My son was around 10 months old when I started thinking about the “A” word. I mentioned it to my husband a few times and he thought I was off my rocker. We knew there were some delays. Minor at that point. But I knew there was more. We were told “He’s too young to diagnose” “He’s a boy – they tend to be slower” “He’s your second boy – your older son talks for him”… And that drove me nuts.
I knew.
He was finally diagnosed with autism when he was 2.
Moderate/severe autism.
I knew it. But even though I knew it, the words shook me to my core. When she formally informed us, I was sitting on the floor with him. I buried my head into him and cried. I couldn’t breathe when we got in the van because I was sobbing so hard. I was confused at my own reaction because I thought I had prepared myself for the diagnosis. I guess a small part of me wanted ME to be wrong. And now it was official. On paper. For real. My new reality. I now had a son with autism.
I also realized that the little hand I held walking into the office was the same little hand I held walking out. He didn’t change just because of the diagnosis. But I sure did.
On the way home I decided to give myself a day to be a complete wreck. And then there was work to be done.
That was May 25, 2005. And much work has been done. So much work and it has paid off well. Some days are good and some days are fantastic and some days are just downright depressing. But for the most part it’s all good.
I tell people all the time my life might be easier without autism, but I doubt it would be better. It’s not a bad life, but it certainly is not easy.
I am Christine, friends call me Irish. I am wife to an amazing husband and a mom to 3 gorgeous kids. Our oldest (boy) is 8, our middle (boy) is 7 and our little girl is 3. I have always thought that my kids are like fingerprints and snowflakes. No 2 are alike.
We have a redhead, a brunette and a little blondie.
They’re a fun, cheerful bunch as shown below.
I’m thrilled to be blogging for UrbanMoms, as stated in my bio – to share the trials, tribulations and triumphs that come with raising a child with special needs. Please join me on my continuing journey.
am impressed christine. very easy (and great) reading. you go girl.
hugs n kisses ………dad
Welcome! I am so happy you are sharing your story with us!!!
You’ve always been a hero to me Irish….Stronger than anyone I know!
XOXO
Hey Christine! Welcome! I look forward to more posts. I’m the aunt to an amazing 10 year old who is also on the spectrum and am sister to an amazing mother to him AND the ED of Autism Speaks in Canada…so very involved. Thanks for spreading the message!
Hey Christine. Great post, look forward to reading more. I understand some of what you go through as my boy is also considered special needs. I blog once a while about my experiences raising a boy with Spina Bifida, check it out http://raymentspinabifida.blogspot.com/
Beautiful kids! I am really looking forward to reading more about your journey. Welcome to UrbanMoms!