Be Aware of Autism :)

Can't even tell you the last time I blogged. Sorry about that. Ideas have been swirling in my head, it's just finding the time to type them out!

I can't go the whole month without recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month. The saddest thought for me, is that when looking back at a post I wrote last year at this time, statistics showed 1 in 110 children would be diagnosed with Autism. Today? 1 in 88. Double digits people. 

Now more than ever, people should be looking for warning signs. Red flags.  Be aware. I'm by no means an expert, by my suggestion is AS EARLY AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. Of course there's no great research to back my thoughts, and still no known cure for Autism, but that early period of time, when you as a parent have a gut feeling, that is a crucial time. A window that is cracked open a tiny, tiny bit. You as a strong, persistent parent, can stick your fingers through that opening, then your whole hand, then your arm to lift that window. I'm getting lost in my comparison, but hopefully you catch my drift.

Early warning signs and early intervention can be a parent's BFF through the journey of Autism. I can't show you research data, but I can show you my child. My amazing, beautiful, loving, oh-so-handsome child that is just shy of 7 years old. He has surpassed all of my hopes and dreams for him at this age. When I bump into people I haven't seen in a long time, and their first statement is, 'Is that the same Alex?' I know I've done something right. I've been pushy and bitchy at times along our journey, and if I had to do it again, I would do it just the same. At 2 years old, I cried when he cried because he didn't want to work with the speech therapist. Some people thought I was nuts to have him working with specialists at such a young age. But because our window was evident to me so early on, I was able to get him the help he needed at a young age, and he worked that tiny butt off every day.

Only because I hardly talk about Autism on my blog anymore, I have to take this quick second to thank a few folks. 
  • My family, who always told me my son was a toughy and would be just fine, even when I disagreed with them and felt defeated.
  • All of the therapists that I didn't fire, that helped along the way.
  • Our wonderful Behavioral Specialist, who took the time to not only know my son, but our whole family.
  • Our TSS worker, who words cannot even describe. She is amazing at her job, and truly has a gift to help children with Autism. She has been many things to me over the years, and I don't think my boy would be who he is today without her.
  • The owners of the daycare in town. They were the first people I trusted my boy with. They accepted him for who he was, were patient with his needs, and didn't kick us out when they should have(thanks to TSS coming!!). 
  • Our hairdresser, for being so kind and accepting. She taught me to just dismiss what others say, turn a cheek, and be above the ignorance. From screaming kicking haircuts, to fun hang out sessions with lollipops, I will forever be thankful for her support.
  • A fellow mom in the Autism world, who reached out to me when I was down, and has become one of my best friends. 
I can go on and on, but I think you catch my drift. It truly takes a village to raise a child. I could have NEVER done it without my village. Alex and I thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

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