My son just turned three and we know no one with kids his age.  None of my friends have kids and my one last girlfriend just moved to above atlanta.  My son has PDDNOS-translation-Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not One Specified.  The doctor thinks he may be on the autistic spectrum but higher functioning if he is indeed, on it at all.  He has Speech Apraxia which means he can't be verbally be tested for autism.  Because apraxia means he can undertand you, and his mouth performs all the correct motor movements.  But he simply cannot get his brain to turn his thoughts into clear and understandable words.  He is so sweet, and compassionate for his age!  He shares well, follows directions well. He's so smart! Was potty trained at 23months!  Just can't seem to communicate clearly back.   We are all learning ASL-American Sign language to help with this. He is going to Occupational Therapy and Speech therapy once a week. He is in daycare three days a week for socialization purposes but he is still in the twos room because he cannot clearly make all his needs known.  The mom's I have met don't feel comfortable with their child around my son because they don't fully understand the condition.  The playgroups either really aren't intersted in a special needs child around their kids like it will dumb them down or they are all special needs kids and can't really play.  He needs to hear clear speech so that he can at least try to mimmick it.  Is there anyone else out there who understands what I'm going through or is going through something similar?

Your son sounds like a real treasure! I am sorry you are having  these struggles. Have you asked your OT for any play groups or support groups for you and your son? Perhaps you Google the name of your son's disorder and include "play " or "support" groups in your search.

If I can think of anything else  I will definitely post. I hope other moms on this site can give you some good advice!

Good luck to you and hang in there,

Robin

Thank you so much.  But unfortunately our OT is an hour drive away which we make once a week.  I couldn't travel that much for a play group and the two she suggested are that far away.  I need one much closer.

Crystal

hi crystal, i have a son with special needs as well. (he actually has many issues.) he is four, but developmentally, hes between 2&1/2- and 4;he doesnt eat, (has a feeding tube), he gets feeding, language, and ot therapies. he would love to have more friends! do you guys live anywhere near us, in pinellas county fl.? i definately know how you feel. my son has some different issues, but has alot of similarities as your son does. i know its tough, and we get treated pretty much the same way too. my son is in ese pre-k. would love to hear back from you, or maybe we could talk on-line. you can email me if you would like, at:tafurma@hotmail.com. take care!

Ms. Teresa I've sent you an email I hope you get! Thank you so much!