March 5, 2018
When our son was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, it marked a significant turning point in our lives. Now, at nine, he continues to inspire us with his unique perspective on the world. Many people often ask if we had any suspicions prior to the diagnosis or if things have improved over time. Reflecting on those early years, I can see that he exhibited mild signs of autism, such as repetitive foot movements that a pediatrician termed stereotyped movements. A quick online search revealed a connection to autism, but I was initially oblivious; he was a happy baby, and surely, autism couldn’t be apparent in such a young child, could it?
However, as he grew, we witnessed a sudden regression in his development. He stopped babbling, lost eye contact, and eventually became non-verbal, preferring to shake his head or gaze at his hands. He did not respond to his name nor point towards things of interest. With my brother being autistic, we quickly realized the challenges we were facing.
Early recognition of these signs enabled us to accept his diagnosis promptly. Receiving the diagnosis at such a young age opened the door for early intervention. We had a special educational needs statement prepared, allowing him to start attending a specialized school. This decision has undoubtedly been the best we’ve ever made for him.
Choosing to enroll him in school at such a tender age was daunting. He began full-time just three months before his third birthday, and he looked so little in his school uniform. Thankfully, the staff at the school were well-versed in autism and quickly implemented strategies like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Since then, our son has made remarkable progress; he has developed some speech and is an avid reader, which I attribute to the support he received at school.
Early intervention has led to significant milestones that we once thought were beyond his reach. However, autism remains a constant presence in his life, and he will always be on the severe end of the spectrum.
Despite the challenges, life is not entirely bleak. He faces obstacles, and we are there to support him through every hurdle. Living with autism is undeniably tough—very tough. He is who he is, and we love him unconditionally. Yet, I would be remiss if I said it’s a breeze.
Communication can often be a source of frustration. He experiences anxiety, anger, and feelings of being overwhelmed, and I wish I could alleviate that pain. We strive to help him navigate these emotions. In the midst of these challenges, he often finds joy, laughing to himself at times, seemingly unbothered by the world’s judgment. He lives life on his own terms.
There are days when the weight of his struggles brings me to tears. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times, but I realize that such feelings don’t serve either of us well. Above all, he has shown me that resilience is key. Although we didn’t envision a life with autism, we’ve discovered that this journey, while fraught with difficulties, also brings indescribable joy.
For more insights into navigating parenthood and related topics, check out this useful resource on pregnancy and home insemination at Healthline. You might also find valuable information about couples’ fertility journeys at Make a Mom. For additional guidance on early interventions, visit our other blog post here.
Summary:
Our son’s autism diagnosis at two years old catalyzed significant changes in our lives. Early intervention through a specialized school has enabled him to achieve remarkable progress, despite the ongoing challenges of living with autism. While the journey is not easy, it is filled with love, strength, and unexpected joys.