Lyndsey J., age 2, is a member of our fine autism community. Her mom, Amanda N., noticed early on that Lyndsey wasn't developing typically. Lyndsey was diagnosed before she turned 2, at Vanderbilt Medical Center.
“She wasn't making eye contact,” Amanda shared. “Not talking, not
holding her cup, and [she] was VERY picky eating, with a lot of gagging
problems. Also, she never responded to her name, at all.”
Early intervention, Amanda stated, is vital for children on the spectrum.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of early intervention,” Amanda commented. “I have seen my little girl progress to making eye contact, eating new foods, learning sign and being able to play with other children. All because of early intervention.”
Being on the spectrum has ups and downs, Amanda noted, but Lyndsey's giggle and love of being outside are just two of Lyndsey's many positive attributes. Lyndsey loves Mickey Mouse and Dora. She's also very loving and affectionate towards her mother, giving her hundreds of kisses a day, which Amanda has been told is “unusual for a child on the spectrum.”
“My heart breaks daily when I look at my beautiful little girl and see her struggling to do small things that others take for granted,” Amanda noted. “I know, though, that we are going to be okay! We are fighting and we won't give up! We are on this journey together and WON'T quit.”
However, Lyndsey doesn't yet understand the concepts of danger and boundaries, making family time outside stressful.
“It makes it very hard as a family to spend time outside...when you have to be on constant guard,” Amanda added.
The stresses and struggles of parenting a child (or children) on the spectrum can become overwhelming, Amanda hinted.
“...Remember that it's okay to make time for yourself,” she said. “It's very easy to 'lose yourself' in a sense, when you are raising a child with autism.
“Pray,” she continued. “Talk with your mate, talk with friends. Reach out for advice and let people help you. Also...cry! Get angry! It's okay. It's healthy, I think! It's all a journey. It's a daily struggle. It can be the most bittersweet adventure, ever! Don't give up...”
---
Thanks for sharing your story, Amanda N.
If you'd like your family to be featured, just send me a message at https://www.facebook.com/chockfullasd.
Early intervention, Amanda stated, is vital for children on the spectrum.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of early intervention,” Amanda commented. “I have seen my little girl progress to making eye contact, eating new foods, learning sign and being able to play with other children. All because of early intervention.”
Being on the spectrum has ups and downs, Amanda noted, but Lyndsey's giggle and love of being outside are just two of Lyndsey's many positive attributes. Lyndsey loves Mickey Mouse and Dora. She's also very loving and affectionate towards her mother, giving her hundreds of kisses a day, which Amanda has been told is “unusual for a child on the spectrum.”
“My heart breaks daily when I look at my beautiful little girl and see her struggling to do small things that others take for granted,” Amanda noted. “I know, though, that we are going to be okay! We are fighting and we won't give up! We are on this journey together and WON'T quit.”
However, Lyndsey doesn't yet understand the concepts of danger and boundaries, making family time outside stressful.
“It makes it very hard as a family to spend time outside...when you have to be on constant guard,” Amanda added.
The stresses and struggles of parenting a child (or children) on the spectrum can become overwhelming, Amanda hinted.
“...Remember that it's okay to make time for yourself,” she said. “It's very easy to 'lose yourself' in a sense, when you are raising a child with autism.
“Pray,” she continued. “Talk with your mate, talk with friends. Reach out for advice and let people help you. Also...cry! Get angry! It's okay. It's healthy, I think! It's all a journey. It's a daily struggle. It can be the most bittersweet adventure, ever! Don't give up...”
---
Thanks for sharing your story, Amanda N.
If you'd like your family to be featured, just send me a message at https://www.facebook.com/chockfullasd.
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