In the last post I mentioned that we had some more news last week. The day before the ultrasound appointment we had a long-awaited appointment with a developmental specialist. Our pediatrician had recommended a while back that we take Ryan in because of his language delay and some other things she had noticed. SO . . . the dr. kind of turned our world upside-down last Tuesday when he told us Ryan is autistic.
I debated whether to even blog about this because it is something so personal, but I feel that even if it's just for myself I need to get the feelings out there. I've had an experience with a friend already that wasn't easy. This friend, when told of the diagnosis, quoted to me from a book written by Micheal Savage, the radio commentator. His view of autism is extremely harsh. He basically said that autistic kids are little brats whose parents haven't disciplined them and who probably don't have a daddy around. WOW! Needless to say, I am very grateful for the friends who have been supportive and understanding.
Ryan has been more difficult than his sisters, but the main indicators of this have been other things. For one, his language is almost non-existent. He will say words occasionally but he has lost some of his language. I cried the day I realized he wasn't saying "I love you" anymore. He used to say "Grandma" and his full name and all of that has been lost. It's so strange. There are MANY other things that he does differently from other kids that we didn't even realize. For instance, he has never pointed at anything. That doesn't sound significant but it's an indicator. He will laugh and cry and scream at inappropriate times. (The laughing has often happened in the middle of the night.) He'll walk and run on his tiptoes and go in circles over and over. He doesn't make eye contact as well as he should, but thankfully he does make some eye contact. He also has a really difficult time processing sensory input.
I guess we have our work cut out for us as far as figuring out how to help him. I'm glad we found out now when he's only three years old. I love my baby boy!
10 comments:
i love ryan. i love him just the way he is.
remember our friends will always fail us, at some point or the other... except for the best Friend and He's always there anxious to listen!
I'm so sorry for people's hurtful comments to you. Wow - I can only imagine the emotions you must be feeling right now as you look at the "bigger picture." But our God is amazing and I know He will do amazing things through Ryan and your family in all of this.
Hugs -
Kimberly, thank you so much for sharing your heart. I know this has been a difficult time for you. You guys have had a rough year +. I am in continuous prayer for you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. We love you guys and we love your little Ryan! Remember God is in control of all of this and He has a plan for you. :)
My heart goes out to you. My sister's little boy is autistic (well, I guess not so little anymore, he just turned 19). You'll definately have your trials, but I know there will be special moments that you'll have with him that some of us will never experience. I also have a cousin who has been diagnosed with aspergers, and honestly, I think he's a genius (litterally). You guys must be pretty special for the Lord to place sweet little Ryan in your family.
Ryan is such a sweet little boy and fits just perfectly into your family, just the way God has intended. The Lord is going to do amazing things through Ryan! A difficult time though, I can imagine. We will be praying for you!
Wow! so much in so little time.... on that note, we need to get together for a playdate!! :-)
You two are amazing parents and I know with God's help you will know exactly how to move on from here. Ryan is one in a million and is so loved my many. We love you guys and are praying for you!
kimberly-i appreciate you sharing your feelings. it is going to be a hard road because of all of the unknowns. but they seem to be making great strides with intervention programs for autism. i do know a lot of people in the field who work with these kiddos so please let me know if i can help in any way. hang in there girl!
I don't have to say anything else other than I love you & you call me for anything!
My sister told me about this the other day (I haven't been good at keeping up on blogs lately!) and my heart just broke for you. I just can't believe all the things you've had to deal with the last year or so.
The resources available these days are incredible and you guys should be able to find so many great ways to help him. Don't listen to boneheads like Michael Savage. You haven't done anything wrong with Ryan. God made him this way for a reason. So many people are praying for you guys!
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