My husband and i have 3 children, twins who were born prematurely at 34 weeks, 1 was diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum when he was 3 and the other was diagnosed as having autistic spectrum when he was 5 and has subsequently been diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourettes syndrome.  My daughter was still in my tummy and 1 month from entering this world when my first boy was diagnosed. 

She is now 7 and my boys are 11.  At first we werw told she has a pervasive developmental disorder and oppositional defiancy disorder and emotional disturbance but now she being asessed for autistic spectrum and we wil get the results in september.

She has very oppositional and defiant behaviour, tantrums of volcanic type! refused to eat most meals preferring to snack instead constantly, she hates sleeping, hates going to bed, hates all chores, hates being washed, hair brushed, hair cut, nails cut, teeth brushed etc, the list goes on and on.  She is a beautiful angel little girl who is very demanding and difficult to manage.  I just wish that something could be done to take all these difficulties away from her and that she could be a normal little girl with friends and could play with other children and get more enjoyment out of life instead of being controlled by sensory and emotional things and routines and obsessions.

 Hubby and i had to give up work due to the appointment schedule of all 3 children and also due to support and childcare provison for all 3.  But we now think that we had our children so we will take care of them the best way we can.  We are happy, but it is hard i shan't lie.