Hey Moms,
My son is 29m now;
When Zee turned 18m; I began to panic a bit; since Zee was NOT compliant or responding to
very very basic - touch your nose.. build 2/3 blocks.. or feed a doll.
With this in mind; I was adamant and determined to encourage Zee to do all the basic milestones
an 18m would do.
From many advice given from friends and ELDERS, I learned that probably it was just something
'normal' and that would 'gradually' pick up. So, the Hospital gave me a grace period till he turned 2yrs old;
for a re-assessment.
Meanwhile, like I had mentioned earlier, I took Zee to WOODLANDS in HAPPY VALLEY.
There I noticed he was ALWAYS crying for those full 2 Hrs - 3 times a week - for months together.
Even then the teachers thought Zee was just a baby - and again 'gradually' wean off from
being whiny or cranky.
I saw the only time he did stop crying was during song time and sometimes during Art time..
And when we had free play outside in the playground.
As a mother, of course I worried. Thinking I was not doing enough and was not doing anything about it.
Speaking with my friends with kids of the same age group - I would silently cry worrying about Zee's development.
Wondering why he as not doing the things other kids were doing.
I guess, any first time mom would have that worry. Anyone would really, esp, after doing a lot of research.. through
school, books and the net.
Read on....
Then came our trip to Canada in May. There our family friend's youngest child is Autistic.
We learnt it was not easy looking after a child with special needs. We felt, fortunate to experience
life with a child with a disability. And it has made us grow closer.
There was a little boy who was 6m younger than Zee. And Saif (his name) was talking away.
He was able to communicate for his needs. And recognise everyone in the room by name.
He is indeed a very playful and bubbly little boy. And very intelligent.
Staying with a big family, aunty and uncle (our friends) were noticing certain Autistic traits in Zee.
Simple things like, self spinning, NOT SPEAKING, no social interaction, tippy toeing., NO EYE CONTACT, so on.
(Till date Zee has not said 'ma ma 'or other words his age should be able to speak.)
For me as a mom who is very sensitive to things like this; upset me.. and was crying for days - and a sudden sense
of fear got me very nervous.
We took their advice to book an appointment with a Children's Centre to get Zee assessed.
End of Aug 2007, Zach was diagnosed with Autism.
He is still considered a mild case, although his journey to recovery is a long one.
It was a little hard to hear for both of us, but we know Zee will
come through eventually by God's leave.
They see lots of positives in Zee but they said that speech starts
with social interaction like pointing and communicating non-
verbally.
. They also tested his visual sense and he passed those without any
issues.
It is still heartbreaking to write this e-mail.
I think that day, our hopes and dreams for Zee disappeared. In the beginning, I was still
struggling to not cry all the time. I have accepted the fact that Zee has special needs.
But it slowly made sense for his behaviour, his development...
And now understand Zee more.
With GOD's grace, at a B'day party after his diagnosis, I met a a lady whose son is a little older with
similar issues as Zee.
She mentioned abt a Conference for parents with Autistic Children.
Adam went for it; and video taped all 3 days.
It was very informative and introduced us into a new lifestyle.
For his early intervention, we started Zee on ABA - Applied Behavioural Analysis.
With a Senior Therapist being his program manager, 2 other therapists came home.
mon - fri ; 15hrs a week.
We see a great difference in Zee. And have seen a rise in his progress since his therapy.
He loves those 2 ladies; that he'd wait by the door for them even on the weekends; thinking
they'd come by...
It has been extremely intensive in his training
We have joined the ARN - Autism Recovery Network
You could get your son assessed if you still have doubts;
it could help him... and help you as a family.
With GOD's grace; Zee is slowly coming around;
but of course there are good days; and those bad bad days...
All the best !!
XOX
Fayth