My brother is a professor in applied chemistry, got married three years ago and has a little daughter of two years. And... forty years ago he could have been your son (except they didn't diagnose kids that young back then
( ... )
We definitely chose to wait and see when a few things seemed off early on. We were already champion worriers and didn't want to blow things out of proportion. We had a super proactive and responsive pediatrician whom we knew would let us know if and when we needed to worry. And she did.
But as much as it changes some things, you're right - he's still Tim, and this doesn't mean he'll never be able to express himself or connect with people. He will probably do it more slowly, and with more effort, but the world is still his oyster. :)
I think you're totally right - that this IS part of who he is, and I don't have to love him around that or in spite of it. I feel like my heart is in the right place - I don't grieve the person I thought he would or could be, I just grieve how much harder it may be for him to achieve his own goals and find his own happiness. I still believe he can do anything.
Thank you for always reminding me that our feelings are valid even when they're inconvenient. ♥
My son is 5. He wasn't diagnosed as young as your son was, but I suspected he had autism since he was roughly 18 months old. His doctors ignored my concerns at his 18m check up, and a move and lack of employment made us miss his 2 year check up, where I think his language deficit and behavior would have tipped the scales.
They're delightful, goofy little people, and their quirks ARE STILL parts of their personality, even if it is also a "symptom." They are so incredibly smart, and they have such a unique view of the world.
That stubbornness really carries them through. :) Bob has made huge strides in the past year -- and especially in the past three months -- in terms of his language development. His social skills are still emerging, but he has such a big heart, and his smile is the best (and so is his little voice).
If you need to talk to someone, I'm always available. :)
Yeah, I have to remind myself that I wouldn't change Bob for the world, too, from time to time. We got him intervention at nearly 4 years old. He's making break throughs daily and his educators love him. :) He's such a bright spot in those entries because he is my bright spot.
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We definitely chose to wait and see when a few things seemed off early on. We were already champion worriers and didn't want to blow things out of proportion. We had a super proactive and responsive pediatrician whom we knew would let us know if and when we needed to worry. And she did.
But as much as it changes some things, you're right - he's still Tim, and this doesn't mean he'll never be able to express himself or connect with people. He will probably do it more slowly, and with more effort, but the world is still his oyster. :)
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Thank you for always reminding me that our feelings are valid even when they're inconvenient. ♥
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They're delightful, goofy little people, and their quirks ARE STILL parts of their personality, even if it is also a "symptom." They are so incredibly smart, and they have such a unique view of the world.
That stubbornness really carries them through. :) Bob has made huge strides in the past year -- and especially in the past three months -- in terms of his language development. His social skills are still emerging, but he has such a big heart, and his smile is the best (and so is his little voice).
If you need to talk to someone, I'm always available. :)
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I'm glad to hear that even with later intervention, Bob is making great progress! He is always such a bright spot in your nonfiction LJI entries.
And I really appreciate the offer to talk. :) Would you mind if I friended you?
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I wouldn't mind at all. :)
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