is getting on reasonably well at his mainstream school but finds some aspects of schooling difficult; such as not winning races and interacting with other children (particularly boys). His sleeping patterns are poor which are very disruptive for Caron. He gets on well with his younger brother and enjoys football, going to the park, playing with cars and going on holiday. He wants to be a doctor when he grows up.
Caron began to worry when her son was about six months old and did not smile at people.
Caron began to worry when her son was about six months old and did not smile at people.
Caron repeatedly took her son to see health professionals but she wasnt listened to until her...
Caron repeatedly took her son to see health professionals but she wasnt listened to until her...
Carons son has eaten the same food every day since he was one.
Carons son has eaten the same food every day since he was one.
Caron describes the difficulties involved in going out with her son.
Caron describes the difficulties involved in going out with her son.
Carons son counts the days down until his holiday.
Carons son counts the days down until his holiday.
Caron says she dies of embarrassment sometimes when shes out with her son.
Caron says she dies of embarrassment sometimes when shes out with her son.
Caron was not listened to for so long and feels let down.
Caron was not listened to for so long and feels let down.
Caron would have liked more information at diagnosis rather than being told to go home and cope...
Caron would have liked more information at diagnosis rather than being told to go home and cope...
Caron thinks information on the internet focuses on high functioning rather than "middle of the...
Caron thinks information on the internet focuses on high functioning rather than "middle of the...
Caron describes the two different groups she goes to.

Caron describes the two different groups she goes to.
Caron felt if she had been a business woman instead of a stay at home mum she would have been...
Caron felt if she had been a business woman instead of a stay at home mum she would have been...
Generally how would you describe your dealings with professionals?