After having three children diagnosed with autism, I discovered that I was among an increasing number of parents around the world struggling to understand what this means for our children and how to reverse the symptoms.
When D.J., my oldest son, turned one, I was expecting him to develop like our oldest daughter Sydney. She did not have any developmental delays and was doing well in school. Six months later, after little advancement in his communication, I expressed my concerns to D.J.'s pediatrician. After having him evaluated at the Weiskoff Center in Louisville, Kentucky, we received the diagnosis of autism.
As a parent, this diagnosis was shocking. I asked what we had done wrong or if this could have been prevented. The therapists explained that the cause(s) are unknown and informed us that there was the chance that D.J. might never develop communication skills and the possibility of severe retardation. Devastated, I turned to my husband, who was holding D.J., and his reply was, "That's okay; he's still our boy." It was one of the longest walks to the car I can remember. I felt like my son had a big red "X" on his back and the whole world was looking at him. As the months passed, my husband's words would keep me afloat as I dealt with the diagnosis and adapted to living with a disabled child. Autism was now officially part of my home.
D.J. made very little eye contact with us and hummed sounds throughout the day. After receiving the diagnosis, we presented our concerns to his primary-care doctor who referred us to First Steps of Kentucky, a statewide early intervention program that assists children with developmental disabilities through the age of three. Our twins, Danyelle and Dominique, were given the same diagnosis a year later. Their symptoms were not the same; however, there were significant delays in social and communicative behavior. Our oldest daughter Sydney was never diagnosed with autism.
The most difficult notion to accept is that "my child is not normal." The kids are evaluated constantly and have therapy several days a week, but they are all making progress. D.J., now 6 and in first grade in a multiple disabilities classroom, has developed basic communication skills and maintains eye contact. Danyelle, who has always shown fewer symptoms, is in a self-contained kindergarten classroom and has begun to communicate as well. Dominique is in the same classroom and although he has yet to communicate verbally on a consistent basis, his nonverbal communication skills have increased. D.J., Danyelle, and Dominique all made tremendous strides in a preschool program serving children with disabilities. Sydney has adjusted well to her brothers' and sister's condition, often educating others on autism.
As a parent of children with autism, it is gratifying to see that autism awareness is increasing and that programs are available to improve the lives of children and their families. Children with autism are able to be successful in life, but awareness and early intervention is the key.