The month of April is Autism Awareness Month. Chances are that the majority of us knows at least one person with some degree of Autism. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that an estimated one out of 42 boys and one in 189 girls are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States.
During April, businesses, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to bring awareness to this disorder that impacts so many of our citizens. To make others aware of exactly what ASD is and that those diagnosed with ASD should be treated fairly and not looked down upon. To help them achieve acceptance in their schools, jobs, and in society. To encourage parents who feel that something is just not quite “normal” about their child to talk to their pediatrician.
Take the time to become educated this month about Autism and to help make others aware. Light April up blue!
Autism: One Mother’s Journey
By Tonia Austin
As a little girl, like most, I dreamed of growing up, getting married and having children. I wanted 2 little boys with brown eyes. On March 17, 2006, as I gave birth to our second son, Price, those childhood dreams had come true. Price truly was our “lucky charm”.
From the day he was born we noticed things that were so different from his brother. He needed constant soothing which took the form of pacifiers, soft blankets, and tight swaddling. He had intense gastrointestinal issues and reflux that I was assured by my pediatrician would improve when he started solids – it lasted until he was well past 2.
By the time he was one he was fearless, impulsive, fixated on anything with wheels and LOVED breaking things. When he was injured he would laugh instead of cry and he could not wave goodbye. But boys develop at their own pace right?
By eighteen months we started noticing he repeated things, especially commercials. He could recite an entire episode of Scooby Doo, but could not answer me when I asked if he was hungry. Haircuts were IMPOSSIBLE and my gut knew something was different.
At his eighteen month check-up, our sweet pediatrician entered the room and greeted my son with an enthusiastic “Hello There Price”, to which he responded “Hello there, Price”, pacifier in mouth- as he ran his car back and forth on the table without making eye contact. We ran through the normal questions as her demeanor seemed a bit more serious. “I think we need to refer Price to Babies Can’t Wait. His speech is not normal and it could indicate something more.” said the pediatrician. Our discussion led to talks about the Autism spectrum (1 child in 88 at that time) and though she was not making a formal diagnosis she felt he needed to be seen and followed.
Even though my heart knew she was right, I left that appointment in tears. I was grieving the loss of made up dreams I had already placed on his small shoulders. I called my husband and cried. I remember his words so clearly, “He is the same child you walked in with; he is still Price.” So we prayed and began the therapy and research journey.
We eventually made an appointment to see a Developmental Pediatrician, which at that time took 10 months to get. There were few specialists in Georgia and the demand to see them was great. I remember the first thing the doctor asked is “Why are you here? What will this visit change?”
Without hesitation, I answered, “So that others can understand him like we do. So his teachers and peers will understand, will give grace and hold boundaries and know that his behavior is not malicious – it is how he communicates. So that family and friends will know we are not bad parents and he is not a bad kid. That he just processes this very complex world differently and that it is okay. So that with a diagnosis we can get him the services he needs and support he deserves, and we can anticipate and plan for what he may need. “
Then the doctor smiled and said, “Exactly, now let’s get started”.
It’s been over eight years since his formal diagnosis of Autism/Asperger Syndrome. We are still learning and changing and figuring out each day and planning for his future. He is an amazing, caring young man that knows more “fun facts” than anyone I’ve ever met. Even though his eyes are hazel and not brown, he is still my dream come true.
