Autumn

My oldest daughter was born February of 2003 Dan and I were so excited to have a healthy beautiful little girl in our lives, she seemed to do all the thing's babies do at the right time like sit at six months, walk at one years of age and at fourteen months of age had multiple words even though Dan and I were the only ones that understood most of them. When she reached two years of age I notices she hadn't learned any new words, was really hyper, compulsive, had breath holding spells, walked on her toes all the time and was totally oblivious to the many ways she may get hurt, she was scared of nothing. Autumns Dr. suggested we visit "Children with special health care needs clinic" so of course we did and they did hearing tests which came out normal and then she proceeded to be evaluated by specialists and sure enough they diagnosed her with "PDD NOS" pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (Autism).






Telling Family

Telling family did not go the way I thought it would go I had some that were very supportive and understanding and then others I think that were in denial and didn't believe a thing was wrong, but as we all know unless you live with someone and see them very often you won't see how they really are. The clinic told me to read "The out of sync child" other materials and told me to have other family members read it that are in close contact with Autumn so they can understand her better and know better how to deal with her; in the end I think Dan and I are the only ones that have read the book. I understand not wanting to believe that there is anything wrong but entering a situation with your eyes open is so much better to see what is going on and is best to deal with the situation. I pray that Dan and I will learn how Autumn's mind works and raise her in the best possible way we can. We LOVE you Autumn.