Hope and despair on a journey with an autistic child, GodsOwnChild.
This is a story of the Parent’s Journey With An Autistic Child.
No, this is our story. A story that is the reality of our lives.
You may wonder why we chose to share this story. I believe that through sharing our experiences and stories, we may inspire new hope.
It is a message from GodsOwnChild that our families and children can always find a way and that we are all in this together. Follow the links to continue reading.
The beginning of our approximately 10-year battle with autism came with the birth of our son, Babu (name changed on request). We soon discovered that Babu was unique.
While others born at the same time as our son were developing properly, we realized early on that he struggled greatly.
One thing was that he always seemed restless and uneasy. In his eyes, there was an absence of recognition.
Early Signs of Autism
He had irregular sleep patterns, and ate little and only after considerable prodding. More of these warning signs emerged as the days went on.
At first, we simply assumed that it was a naturally sluggish course of development and that it will gradually fix itself.
Therefore, with optimism in our hearts, we watched and waited.
The typical traits linked with autism, such as repetitive behavior, speech/sound delays, and more, soon crept into Babu's everyday mannerisms, though.
Many of our friends and family members started recommending doctors and offering well-intended advice.
Diagnosis of Autism and heart-wrenching feelings
We finally began taking Babu to other physicians. He was exhibiting delays in his development. We eventually scheduled an appointment with a developmental pediatrician, who verified what we already felt deep down: Babu had autism. This came after numerous appointments and tests.
I sobbed uncontrollably the entire way home, crying out in silence.
I cried for two days while holding out for it not to be true. Why me, why us was a recurring idea at the time.
Happily, that time passed, and with my husband's help, I was able to gather myself and focus on more practical things.
All I could do was hope and pray that I would be able to give our child all he required.
A Long Journey with Autism Spectrum Disorder
The first of many trips to see doctors and therapists then started.
They suggested ABA therapy (applied behavior analysis).
We also looked into many therapies that were purported to be successful in treating autism. We could not afford to choose poorly. The future of our son hinged on it.
Soon, a demanding program of therapy and doctor visits started. That was a period when we had to manage our jobs, household duties, taking care of our family, and doctor visits. We gained courage through God's mercy.
Hope, always, with Autism
What gave us the most hope and courage, however, were the baby steps in our child’s development. Little by little, he adapted and so did we.
There were times when making one stride meant taking four steps back, yet progress was still made. There were always days and glimmers of optimism amid the emotional and physical strain.
We made our way along the extremely long road.
My son's life revolves around therapies, day in and day out, year in and year out, usually seven days a week, whereas normal parents schedule pay dates, school visits, and extracurricular activities.
The necessary skills that our children need assistance with are difficult for people on the outside to understand.
A gift of God
In the end, my autistic child is a real blessing.
Of course, if I could, like every mother, I would spare him from his difficulties. In any case, he brings us a little bit of happiness. His smiles also brighten our day. He has demonstrated our potential as parents and people.
Our greatest wish is that my son will soon live in a society that accepts and values him.
Because autism never takes a day off, I strive to surround him with people who love and accept him when he travels the world, as long as I am here.
