JD turned 2 on March 20th, 2010. It was a day filled with fun, family and friends, themed around Thomas the Tank Engine - JD's favorite thing in the world! We rented a trackless train, one where the kids could ride all around and he loved every minute of it. It was a wonderful day and the last day before our lives changed forever.
The next day was JD's 2 year well check. The doctor noticed how delayed his language was and asked me a few questions on how he communicates. In the end he said he was showing some "signs of autism" and told me we needed to see a behavioral specialist. My stomach sunk. Even though I was truly surprised, it still hurt. I knew he was behind in many developmental areas but I just figured he'd catch up.
A week later (7 entire days of agonizing!) we met with a pediatrician who specializes in behavioral disorders and he told us JD has high functioning autism. Since we'd had a week to research and prepare, I wasn't shocked. I saw videos after videos on YouTube of other kids his age doing the same sorts of behaviors. But you still hold out hope that it's something else.
It's been a month since that day and the whole family has gone through our ups and downs. It really just feels like a roller coaster of emotions. But tonight I'm starting this blog so we're not alone in the journey! Friends, family, even strangers who might be in the same situation.... come follow JD's Journey!
The next day was JD's 2 year well check. The doctor noticed how delayed his language was and asked me a few questions on how he communicates. In the end he said he was showing some "signs of autism" and told me we needed to see a behavioral specialist. My stomach sunk. Even though I was truly surprised, it still hurt. I knew he was behind in many developmental areas but I just figured he'd catch up.
A week later (7 entire days of agonizing!) we met with a pediatrician who specializes in behavioral disorders and he told us JD has high functioning autism. Since we'd had a week to research and prepare, I wasn't shocked. I saw videos after videos on YouTube of other kids his age doing the same sorts of behaviors. But you still hold out hope that it's something else.
It's been a month since that day and the whole family has gone through our ups and downs. It really just feels like a roller coaster of emotions. But tonight I'm starting this blog so we're not alone in the journey! Friends, family, even strangers who might be in the same situation.... come follow JD's Journey!
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