Jul. 13, 2008 - We have the diagnosis . . .
Austin.
This post was originally about his new glasses but there is a bigger burden on my heart.
Austin has been formally diagnosed with High Functioning Autism. It is something we have suspected for years but we didn't know it had a name. We have always said that Austin had behaviors that he would outgrow or that he was just a boy and he would grow up soon enough. We can see now that Austin's life is like a puzzle and we just got the piece that helps us place a few of the pieces we have had laying off to the side. It is beginning to make sense. He is still a work of art and a child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made.
I debated ever talking about it on this blog but we are not ashamed of him nor afraid. I know that reading other families blogs about their special needs kids has encouraged me and given me new ways to appraoch Austin.
A few months ago, as we began the full evaluation for him, I had my gief moment. I couldn't explain how I felt. I felt so many emotions coursing through me all at once and I didn't recognize the feeling. Then it hit me, it was grief. I have never experienced such grief or a feeling of loss such as this. I know he will be fine and he is not going to die and he will likely go on to have an independent produtive life, but it is the knowledge that my child has to suffer.
I don't mean that to say that people with Autism lead a life of suffering, only that my son has had a difficult time in his 9 years and he deals with the anxiety and depression that comes from that. I hope that the further we go on this journey with Austin that he can begin to enjoy all that life has to offer and experience joy without trepidation.
Please understand me, we have now come to terms with Austin's issues and are now trying to find ways to teach him and help him live in this world. We love him just the way he is. He is my artist, my deep thinker, my cat lover, my lego designing little boy. I love him with all my heart and soul.
Our biggest prayer need right now is teaching him. If anyone has any suggestions we love to hear them. Just leave a comment. He has an incredibly low processing speed and it is affecting every aspect of his life, including learning.
(Just in case you were wondering, this picture is one in a million. To have Austin looking at me and not frowning while taking a picture is so much more that I could have hoped. :))
Comments
Jul. 14, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I read your post on MOMYS, It must be very hard to have your fears realized. We have an 11 year old son who has Aspergers, we havent had him formally diagnosed. What I have noticed is that he has gotten so much beter over the past three years. He still just cant seem to learn and his social skills are that of a 5-7 year old. He's an awesome kid though, one of my best baby watchers in the house. Sometimes the baby will run to Jordan before she runs to me.
Our Jordan will never be a brain surgean or even very book smart in this life, but he will make a wonderful father. I guess I say all this to let you know I understand to some degree what you are going through and I know so many others do as well.
I'll be praying for your family as yall come to grips with this and work out ways to connect with and teach Austin.
a fellow MOMY
Audrey
homefullofboys.blogspot.com
Jul. 14, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
came over from MOMYS to check out your blog! Keep up the good work. You are an amazing mom.
Anna MOMYS to four
http://gbmom2407.blogspot.com/
Jul. 14, 2008 - autism
Posted by ridiculousmom
Hi, My oldest son (now 22) has high functioning autism. He has his own apartment and holds down a full time job at Walmart. He rides his bike to and from work. I worked very hard with him when he was young on life skills. I never doubted that he could do something. I taught him to cook, do laundry, etc..by age ten. Might point is he learned a great work ethic and has been able to hold down a job and do well. My son HATED workbooks. He really didn't have any learning problems, but he only tolerated certain types of instruction. His main choice was using the computer and reading. I let him read, read, read, all that interested him. He has a natural aptitude for math, but focusing was often a struggle. Let me know if you have any questions.
mom2many
