OUR STORY | ||||||||||||
Thank you for visiting our website to discover more about Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
We are not medical doctors or psychologists; we are parents of an Asperger’s son. We are sharing our knowledge gained through our personal experiences so that we can promote awareness and share our support as others discover AS. |
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Our journey began when Davis was a toddler around 10 months old. He was having difficulty transitioning from formula to baby food to table foods (he would vomit several times a day). After a few trips to the pediatrician, he suggested we take him to a speech pathologist for oral and eating issues. She noticed some oral sensitivities and a sensitive gag reflex then gave us some helpful hints to make it easier to transition. After a few months of keeping a food diary, he was still vomiting and food allergies were ruled out. We were directed to a Gastroenterologist to see if there were any digestive issues. Davis endured an endoscope and it was determined that all was healthy. So what was causing our little guy to get sick all the time? The GI specialist referred us to a psychologist thinking that it was perhaps behavioral/emotional. At this time he was about 18 months old and had major separation anxiety, he was deeply afraid of strangers and strange places. At times, if he felt scared or threatened he would not only cry but then “pass out” and just fall asleep in my arms. The psychologist told us that he rarely sees a little one come into his office filled with such emotion and due to his age and that high level of emotion, he couldn’t help. He did however; suggest we go to an occupational therapist (OT). We were baffled and couldn’t imagine what an OT could do for him. We obviously didn’t know much about occupational therapy but we persevered and went through with an evaluation. To our amazement they informed us that Davis had a Sensory Processing Disorder. He was highly sensitive to many senses … taste and texture were one that would cause the gag reflex and vomiting but also the anxiety of dealing with intensified sensory overload daily made him physically sick. Fortunately, with this early diagnosis they worked with him weekly and eventually he grew to adapt to many senses. Today he rarely has those episodes but is still extremely sensitive to sunlight (he wears sunglasses and hat), tags on clothing and socks bug him, smells can bother him and loud atmospheres can cause distress. We have come a long way though!
As DC progressed through some of the sensory issues we noticed some other things were “different” and continued to pursue what other piece of the puzzle was missing. We were first-time parents and didn’t know anything other than our son … we didn’t really think too much was different until we started talking to other parents or reading up on development stages. He had early verbal skills and didn’t really crawl until 10 months which was more of a “scoot” and would rather work on walking. (Even though he had good verbal skills, we now know that missing that crawling stage could have been a clue.) We didn’t realize knowing the ABC’s and phonics, colors, shapes by 18 months was above normal. We thought his interest in cars was cute and amazing that he could name car makes and models at age 2. We thought his interest and knowledge of the solar system/planets was a bit odd for his age but isn’t it cool! We noticed hand-flapping especially when excited. He didn’t really like to “play” with toys, he preferred reading and the computer games (and still does!). He prefers to be with adults rather than around other kids his age (although I think he wants to and just doesn’t know how). He wasn’t affectionate and would “wipe away” kisses. He didn’t like playgrounds or riding a trike until after OT worked with him (he now likes to swing, will climb with help and we’re still working on riding a bike). He could name all the musical instruments by picture and sound as well as name what family they belonged to by age 3. We noticed pacing when he was tired, bored or unsure of what to do. He was reading fluently by age 4 and still had anxiety issues. We realized we have a bright, quirky child … but didn’t know really what to do if anything about it. Thanks to a perceptive OT (thanks Elaine!) and my Mom who read an article on Asperger’s Syndrome, they both suggested we investigate that avenue. Little did we know these special interests, difficulty with fine motor skills, lack of social interest, and sensory processing issues actually had a name! After a few evaluations with the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Developmental Disorders Division, Davis was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, an Autism Spectrum Disorder, in October 2005 at age 4 ½. (To learn more about AS and it’s criteria, click here or check out our links page) We are thankful to have a diagnosis so that we can gain information on how to adapt and proceed. I’m so grateful for this fairly early diagnosis. Many children unfortunately, aren’t diagnosed until a couple of years of school has gone by and behavioral or other issues have become difficult. These families are in reactive mode … I’m so thankful to be in a proactive role and do all that we can to be ahead of the game in preparation for school and navigating the social world. Davis is progressing well and has a love for learning! His current special interests of World Geography and famous landmarks are fading and interest in world animals and ocean life are gaining; bible study and church, playing "playstation" and country music are still favorites. He still has his issues and as school involvement increases, more may arise. Social skills, visual spatial processing, motor planning, transitions/ changes in routine and fine motor skills are difficult for him but we continue to work on things. Since our move to Minnesota, we found an excellent occupational and speech therapists to work his challenges. We hope to find a psychologist soon to keep us on track with all the different pieces of the puzzle to help DC be as “mainstream” as possible. We continue to work hard, read, research and discover more daily! We have been truly blessed by our wonderful son. We have been teaching him but also he has taught us so much. Not only have we brushed up on our geography (ha!) but also have an enhanced appreciation for life, true love and spirituality. We will do all that we can to see him accepted and successful in all that he does. Thank you to our family, friends, teachers and therapists who have been a part in DC’s life for all of your support, love and prayers. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful circle of support! Whether you are a parent, grandparent, family, teacher or friend of someone with AS or just someone wanting to know more, we hope you are encouraged and inspired by our website. Know that AS is like a snowflake, no two are exactly the same. Symptoms may vary and what works for one may not work for another. We are giving you information for you to discover your own missing pieces to your personal puzzle. Good luck, our hearts go out to you! Feel free to contact us with comments and or suggestions. Please show your support for research of ASD’s and donate now. Or make a difference simply by the little things: include those with AS/ASD’s in your lives, be understanding, buy Autism stamps, support a local chapter, you’ll find a way … it does matter. Thank you. God's Blessings, ~Terry, Suzi and Davis |