A high pitch squeal comes from the back seat, seeming to have the ability to shatter the windows of the car, followed by a deep belly laugh,reaches the ears of the parents in the front seat. Neither of them thinks that this is normal behavior for their 2 year old son. At the age of 18 months he seemingly stop responding appropriately to parental stimuli and he no longer spoke or gave eye contact. Now he refused to show awareness for pain or danger. The parents don’t know what to do; as Daniel finds running toward oncoming cars fascinating because of the lights and appears to think running away, (wanting to be chased), is just a game. After receiving a diagnosis of Autism, they ponder about what to do next, what happens next, and who will help us? Only an Autism Mom or Dad can understand the impact, the sacrifices, the stares, the brilliance of your kids, and the fight for awareness.
Acknowledging the fact that Autism has become such a part of you and your life that it feels awkward for others to say "You Are Amazing". I am emotionally spent because it is just now that I have taken the time to realize my sons have Autism and it's OK for me to cry, feel exhausted, take a break, relax and then hit the ground running and share with others so that others can know, "Our kids are amazing and will live up to our Expectations" so dream big... They are worth it!!!!
