Our Family's Journey Into Autism

Those initial days, when your parent radar is going berzerk, and there are red flags waving everywhere, it is hard to ask yourself "Is this autism?". In some regards, it is almost as bad as hearing the word cancer. There is no cure for autism, and some care givers give little or no hope at the prospects of a future. There is a looming void of a future for your child full of uncertainties.

My first glimpse of autism came when my child was around 16 months old. My normally energetic and happy boy became spaced out and refused to look at me. I could scream his name and never get a response. All of the sweet smiles and giggles had turned into a stone faced statue of my baby. Those first words were gone, replaced by an incessant hum and gutteral sounds. I can not begin to describe the panic, helplessness. I became obessed with "what can I do?!"

After turning to our pediatrician, we realized that we were the only ones who saw the problems with our son. His doctor told us to wait and see. We were told "Even if he is autistic, there is nothing we can do."

What parents need to know is that there is help. There are protocols and treatments that raise the quality of life and in some cases reduce the autistic tendencies to the point of total independence. It is important to get your child diagnosed as soon as possible and begin treatment as soon as possible.

One of the most important steps we took was starting the gluten free and casein free diet.  We began by removing all dairy.  Within a matter of days, our son began looking us in the eye again. After two weeks of milk free, we went gluten free.  He did have a little withdrawal, but overall, it was an easy transition.  Before the diet, our son yo-yoed between constipation and diarrhea.  He had head to toe eczema.  He was easily set off to tantrum, and had lots of irrational anxiety. After about 5 months on the diet, his tummy troubles were gone, as well as the eczema.  His tantrums are few and far between, and we know what sets him off.  He still has some fears, but they are more rational, and we are able to work with him to get over them.  All in all, the diet was a huge success for us!!

There are many red flags that could help you determine whether or not your child has autism. If you believe there is a problem, please contact a medical professional.

Little or no eye contact

No imaginative play

Does not point or share

Becomes attached to certain objects

Speech is inappropriate for age

Clumsiness

Tuned out

Lines up objects

Does nor play with other children

Does not react to facial expressions

I would like to stress, that I am only a mother of an autistic child, not a medical professional.  I am not trained to treat or diagnos your child.  If you are concerned about your child- please seek the opinion of a doctor.  Use common sense, information is wonderful, but it cannot replace years of medical training.