News, events and happenings related to special needs.
Although I had noticed all the autism signs in my daughters, it was a long journey towards getting them assessed and diagnosed. Whilst I was doing all this research, I felt like many of the descriptions fit me. Then, one evening I went to a talk organised by the National Autistic Society.
Buying presents for children can be daunting with so many options to choose from at toy stores. Children on the autism spectrum are more likely to have limited or fixed interest. So, it is understandable when those who are not caregivers or immediate family members are at a loss on what to buy for a child on the spectrum as gift. Here are some ideas to help you along the process.
Masking involves intentionally learning neurotypical behaviors and mimicking them in social situations. Girls tend to mask early on as they want to be like their peers, they want to have friends. This, however, is part of the reason girls slip under the radar and aren’t often diagnosed until their late teens or as an adult.
My journey started when I came into this world by the lovely parents of Sam and Marica Lundy on August 25th, 1985. I was born in Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. Although I was a tough baby, I struggled with many things. My parents did not know that later, their son would have a Nonverbal Learning Disability. At the age of 5, I was tested and officially diagnosed. A Nonverbal Learning Disability is a neurological condition marked by a collection of academic and sometimes, social difficulties.
I am a father to a special child on the autism spectrum. While I know how hard it is for me, I can’t help but wonder how much harder it is for my son. I always ask myself, “How do I find my son in me? To understand and build a bond tighter than a knot?” April is Autism Awareness Month and I would like to share my journey with my son, Haans, who turns five this year.
At his first birthday party, my son cried endlessly when everyone sang ‘Happy Birthday’. Going out was always a nightmare; he would cry endlessly until we got to the car. At 18-months, he was still babbling, not forming words. I waited for him to point eagerly at objects or people. I’m still waiting. Eating was a problem too, until my mother discovered a trick to feeding him.
There is no parenting book or blog that can prepare you for the moment you have to utter the words “My child has autism”. A week after I received this official diagnosis, it suddenly dawned on me – What did I know about autism? The answer scared me: Not enough.
This year marks my first Autism Awareness Day as a proud mother to an autistic child. It’s only been 7 months since my 2-and-half-year-old toddler was officially diagnosed. Since then, I have taken an active interest in autism, to educate myself about this developmental disorder and its many wonders.
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