1. Originally posted by deanallison:I don't know why but I've felt the need to open up about recent events in my life. Basically my daughter was recently diagnosed with autism, we already had an idea for a while but the confirmation still felt like a hammer blow, but if anything it's made me care about my daughter even more, not that it was really possible to because she's my world, I love her with everything I have. Anyway I've been listening to the song Miracle Drug lately, a song that I already loved and it just felt so personal to our circumstances, I would love to take a trip inside here head and spend the day there, lack of communication is one of the biggest hurdles right now, she's only 2 and a half we've had a fairly early diagnosis so there's a few things that we're in the middle of trying to overcome. I sat the other night in tears listening to the song, I guess it's a not a drug we're really looking for or a miracle but we just want to help our little princess express all her thoughts and emotions because she's such a bright young lady, so switched on. Anyway don't really know how to end this but I feel on this site there's a really great connection between everyone and thought this was a suitable place to share.
    I feel your pain very very sorry to hear my friend , I myself are going through a depression state. Lost my Job no money , my Wife and I are separated for the moment. I remember you sent me a PM about it the other month which I thankyou for very much.

    Sending my love and prayers for you and your family from Australia

    This site, as we are all U2 family should ( if people like) our struggles and ups.
  2. Originally posted by deanallison:I don't know why but I've felt the need to open up about recent events in my life. Basically my daughter was recently diagnosed with autism, we already had an idea for a while but the confirmation still felt like a hammer blow, but if anything it's made me care about my daughter even more, not that it was really possible to because she's my world, I love her with everything I have. Anyway I've been listening to the song Miracle Drug lately, a song that I already loved and it just felt so personal to our circumstances, I would love to take a trip inside here head and spend the day there, lack of communication is one of the biggest hurdles right now, she's only 2 and a half we've had a fairly early diagnosis so there's a few things that we're in the middle of trying to overcome. I sat the other night in tears listening to the song, I guess it's a not a drug we're really looking for or a miracle but we just want to help our little princess express all her thoughts and emotions because she's such a bright young lady, so switched on. Anyway don't really know how to end this but I feel on this site there's a really great connection between everyone and thought this was a suitable place to share.
    Thanks for sharing this with us Dean. Wow, it means a lot that you have the confidence to talk about this with us.
    I'm a new dad myself, so all I can tell you is that you love your kids no matter what and autism doesn't change anything. I'm sure your beautiful daughter can feel the immense love both of you have for her. You have the blessing of being her parents and being there for her.
    I'm sure she will keep filling your day with joy and happiness just being the way she is.
    From this side of the world we wish you all the best.
  3. Thank you so much Michael and Cesar it means a lot guys. Michael I hope your circumstances improve soon, your doing great man, it's been great sharing thoughts and opinions on here with you and I remember that pm very well, it's amazing really your in the other side of the world and we can share these thoughts and feelings. Cesar first of all congratulations on becoming a dad recently, its the most amazing gift on earth. Your words are so kind and full of hope and I appreciate them more than you could know.
  4. Originally posted by deanallison:Thank you so much Michael and Cesar it means a lot guys. Michael I hope your circumstances improve soon, your doing great man, it's been great sharing thoughts and opinions on here with you and I remember that pm very well, it's amazing really your in the other side of the world and we can share these thoughts and feelings. Cesar first of all congratulations on becoming a dad recently, its the most amazing gift on earth. Your words are so kind and full of hope and I appreciate them more than you could know.
    It's a great thing mate, really is
  5. hi dean, my friends have an autistic son now 8 years old. He was really withdrawn to human interaction but super curious about inanimate objects when he was diagnosed at 3. Over the years they worked so hard to mainstream him and they just kept interacting with him and encouraging him to be self sufficient. My friend made sure the pubic school system got a navigator for him to attend the normal classes.You would not believe what a wonderful little boy he is now, he is still autistic but he is a happy child and in many ways seems genius. Best wishes.
  6. Hey site owners/mods plz read this was talking to Dean on PM about his situation and myn and thought , we all have issues, ups and downs. So... Why not ask if we can get some official U2Start wrist bands made up. White font on a black band that simply says "the U2Start family ♥"

    I know I could just make my own but I think it would be cool to have them so we can all have the same band and represent this wonderful site around the world, but like Dean said in PM (hope you don't mind) "we agree and disagree on stuff but when it's comes to important stuff we are here for each other".
    I think it would be good to having something that represents it.
  7. Originally posted by peatiedog:hi dean, my friends have an autistic son now 8 years old. He was really withdrawn to human interaction but super curious about inanimate objects when he was diagnosed at 3. Over the years they worked so hard to mainstream him and they just kept interacting with him and encouraging him to be self sufficient. My friend made sure the pubic school system got a navigator for him to attend the normal classes.You would not believe what a wonderful little boy he is now, he is still autistic but he is a happy child and in many ways seems genius. Best wishes.
    Hi peatiedog thank you for your response and that's amazing to hear most importantly that your friends son is happy and also that he is a bit of a genius. It's incredible what can be achieved and that description you gave of him being 'withdrawn to human interaction but super curious about inanimate objects' is very similar to my daughter so certainly increases hope of what her future may hold. I really appreciate the response.
  8. Originally posted by u2_michaelc:Hey site owners/mods plz read this was talking to Dean on PM about his situation and myn and thought , we all have issues, ups and downs. So... Why not ask if we can get some official U2Start wrist bands made up. White font on a black band that simply says "the U2Start family ♥"

    I know I could just make my own but I think it would be cool to have them so we can all have the same band and represent this wonderful site around the world, but like Dean said in PM (hope you don't mind) "we agree and disagree on stuff but when it's comes to important stuff we are here for each other".
    I think it would be good to having something that represents it.
    Of course i don't mind Michael and that's a great idea, would be great if we could make it happen.
  9. let us know if your ever travelling to Australia , will have an Aussie beer together. I'll let you know if I'm ever in England haha, may be
    while though but keep one cold for me
  10. Originally posted by u2_michaelc:[..]
    let us know if your ever travelling to Australia , will have an Aussie beer together. I'll let you know if I'm ever in England haha, may be
    while though but keep one cold for me
    Would love to visit Australia could be a while too though right enough but it's definitely somewhere I want to go so cheers for the offer, and dont worry I'll have one in the fridge waiting for you if you come over here.
  11. Originally posted by deanallison:[..]
    Would love to visit Australia could be a while too though right enough but it's definitely somewhere I want to go so cheers for the offer, and dont worry I'll have one in the fridge waiting for you if you come over here.
    Haha done deal mate
  12. Originally posted by u2_michaelc:Hey site owners/mods plz read this was talking to Dean on PM about his situation and myn and thought , we all have issues, ups and downs. So... Why not ask if we can get some official U2Start wrist bands made up. White font on a black band that simply says "the U2Start family ♥"

    I know I could just make my own but I think it would be cool to have them so we can all have the same band and represent this wonderful site around the world, but like Dean said in PM (hope you don't mind) "we agree and disagree on stuff but when it's comes to important stuff we are here for each other".
    I think it would be good to having something that represents it.
    ^^