Autism: Children in Their Own World, Parents in the Dark

p>About two years ago, our oldest child wasRealizing that I needed to know more about this
diagnosed with Autism. Without knowing it for sure butdisorder, my next question was: "What is Autism?"
suspecting it, my husband tried for about a year toThis question was then followed by: "What can we do
prepare me to the possibility of our son being Autistic.to help my son?" and "What are the services that can
He read and did a lot of research on Autism Spectrumbe put in place for him and how do we proceed?" Like
Disorder. As a teacher, I refused the diagnosis as Iany parents newly hit by this diagnosis, several
was afraid of labeling him. As I was a late bloomerquestions followed as well as a shower of answers
myself, I thought that he just needed a bit more time towhich were not all assimilated as well as desired since
learn how to walk and talk but as the time went by, Imy mind was racing at high speed.
started to have concerns of my own.The next step was to inform my husband. He was not
During the summer of 2003, I have noticed somesurprised and was a lot calmer than me. He comforted
negative comments about my son's behavior byme and asked me to look at our son while he was
people in the park or at the pool. One mother evenplaying, enjoying himself and laughing out loud. He made
approached me about the possibility of Autism. At first,me realize that we could help our son and that our
I refused this possibility but since then, the idea ofmain goal was to ensure his happiness. On December
Autism started to eat me alive. After all, I knew so little22, 2003 two ladies came to meet us to start things
about Autism but just the thought of it sounded just likerolling to get the services in place as soon as possible
a prison sentence.for Dasan. As they explained to us, early intervention is
Was it possible that my son's lack of speech was notcrucial as it gives our son better chances in life.
related to timidity but to Autism? What kind of futureAs time went by, services were slowly but surely put
would my baby have? What did I do to cause him toin place. Little did we know that our one year old
possibly be affected by this disorder? Did I dodaughter would be also referred and a year later, also
something wrong during my pregnancy? As time wentdiagnosed with Autism. Kaylee is situated higher on the
by, questions drowned my mind to the point where Ispectrum because of her milder level of Autism while
could not take it anymore.our son Dasan ranges from moderate to severe. It
For my son's sake, I needed the help of medicalmade us realize the difference on the spectrum. In a
specialists to discover why my son never said theway, Dasan's diagnosis, help us identify our daughter's
word: "Mommy" to me yet. Either way, I needed toAutism at an earlier age: two years old. This way, the
know what was going on and how to help him andservices have been put in place even earlier which
make him happy, no matter what the diagnosis wouldgives her better chances of progression and a higher
be. I owed that much to my child.quality of life.
As he had his annual check up with our familySince our son's diagnosis, I must say that both my
physician, I shared my husband's concerns and minehusband and I have learned a lot about the Autism
with her. A few weeks later, we received a long andSpectrum Disorder also known as ASD. As parents of
detailed questionnaire about our son's behavior,Autistic children, we did not only learn but also have
weaknesses, habits, etc. Then a month or so later, thedecided to share this precious information with other
appointment was given to us. From then on, both myparents, relatives, teachers or other people involved
husband Kevin and I went on an eternal roller coasterwith individuals affected by the Autistic disorder. How
ride until that day, not knowing what to expect, how todid we do that? By researching information, ideas and
deal with it and more importantly, how would it affectalso by using our own experience, ups, downs and tips
our son's life?on blogs and websites.
On December 17, 2003 I went to the appointment withWe are no experts and we certainly have no medical
my son as Kevin was caring for our young daughterdegree but as parents which have been living with
at home. Both my mind and my emotions were aAutism twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week,
mess. What would this specialist on Autism tell me?we thought that at the beginning of this "adventure" all
How would she test him? When would I find out thewe knew and felt was: "Children in their own world,
results of her tests and observations? Little did I knowparents in the dark..." and now we see the light as
that on this day, both my son's and family life wouldthere is one for everyone.
change forever. Following a series of tests andAutism is a disorder and affects our dealings with
observations, done through play while being observedindividuals with a different perception of life but let me
by other medical staff and advisors, the doctor sharedtell you that it does not change the fact that our
the results: "Mrs. Leochko, your son has Autism."children are special in more than one way and that we
My first reaction was to break down in tears. Whatdo not only love them as they are but also, we would
had I done to cause my son to be affected by thisnot change them for the world. The best gifts that we
disorder? The only things that I knew about Autismcan give them are: love, patience, understanding,
were that children live in their own world, loosing touchsupport and all the resources and services that can
with reality and also, like most people, I had seen themake a difference in their life.
movie. Was my son a little "Rain Man"?