Life on the Spectrum: Raising a Child with Autism

As a toddler, Jacob loved to sit on my lap while I read one story after another to him. His bright eyes were filled with curiosity and wonder as he explored the world around him. He loved to sing and dance and laugh. Like other typically developing children, Jacob passed all of his well child checks without concern.   

Something changed when Jacob was two-years-old. He started having frequent, inexplicable tantrums and suddenly lost previously acquired skills. He could no longer drink through a straw or use utensils to eat. He stopped responding when his name was called. With the exception of repeating a few memorized phrases from his favorite cartoons, he lost all of his language skills. We went through several agonizing months of tests and evaluations before the official diagnosis was delivered. Jacob had autism.

By the time he turned three-years-old, Jacob spent much of the day standing in a corner and screaming. He could not make eye contact and rarely smiled. Most of the time, he appeared to be in a fog. He could no longer tolerate the hugs and kisses that I desperately wanted to give him. It was heartbreaking.

I received very little direction from the specialists involved in his diagnosis. There is no cure for autism, and therapies were not covered by our private health insurance. So, I began to research autism treatments on my own. I read a lot of books and spent hundreds of hours online. I studied and implemented various supplements and dietary changes. I also worked with my son at home to help him learn to communicate and improve his motor skills.

One of the first interventions that we used was the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet. It was difficult to implement at first, but proved to be well worth the effort. Jacob began to make remarkable progress shortly after beginning the diet. He regained many of his lost skills, and most of his symptoms decreased in severity. We saw further improvement by adding vitamins and other natural supplements to his diet.

Raising a child with special needs is not an easy task. There are tremendous demands on time, finances and patience. I still notice the glares from strangers when Jacob has an ‘autistic moment’ out in public. I used to take this reaction personally. Now it is simply a reminder to me that it is no longer enough to prepare my son for the world. I must also prepare the world for my son. I am dedicated to raising awareness and debunking the myths associated with autism.

The number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder continues to rise. This baffling neurological condition is most commonly known to affect social and language skills, but it comes with a vast array of other symptoms, as well. Every child with autism is unique, each with his own set of challenges and abilities. The symptoms can range from very mild to severe. It is important to note that most children with autism have average, or above average, intelligence.

In the midst of all of the challenges and hardships that come with life on the spectrum, there are simple joys that would go unnoticed by many parents of typically developing children. Milestones can be harder to achieve. But you learn to celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small.
           

In the early months of our journey, something as ordinary as an uneventful trip to the grocery store would make my day. A simple hug takes on a whole new meaning when you have waited so long for it to happen. For me, staying positive and focusing on any sign of progress makes the experience easier.

I gladly share all that I have learned with other parents. I started www.SpectrumHope.com to help parents and caregivers quickly find useful information about treating autism. There is also a blog, which I use to document our adventures in autism and encourage parents to be proactive in their children’s treatment. I also post easy recipes appropriate for the GFCF Diet.

Parents need to know that autism is treatable, and it is possible to reduce the severity of symptoms with appropriate interventions. It is important to connect with other families with children on the spectrum. I have learned more from experienced parents than I have from any other source along the way. Parent support groups, both online and in person, have been vital to my education on autism and treatment options.

It has been over two years since Jacob’s diagnosis. The child who was once barely verbal, now talks so much that we occasionally have to ask him to be quiet. He is happier and healthier than ever before. Now at five-years-old, he can read well, loves to tell jokes and enjoys playing with friends. We still have a long way to go, but I have hope for a bright future for him.

Chrissy Lessey is a married mother of two terrific kids. She is active in the autism community and blogs at http://www.SpectrumHope.blogspot.com to support other parents in their journey. She can be reached by email at Chrissy@SpectrumHope.com.

The odds of a child being diagnosed with Autism are 1 in 150.

Possible signs of autism include:

• Lack of or delay in spoken language
• Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
• Little or no eye contact
• Lack of interest in peer relationships
• Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Persistent fixation on parts of objects

For additional information visit the following online resources:

• The Autism Society of America
  www.autism-society.org  
• The Autism Research Institute
  www.autism.com
• The Autism Education Network
  www.autismeducation.net

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