Living with Autism

my son is a healthy 3yrs 4month old boy. he could read car plate numbers at the age of 2yrs old 7months. he learned this mostly from watching educational videos (brainy baby DVDs), interactive educational toys (leapfrog and vtech). he was able to write the alphabet before he reached the age of 3. he can read, write and count from 1 to 100. can count objects. can identify the missing alphabet or numbers in sequencing. can identify colors (even spell it) and shapes. he knows how to open the laptop and navigate it using only his finger (without the mouse) to play some games. he has poor interest in some other toys. loves books on writing and numbers. loves crayons. he is good in problem solving. anything that we do, we avoid having him seen us because, when he does, he will surely do it too. fast learner. great memory skills. great motor skills.

but, his speech is delayed. his pediatrician referred us to a developmental specialist for an assessment. we were told that he’s normal. nevertheless, i had him on therapy. both speech and occupational therapy. his therapist and other therapist and special education teachers also told me not to worry because my son is a normal kid. his speech is only delayed.

i cant help worry because, though his speech is improving and he has relatives from his father side who were also late talker, my son is very much mobile. his therapist always complain that he cant keep on his seat for more than 15mins. he grabs and doesnt wait for the therapist for the cue. a lot of times he doesnt answer when his name is cold. there is poor to fair eye contact. he socializes with adults, very affectionate, in fact. but, not so good with kids his own age.

there are also times that he doesnt want a particular tv channel, afraid of the sound of a vaccuum cleaner and the sound of a motorcycle. however, his does not last for more than 2 mins and he doesnt cover his ears nor throw tantrums. my son doesnt manifest any form of repetitive activities and interest.

on the 2nd week of this month, he will be undergoing tests — audiology, speech and language evaluation and developmental specialist. im hoping my son will do good and finally, my fears will be answered in a positive way.

i love my son so much! whatever is the outcome of his assessment, my love for him will never grow less!