Understanding Autism

"Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior" (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2011).  Signs of Autism can be noticeable as early as infancy and most parents intervene by the time his or her child is 2-3 years of age (this is when other signs are prevalent).

I clearly remember when I noticed something was different about my son, starting at the age of 9 months, but I was not quite sure what it was, since I did not have any other children to base his milestones or his development on.  I, however, would research the stages of milestones, keeping in mind that not all infants develop the same way. I would use the milestone chart as a guideline to see if my son was on track or falling way behind, than average.  Some of the signs I had noticed that raised some concerns, (but not raise a red flag) was

• He did not respond, react, turn to loud noises
• Did not respond to his name
• Was not saying anything (such as jargon or syllables)
• Would not show interests in standing, crawling, or moving around holding objects

I did bring up my concerns with his pediatrician, just in case that something else was playing a part in his delay.  His pediatrician did make note of it and we continued to monitor his development.  At the time, I was not highly aware of what Autism was.  I did not even connect or consider that my son could be Autistic.  I did, however think to myself that I was just over-analyzing my son and that I was being too paranoid (being a first time parent).  It was not until my son was a year and a half, that I started to do some research and become more concerned with the way he was developing.  I remember telling a friend of mine, about my son (she has a son who is Autistic) and she asked me if my son was Autistic.  I remember feeling upset when she asked me and told her no.  Then I thought to myself, "Well how do I know if he is Autistic or not".  So, I researched further on Autism.  I started to see some signs and symptoms of Autism in my son.  Some signs that my son showed were:

•  Speech delay 
• Lack of gesture
• Was to himself (he did not associate with others)
• Was obsessed with wheels and anything that you could spin
• Unusual  body movement (such as hand flapping or turning)
• Lack of eye contact
• He did not play with other kids his age
• Did not know how to follow simple instructions
• Did not come to his name
• He prattled a lot as well

When I noticed that he had these signs I began to feel overwhelmed, upset, and disappointed.  It was not my son that made me feel this way (because regardless, I love my son unconditionally) I was feeling this way about myself.  I felt that I had did something wrong and I failed him as a parent; since I was unaware and not educated on the condition of Autism.  I blamed myself.  My son was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three.  I realized now, that I was so wrong with the way I felt and with the way I thought.    I started to further educate myself to better understand Autism and to better understand my son. My way of seeing things and the situation, changed completely.  I started to see the world as he would see it.  I started to understand the world and his surroundings the way he understood.  I was putting myself  at his level of understanding.  I started to treat my son as his own individual and not compare him to others his age, because after all, he is his own person.  I started to work hard with my son and help him flourish his strengths and likes.  I was my sons shadow.

I started to read a lot to him and show him pictures of anything that he may be interested in.  When we would go grocery shopping, I would read food labels to him as well as the products there (such as fruits).  If I was on the computer and he showed interest, I would encourage him to sit next to me or on my lap and allow him to explore with me.  I was constantly teaching my son, but at his level and pace.

My son is now seven years old.  He has come a long way.  He loves to read.  He is very sociable (loves to talk and play with others).  He shows empathy.  If he sees a baby crying he will go over there and try to comfort the infant.  He has a lot of awards from school and he was student of the year as well.  He was tested for gate but missed it by four points (he was very ill that day).  He does not show a lot of signs he did when I first recognized them, but he still has others.  His speech still needs improvement, he still has his hands movements, and he still is obsessed with wheels and anything that spins.  He does take phrases literally, for example: - I was sitting at the table and I had this blank look on my face, just staring at the wall.  My son looked at the wall as well and then towards me and asked me what I saw?  I looked at my son, caught off guard, and told him that mommy was just day dreaming.  He told me that I was not, because my eyes were open.  Since he associates dreaming with being asleep, he did not understand the concept of what I was trying to say. I could not help but smile and give him a big hug and kiss.  Of course, I still have to find a way to better explain what day dreaming is.

My son has taught me so much and he has inspired me in so many different ways.  He has showed me that Autistic individuals should not be limited or have a to do list.  I have also learned that when a parent suspects his or her child as being Autistic, to intervene as early as possible.  Know, that having mixed feelings and uncertainty is normal as well, but educating oneself will allow for one to see Autism in a different light.  I love my son and I am very proud of who he is.  I would not change anything about my child.

This is my son, Adriel, at 2 years of age

Adriel at 7 years of age

Student of the year age 6