You may have heard that autistic children are like snowflakes, no two are alike. That's true, even with twins. These boys have their own personalities, they have unique vocalizations and ways of doing things. They're innovative problem solvers, Gage is a Houdini when it comes to getting his clothes (and diaper) off, and Gamble can climb teetering stacks of toys if he has the proper motivation (OH, did I spy the iPad sitting on the counter? Let me get that for you, mom, I know you must need it...).
They're beginning to be able to communicate their needs/wants with me a little better.
Gamble is my sweet, soft-hearted little man. He always holds my hand, or y'know, any hand he can grab. He's going to be my anxious kiddo, always looking back to make sure I'm there, the boy won't even walk out of our porch without someone else (which is usually good, but if Gage goes first, you can bet Gamble is close behind).
Gage is my adventurer. He loves to explore, knows no such thing as danger, and won't hesitate to let you know when he's upset that you're hindering his progress. He's learned to open the front door, doesn't always stop at the porch door, and tries to open the car door. He wants to go, go, go. He's constantly moving, and if he's not, I know he's not feeling well.
They both engage in a lot of chewing (shirts, socks, toys, whatever they can get their mouths on); they both enjoy spinning wheels, jumping, hand-flapping, spinning and general self-stimulation (stimming).
They're currently attending a special needs-neurotypical mixed preschool, which I feel is making a huge difference for them. They receive speech therapy, and I'm looking into occupational therapy for them, as well.
Along with their autism diagnosis, both boys have a 16p13.11 chromosomal microdeletion. We're working on a more specific autism diagnosis (PDD-NOS with SPD would be my guess), but for now, we just know they're somewhere on the spectrum.
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