by Pat on Jan 30, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Filed in Autism Family Facts | Christian Autism Stories | Parenting Autistic Children | Stories from Readers | Treatment for Autistic Children
Our daughter Taylor Jem Wichman Small is 4 years old. 6 months ago, she was offically diagnosed Autism and Sensory Integration Disorder. She first statred showing signs as an infant by our family pediatrician and since that time has been monitored closely by doctors and specialists.
When we heard the words "Taylor has Autism", it had felt as though someone threw us in a tiny box with no air and continued to punch us in the heart and stomach. We were very scared and frusterated. We had so many questions with such little answers. After reading every book that I could find and talking to other mothers experiencing the same issues, I knew that as her mother I would have to fight hard and find proper therapies, if any were available.
Each day is difficult. The costs of programs, supplements, special toys and foods has been a very hardship. I am not able to work so I can care for Taylor and her little sister. My husband is a Jr. high teacher and our health insurance is wonderful for certain areas but does not cover autism related expenses.
The hard part of autism is not being able to communicate with my child, to have her repeat everything back. Or maybe the hard part is to have people look and point. There are some people that are in denial of autism, an example is there are some people in our family that will tell us that she is still young, socializing is overrated, she is a late bloomer, she said a word to me and looked me in the eyes Taylor does not have autism.
Because of research and generous funding Taylor is able to undergo intensive therapies and is benefiting from nutritional therapies, nutritional supplements and with 2 days a week of special education preschool she improving slowly but surely. We are so grateful for her teachers, they are wonderful. Although Taylor still prefers to play alone, it is nice to see her around children similar to her. It does hurt to go to a place where children are smiling, laughing and running around, only to be sitting in the corner holding Taylor tight due to the fear she has.
It took almost 3 years to hear the word "Mommy" now I cannot wait to hear "I love you mommy", words we ask parents not take anything for granted.
Autism is something Taylor will have to live with and keep under control the rest of her life. We are hoping one day a cure may be found to help her and all of the other children that are affected. Inside of her body there is a little locked key hole and I someway, somehow will find a way to unlock it. We will always accept and love Taylor for whom she is.
Now that we have an official diagnoses, as her mother I promise to dedicate the rest of my life to help make Autism awareness a priority. We want to end the ignorant attitudes most people have about Autism and end the wrong and hurtful assumptions, looks, finger pointing that come along with it.
Taylor makes our hearts smile as well as the hearts of those whom know her. She is a sweet and good little girl and we are blessed to have her in our lives.
Taylor has taught us what love, patience, understanding and uncondtional love really is.
Remember there is no "typical". No portrait to paint. No two are a like. Like snow flakes, they resemble, yet remain unique. Therein lies the challenge for parents, patients and physicians.