Distinguished

Well, today I strap on my cape and join the other super parents who are caring for a child with Autism. We received the official diagnoses yesterday, 2 days after his second birthday.  I knew it in my heart already. Everyone has been calling to check on me and Daddy M and wishing us well. We have an amazing group of people in our lives. This doesn't change much for us, though. We have already pretty much dedicated all of our time to catering to Gabe's particular needs.  I learned a lot yesterday from the Dr. We LOVE his new Dr. Turns out, all the little details that we have become accustomed to are actually "rituals" associated with Autism. Like his little orange truck that he brings to me every single time I sit at the computer desk… He grabs my hand and makes me roll it off the desk and he goes get it and brings it back to do it again. A daily ritual for him.

 Also, he likes the windows in his room open. I guess it makes him feel free. He hates being crowded or smothered... He will always sit in the spot that the sun is shining on. That's why he is so big… he's sunshine fed ;)

He's a very picky eater. His favorite at the moment is the vanilla puffs from Gerber. He knows what cabinet they are in and he can't ask for them with words, but he has his own little system to make us get them. Daddy likes these too, so we have to keep them double stocked lol

Other little rituals that he has are a definite sign of autism. Like the way he plays. His favorite toys are his stacking cups. Dr. Howes said that a child normally tends to pick a soft, cuddly favorite toy… so that sets him apart. Also, this is what he leaves behind in the playroom…

On the bright side, we have videos, journals, etc documenting every part of his life. We have all evidence needed to be sure that this is what it is. He's still the same sweet angel we knew yesterday, only with a few more needs.  We will start speech therapy and occupational therapy once a week. We have to see an audiologist to make sure his hearing is fully functioning. We were given melatonin to help him sleep at night, but I am terrified of starting him on it. For now, his sleep patterns do not disturb us. He wakes up many times during the night, but is conned in his playpen and occupies himself. I'm sure my views will change once he can roam the house at night… If anyone knows someone who has used this method, (melatonin) I'd love to hear from you!  We're also going to start looking for a puppy… His Dr. suggested that we give him one to have a relationship with because right now, he is building his relationships with objects (Woody and Buzz.) This would be a real thing that he could make friends with. Plus, it doesn't get any better than a prescription for a puppy, right?! Encouraging Daddy that this wasn't caused by us was the hardest part. He is feeling guilty for working so much and hopefully this will be a jump start to their relationship. He agreed to slow down on side work to spend more time with us. I assured him that it was neither one of our faults. Gabriel knows who loves him :) He's growing like a weed and is super healthy. We also got good news that his hernia is completely gone, so that's an operation that won't have to be done! 

And it's finally the end of the invasive testing and measuring of the head. God bless the wonderful Doctors who have put up with Gabriel's fits over touching his head!! I think that part is over for a while! Thank God! So, we finally know what's been going on with our little man. Like I told his daddy, he wasn't "diagnosed." He was "distinguished." He's not sick, he's exceptional. There's still so much to learn. It'll make things a little hard, but never impossible. Here's to the next step in a journey full of surprises...