Click here to read Facing Autism: My Journey to Acceptance PT I
In fall 2011, I found out that my four-year old son was cognitively 1.8 years old. Life had just gotten real. Of all the words that were written on Angel’s school progress report, those were the words that hit me the hardest.
At this point in our journey, we were finally facing the fact that our son needed help. We were not living in “Denialville” anymore. We found a special-needs advocate who began helping us to get Angel the help that he desperately needed. The first step was to have him evaluated by a neuropsychologist.
The evaluation process was long but interesting. I remember being out of town when Angel’s dad took him to his last appointment. At the end of the appointment, he called me and I immediately asked how it went. He replied,
Oh, the doctor thinks Angel may be on the spectrum.
My heart dropped to the floor. My husband said those words as if he was telling me that Angel had a cold. I am not sure if he fully understood the ramifications of what he was saying. I do not remember anything that he said after that. I think I asked some questions. Then, I hung up and the tears began to flow. I cried my eyes out that day.
As a parent, Angel’s autism diagnosis broke my heart yet it explained so much. It explained his speech delay. It explained why he loves to line up his toys. It explained his constant seeking of sensory stimulation. It explained his hyperactivity. It also explained why potty training was a challenge.
When we got Angel’s autism diagnosis, I started wondering if it had been caused by something I did during my pregnancy. Then, I remembered that I was the model pregnant lady. I did not drink alcohol. I avoided second-hand smoke as much as humanly possible in New York City. I worked out, took my prenatal vitamins daily, and I ate healthy foods. I also avoided chemicals as much as I could. I was the pregnant lady who wouldn’t even wear nail polish to avoid chemicals and harmful fumes.
I now know that there is no definite cause for autism. It seems like every other day there is a new cause discussed in the news. I have heard it all from maternal obesity to vaccines to the environment. The reality is we still do not know for sure what causes autism.
I remember grieving because I was facing the fact that my only son’s life path will not be the same as typical children his age. However, with this reality of autism in our lives, came a new appreciation for everything Angel does.
If he puts on his socks, we tell him good job.
If he uses his spoon to eat instead of grabbing food with his hands, we encourage him.
When he reaches a new milestone, we praise him.
I remember a few months before Angel turned four, I went to pick him up from school to take him to speech therapy. As soon as he spotted me, he ran toward me and yelled “Mommy!” He had never called me Mommy before. I was thrilled and proud. The tears flowed and my heart swelled big enough to love him even more.
No more will I listen to anyone telling me to wait and see. I refuse to wait and see when Angel can be getting the help that he desperately needs now. As we navigate this world of autism, I pray for the strength for us to continue to help Angel develop into the young man that God has designed him to be. I know that I am blessed with a great team and together we will keep moving forward for our Angel.
BMWK – How did you feel when you found out that your child is on the autism spectrum?
Check back every other Tuesday for additional articles from Kpana Kpoto as she shares her experiences and what she learns as she raises her son that has been diagnosed with Autism.
Thanks for sharing your story. It’s so refreshing knowing that there are others out here who are also learning how to take it one day at a time.
Thank you, Irene. I appreciate your support.
My 17 year old daughter was diagnosed when she was four. Your article brought back so many memories, delayed speech, sensory issues. When she was four her dad and I took her to a children’s fair at the convention center. We walked in and it was too much for her, she had a complete meltdown. We had to leave. She is a very smart, talented young lady who is now a senior. She is a budding actress, loves to sing and will be attending college next fall. It has been a journey, and God has carried me at times when I didn’t understand or know what to do. I have so much to say but I’m gonna stop now. They are special, loving children, I am so proud of the young lady I’ve raised.
I always like hearing from parents of older kids. I know all kids on the spectrum are different but hearing your story makes me even more hopeful. Thank you.
Thanks so much for sharing your story. It’s very encouraging and extremely supportive to read about other parents who are striving to support their special needs child in reaching their full potential.
You are welcome, Keya. It means a lot to have this outlet to share it.
Hi I just wanted to ask were there any signs before he turned 4 that u might have saw my son is 15 months n isn’t walking n he goes to a school called kids first that have developmental delay he says very few words n at school he has to sleep with a 10 weighted blanket on to get rest I’m n the process of getting him one at home he doesnt sleep very well the nurses and his teachers r trying to get him on the list to b tested at 18 months they r not for sure at this point cuz he’s so young but I have two other children they are both girls n he isn’t reaching milestones like they were ppl say boys r slower than girls I’m not in denial I know wat milestones he is suppose to b reaching n I tell ppl he’s in the right place where he can get help to get him on track to where he needs to be he also has extrophia with his eyes where they turn outwards when he’s sleepy r just waking up no matter wat the case I’m gonna love him anyway he’s mommas lil prince I think it’s great wat u r doing n I not only wish u but I want to wish other families well with their children no matter outcomes they face early detection is the key n as Joseph grows n I find out things I will also give u updates
Angel was referred to Early Intervention at 17 months. It was mainly because of his speech delay. He hit all his milestones up until 12 months. I was not well-informed back then. I knew little to nothing about autism. His autism diagnosis came much later.We did not have an issue getting him enrolled in early intervention here in NYC. I called the 800 number and they had various specialist come to our home to assess him. Maybe there is a developmental pediatrician in your area who can evaluate your son. If you are in NYC, I can get you the information. I would call your states Early Intervention number and voice your concerns. I wish you and your family well.Let me know if you have any more questions.
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