Our journey with our son’s autism diagnosis began when he was just two years old; he’s nine now, and the experience has been transformative. People often inquire if we sensed something was off early on or if things improved as time passed. In hindsight, there were subtle signs in his early behavior—he would repeatedly move his feet back and forth, a pediatrician labeled this as stereotyped movement, and a quick online search revealed its association with autism.
At that time, he was all smiles, and I couldn’t fathom that a baby could exhibit signs of autism. However, as he grew, we noticed a disturbing regression. He stopped babbling and making eye contact, and soon, he became non-verbal, often lost in his own world, shaking his head or fixating on his hands. With my brother being autistic, we began to understand the landscape we were navigating.
Recognizing these early signs facilitated our acceptance of the diagnosis, paving the way for early intervention. We quickly secured a statement of special educational needs, and he began attending a specialized school. Without a doubt, this decision has been the most beneficial choice we’ve made for him.
The choice to enroll him in school felt daunting at first, especially since he was so young. Just three months before his third birthday, he donned a school uniform that seemed too big for him. Thankfully, the staff were well-versed in autism, implementing tailored strategies like PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). Since then, our son has made remarkable strides; he has developed some speech and has become an excellent reader. I attribute this growth to the support he received at school.
Thanks to early intervention, he has achieved milestones that once seemed out of reach. However, autism will always be part of his life; he will always be on the severe end of the spectrum. That said, life isn’t just about challenges. He has the capacity for pure joy, often bursting into laughter over what seems like nothing at all. He is unapologetically himself, unfazed by others’ perceptions.
Of course, there are days that weigh heavily on my heart. Watching him struggle can bring me to tears. I sometimes grapple with feelings of inadequacy, but I’ve realized that those feelings don’t help either of us. More importantly, he has shown me resilience; I’ve learned to rise again after falling. We never anticipated a life intertwined with autism, and while the path is fraught with difficulties, it also offers profound joy.
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and navigating challenges, check out our post about the At Home Insemination Kit, which shares valuable information for couples on their fertility journey. Resources like Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation can also be quite enlightening in this area, as they provide a wealth of knowledge.
In conclusion, our son’s autism diagnosis has led us to make pivotal choices that have shaped our family’s journey. While we face obstacles, we also find immense happiness in our unique experiences together.
Keyphrase: autism diagnosis parenting journey
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