11/07/2018
***Sorry, Long Read***
The past week has been a whirlwind. I’ve known ever since Cody was in the NICU that he was not like the rest of the quads. In the NICU, when Cody was done putting us through the ringer with his health issues, we found out that he wasn’t as social as he should be. He knew at that point, who he liked and who he didn’t and did not like touch. They would put him in a bounce chair and put a sign on it that said “Please play with me”. At 9 months old, due to Cody’s sensory issues, he didn’t eat and he had to have a g-tube inserted which he still uses to this day. Shortly before he was 3 y.o., Dayton Children’s transferred Cody’s care to Cincy Children’s because he was too severe of a case for them to help in their Developmental Department. He was diagnosed with a form of Autism, which was no surprise but the resources have been so successful to where he is today. At 5 y.o., my other son started showing a few signs of the same disorder, not quite the same as Cody’s though. So we had him tested. It was determined he wasn’t on the Autism Spectrum. I did the best I could with no real knowledge of what he had. My mind set had changed since he didn’t have Autism. As much as I could, I tried to treat him like a normal boy. I still had to prepare people about Austin’s quirky mannerisms. Over the years, I have come to my wits end. So frustrated at where he is at (at some levels), the way some people have treated him, not being able to help him, and concerned for his future. Requesting testing to be done across the board again. They (OT/ST/PT/ Psychology) started asking what I thought about him being on the Autism Spectrum. Come to find out, Austin didn’t have the last part of the Autism testing (ADOS) done like we had thought when he was 5. I didn’t say anything to any of the examiners about my thoughts of Autism when the testing began. They suggested the ADOS (Autism) testing. After almost 9 months. It came back that Austin has a mild to moderate form of Autism. I was relieved but then this whole new world has opened up with the diagnosis and a lot of appts. I feel guilt that I should’ve done more. All the hurt he has gone through. Trying to change certain aspects of someone’s thinking process in their teenage years as opposed to their early childhood is much harder and I find that it can be more hurtful for they have learned to adapt the best they know how to and they feel you are constantly criticizing them and they aren’t good enough or are always making the wrong decision. Please...If you believe their is something about your child that needs extra attention than a typical child...Fight...The sooner the better...Second of all, you have no idea what battle someone is fighting...So always be kind...Your actions may make a difference in their life and others...
