Autism Looks Different For Everyone

Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The name even implies that it is a spectrum of diversity, but still when most of us hear the word "autism" we imagine a socially inept savant who adheres to strict schedules.

The thing is, while that may describe a number of people with ASD, it doesn't define them all.

The spectrum was made even broader in 2013 when conditions like Aspergers were added to the definition of Autism.

Wyatt falls somewhere between high functioning autism and Asperger's. His initial diagnosis in 2017 was "Autism", but in 2018 more therapists started throwing around the term Asperger's.

I've researched them both, and the lines between the two are fuzzy, so I've started using the terms interchangeably since his care providers seem to do it as well.

Much like the stereotypical characteristics of autism, Wyatt becomes intensely focused on his favorite things, which are trains and dinosaurs. He also stacks or lines up EVERYTHING. His speech is delayed, he does not enjoy new people, large groups, or big changes. He has trouble reading non verbal cues, and often struggles with multi-step instructions.

Unlike the stereotype, Wyatt makes eye contact well when talking to someone he's comfortable with. He doesn't usually have issues with lights, sounds, or textures. He also doesn't stim (make repetitive motions or sounds), but he does seek sensory input in other ways like hanging upside down or wrestling.

I share all this, because this is part of what has kept me from sharing sooner.
I felt like we didnt fit the autism mold so our story wasn't one to share.

As time has gone on I've come to realize that as autism families, our children's individual struggles are different, but our struggles as families are the same.

We are afraid of the uncertain.
We struggle with if, when, and how to tell people about our child's diagnosis.
We feel judged by older generations who think we can spank the autism out of them.
We feel pretty lonely.

I hope this space will reach and help even just ONE family like ours in the first days of a new diagnosis.
I hope our stories of the good times bring you assurance that there is abundant happiness in this diagnosis, and that sharing the hard times will show you that you are not alone on this journey.