Home | MCG Moms | Mom Perspectives | ...through MomColoredGlasses | Live, Love, Laugh, and Autism…

I knew my son would be diagnosed with autism. I. just. knew. it. So, in April, 2010, when my son was 2 years and 9 months old, I wasn’t sent into a sudden state of shock when a well recognized and well respected leading child psychologist diagnosed my son with autism. In fact, I had already done my research. I was well-versed in autism via books, peer-reviewed journal articles, and websites. Still, I cried.

I always knew, through mother’s intuition, I suppose, that my son was “different.” But, he looked at me! And he babbled! And he crawled! And he walked! And at one point, before he was a year old he said, “Mommy,” “Daddy,” and, “Hi.” He even waved goodbye. But, still, something was “different,” and by the time my son was 13 months old I began noticing delays: He was no longer saying words, he was no longer waving. I began reading about autism. I read about autism for a year. Then, when my son was 2 years old, after listening to doctors, and daycare teachers, and other parents tell us that nothing was wrong with our son, and that he would begin talking soon, really soon (many doctors, and daycare teachers, and other parents are psychic, apparently), my husband and I began going through the long, and grueling, and long, and intricate, and long, and not to mention lonnnggggg, process of diagnosis. Once we began taking my son to specialized professionals, they made it clear that our son was delayed… very delayed. To put it in perspective, at 3 years old, my son’s receptive communication skills were at the level of a 5 month old… A 5 month old!

Today, as I write this, my son is 3 years and 8 months old. His receptive communication skills have improved drastically, and he understands almost everything that is said to him. 8 months ago my son didn’t say anything, nothing. Today my son is beginning to speak in sentences; in fact, he just tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Mommy, I want ice cream, please.” He can sing the ABC song, count to 20, and express emotions. He initiates play with other children. He smiles, and laughs, and engages in eye contact. He’s not perfect. He’s not average. But, he is making gains at a pace that I could not have imagined would be possible less than a year ago.

My son has been to many doctors and therapists. Some doctors are great, others are not. Some therapies have worked, others have not. I credit the majority of my son’s gains to amazing and dedicated parents (LOL), ABA therapists, and preschool teachers. In addition, I believe that my son’s healthy diet and vitamin supplements aid in his improvements.

Having a child with autism is hard work. Before my son’s diagnosis, I was engrossed in a full-time career that paid me well. Now, all of my time is dedicated to healing my little boy, and I’m drowning in debt. The struggles of parents of children with autism are many—Many, many, many more than parents of typically developing children can ever imagine. So, next time you run across a child that cannot communicate, a child throwing a tantrum, a child hurting himself, a mother that hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep in years, a mother that’s always on the verge of crying, a mother that is doing everything in her might and will to heal a fragile, precious, child… Be understanding. Continue to invite us to play dates and birthday parties. Offer to babysit. Offer a cup of coffee and good company.

According to the Autism Society, autism affects 1 in 110 children, including 1 in 70 boys, in the United States. 1.5 million Americans are living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. If you’re a parent that suspects that your child has a developmental delay, I encourage you to have him tested. Speak with your pediatrician about your concerns. If your pediatrician won’t listen, find one that will (I did). Ask to be referred to a neurologist, a geneticist, and/or a psychologist. Find a reputable speech therapist, occupational therapist, and/or physical therapist. In addition, you may be interested in ABA therapy, DIR/Floortime intervention, and/or biomedical protocols. Do your research—Unfortunately, the medical community still seems to be playing catch-up to the autism community, so doing your own research, in my opinion, is critical. While you’re doing your research, even while you’re waiting for a diagnosis, begin therapies and treatments ASAP. The sooner your child begins receiving therapies and/or treatments, the sooner your child will begin improving. And, last but not least, do not give up HOPE (or that glass of wine with your girlfriends).

 

Kristina is not a medical professional. She is an empathetic mother of a child diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and asthma. For more information about autism, visit Kristina’s blog, Live, Love, Laugh, and Autism. For more about Kristina, check out her MCG Mom Profile.

 

Home | MCG Moms | Mom Perspectives | ...through MomColoredGlasses | Live, Love, Laugh, and Autism…