John's story

I am a parent of four boys. About eighteen months ago I was concerned about my youngest son John. He seemed different from my other boys. He didn't mix with the family, he didn't have any speech and he was distant from everyone except for me. He was very clingy to me and couldn't be left in anyone else's company. I spoke to my health visitor and she had some concerns. She referred me to the Child Development Clinic where the doctor thought my son had some autistic tendencies. I fell apart. I couldn't talk about it and didn't know what to do. All I heard was the word 'autism'.

A few weeks later I received a letter inviting me to a Parent's Workshop at Forward Steps. I was unsure because I didn't know anyone but knew I had to go for John's benefit. This was the best thing I could have done. The girls who held the workshop, Heather and Barbara, were very welcoming and I was able to meet other parents in the same situation. They explained all about autism and give me a lot of advice and ideas on how to help my son. They made the picture a lot clearer.

John then got a place in Forward Steps playgroup in February from then until now and he is a different wee boy. He has less frustration, he is happy, mixing and playing with the family and his speech is coming on great. When I leave him in I know he is cared for and loved but also given the help he needs to prepare him for nursery, school and every day life. I can't thank Forward steps enough for the input they have put into all our lives. We are able to understand John's needs a lot more and can help him through schedules: this explains to him what is happening during the day.

He is now a happy loving three year old. John's autism hasn't gone away but with the help we received as a family we are able to cope a lot better. As a parent I would recommend this service to any other family in the same situation

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