BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Autism Spectrum Disorders Boyfriends son is autistic

Hi, well, I met my new boyfirends son for the first time last night. He is aged 5 and was diagnosed as autistic at age2 and a half from what im told. Having not allot of experience with children fullstop, let alone one with this diagnosis, Im feeling a little overwhelmed by the prospect of getting to know him! I asked his father if there was anything I should be aware of in meeting him for the first time and he said just be myself and dont approach him first, which is fine. I dont approach children anyway, Ive always just let them come to me! So, i sat and observed him, but not hawke eyed if you know what i mean (im in year two of four year psychodynamic psychotherapy training which i think i can use to my advantage..) and after an hour he came to me, stood in front of me and looked me in the eye. I said hello he squeeked and turned and walked away. I dont know what it meant but I felt privelaged to have him even come up to me! Anyway, I guess im here to see if I can get suggestion on what not to do. I know all children are different and that its much the same with Autistic children but perhaps people here can give me some general 'do's vs don'ts'? Any help is much appreciated.. Im rather terrified!!

hi.,...................

well autism is about 4 times more common in boys. so I guess just be yourself

thanks

thanks for posting. I would suggest reading some books to get further insights into children with autism. They can sense your being anxious around them, so I would let him take the lead and try to enter his world instead of having him fit into yours - not that this is what you have been doing. Observing is very good. Have you read any of my articles on the site?