Moms of 2, advice, tips, anything needed.

DS is 2 with PDD-NOS. He get 20 hours of ABA a week and 2.5 hours a week of speech. He started at 19 months and in such a short amount of time I do see a big different.

In about 6 weeks I'm going to give birth to DS#2. In DS#1's therapy they introduced a doll to be the baby so he can sort of get used it idea.

Here are the major issues I'm anticipating. So any help is GREATLY appreciated.

1. DS is used to having my complete attention and now there is going to be someone else vying for it and who needs it. How can I avoid huge meltdowns? DS has gotten used to me holding other babies but never for a long time or anything of that nature. Also, while DS isn't a hitter he is a thrower. I'm afraid for toys being lunged at the newborn's head!

2. The baptism: DS doesn't understand church means quiet or sitting still. How should I handle the baptism short of leaving him home with a sitter?

Re: Moms of 2, advice, tips, anything needed.

DS was 23 months old when DD was born (AJ has classic autism and at the time was receiving about 30 hours of in home therapy)

after DD was born he went to a 3 day a week school for 3.5 hours (special needs school) plus he retained the 30 hours a week of therapy

they adjust... your therapists are there to help him adjust and assist you in the transition (mine did, and it went as smooth as it can)

toys will be flung, baby will be pushed, poked, prodded, but with the help of your therapists it will come together...

as for the baptism... DS came with us... he screamed, he yelled, he tantrumed... but guess what, we dealt with it, and he was NOT the only one who was running up and down the aisle... kids will be kids... just make sure there is someone there that can help you out (grandparents/siblings/friends) that attend the church.

DD from the day she came home was included in ALL of his therapies. when she napped they did therapy next to her, when she was awake i had her in my arms sitting in.

relax, breathe and take it as it comes... and speak to your parent trainer/team of therapists about these things as well.

Message edited 1/15/2012 9:04:15 PM.

Re: Moms of 2, advice, tips, anything needed.

Re: Moms of 2, advice, tips, anything needed.

DS (PDD-NOS) was 28 months when DD was born.
He was already in school (EI seperation class, 90 mins. 3x a week) and had therapists in the home.
He also went through mommy being away for a month in the hospital on bed rest.
He started school when I was in the hospital.


He adjusted through all of that, plus me coming back home. He also adjusted to weekend visits for 6 weeks to the NICU window (he wasn't allowed in, but, we wanted him to meet his sister) and we along with his teachers and therapists prepared him for her coming home.

I think it took maybe a week or 2, once DD was home and DS adjusted fine.
What also helped was DH took his 2 weeks once DD was home. We all adjusted together.

As for the Christening, my inlaws, my father, my siblings, all helped out in church.
There was a few minutes where my MIL took DS in the back of the church where he can walk around and not bother anyone and she can hear the mass.

It will all work out! Our kids surprise us sometimes.

Re: Moms of 2, advice, tips, anything needed.

Great advice already given. You'll see the baby will fit right in with the routine. I actually always put my babies around the teachers, my 2 year old is on a 4 year old level and I swear it's from all the free ABA
As for the Baptism, if you think he won't enjoy it I'd let him stay home. It will make him happier so don't ever feel bad about that.