Autism........we're not sure

The past month has been a blur of one doctor appointment after another.....most of which were for Kyle, but a couple were for me and the healing torn ligament in my right ankle and its lack of strength and of course my first mammogram (which wasn't so bad----so go have yours).

Anyway, we are still learning about Kyle's possible autism. Possible.........well, we still have many appointments and tests to go before a firm diagnosis will be made. We're in it for the long haul and I'm glad that a hasty decision is not being made---though I will be glad to know what we are dealing with.


As it turns out, there is a very broad spectrum of Autism disorders that range from very severe to very mild. Of course we are hoping for the mild end of the spectrum, but really just want to know one way or the other. It's so hard to look at this most perfect looking child----except for the clear evidence that he is a Sherbert----and wonder how their could be anything wrong with him. That is until you realize that he should be back-talking his parents and asking a million "why" questions. You never want to believe that your child has "special needs" because of the stereotypes. However, you also realize that you have been blessed with such a very special human being by God.

I think every parent never wants their infant to crawl, walk or talk. They want to hold them in their arms forever. Well guess what, parents of special needs children get their wish. You see we get to hold on to that infant a little longer.......though they do continue to grow and gain weight making it harder to lift to the changing table for a new diaper.

Special needs children have the biggest hearts too! Kyle gives the best hugs and kisses. He has to shake the hand of everyone he meets and has the best laugh.........you know when you have to break out the tickle monster to tickle him to death so you
won't really strangle him because he has gotten on your nerves.

Yes, Kyle still does all the annoying things a typical 4 year old would, without the normal communication skills.

Kyle has started speech therapy and will be evaluated next Wednesday for occupational therapy (sensory skills). He is also in a special needs pre-school class and we do what we can at home to assist in his therapy.........homework last week was to drink milkshakes and play with bubbles and whistles to work the mouth muscles for speech.


For now, its playtime in the 3 inches of snow we got today and then a few movies with the tickle monster. You know we really are the lucky ones....maybe we should be called special parents instead of Kyle a special needs child.