re: Type 1 Diabetes + AUTISM!!

DianaG — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:18:53 GMT

My now 14 yr old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 18 months and exactly 1 yr later, diagnosed with autism. Looking back, we can see that he was of course autistic when the diabetes started.

Each complicates the other. Alex has trouble concentrating on his therapy when his bg is off and because he is mostly non-verbal, has trouble telling us when he needs help for his blood sugar. Often we don't know except by his behavior.

I won't kid you. It's hard. Very few people understand. I didn't join support groups for either condition because I felt he was too different from the kids they would be talking about. It's been a learning process where I find myself using doctors strictly for RXs, not advice. The endocrinologist doesn't understand that he reacts differently than the "typical" diabetic in terms of insulin dosages. His A1c numbers are always excellent because I keep an eagle eye on him. But she feels that isn't possible so she keeps wanting me to lower his insulin amounts figuring he is having low sugars when I don't check him.

Well. I could literally type a book here. If you have any specific questions or just need an understanding ear to vent to, I'm available.

I will add this; I used to be a college professor. I decided I needed to become a stay at home mom as no one understood my child as well as I did and he needed me more than my students did. Be prepared to make hard choices in the years to come. And don't let anyone tell you that whatever you choose is wrong. You are the only one who knows what is best for your family.

re: Type 1 Diabetes + AUTISM!!

stilledlife — Thu, 07 May 2009 03:57:03 GMT

My dad was diagnosed in aspergers spectrum 2 years ago. I'm a bit like him =)

autismsupportnetwork.leveragesoftware.com/default.aspx

My dad sent me this link to autism support network. He is there and while I am not of much help this site may be.

re: Type 1 Diabetes + AUTISM!!

Jennifer — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:20:28 GMT

I can relate very, very well but I am not sure that I have any great words of advice. My daughter was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at the age of 19 months (autism spectrum disorder). She is now 7 years old (8 in June). Earlier this month, she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The words challenging and stressful are understatements.