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Red flags of Autism !!!!

"He is fine!"

"He will start speaking soon"

"Boys are usually late talkers and hyper-active".

These were the comments I used to hear when my son Abdullah did not speak for 2.5 years. He was very hyper, full of energy and was not willing to sleep even at night. Being newly into motherhood, I knew nothing about the milestones of toddlers.

Abdullah was born through C-section with a healthy weight of 3.2 kg and had natal teeth. The only thing his doctor said was that some newborns have natal teeth and there is nothing to worry about. GREAT!

Abdullah was a happy, healthy, adorable and pampered child till the age of 1.5 years suddenly, he REGRESSED. I had no idea what's going on! What happened to him? Toddler who used to sleep at day and night suddenly became hyper. I would try hours to make him sleep during the day but NO! For Almost a year I struggled, he would run away in parks not knowing that he can get hurt, I always had to hold his hand strongly and forcefully with the fear that he will run away and will hurt himself. It was hell going out to gatherings and parties; I had to run after him all the time. 

At the age of 2.9 years, I was advised to consult a Doctor because of lack of communication. Abdullah was diagnosed as Autistic with a CARS score of 38 which meant that He was Moderately Autistic. Everything halted that day. I had no idea what the word "Autism" was! I was asked to Google and get all the knowledge about it. 

Dreams that were built in 2.9 years (even before he was born) shattered in our eyes. The voice of his stimming agitated our pain. All the wh-questions in my mind were answered by one word and that was Autism.

The major Red flags were poor eye contact, no response to name, he would chew on everything(PICA), extremely hyper-active, no attention span, zero sitting tolerance, walking on toes, zero communication, always on the go, zero understanding of objects and persons around him, BUT  he was a happy child. I used to cry almost every night and I would pray to God to give me hope, energy and power to bear this pain and that I can do this, I have to do this and I will not give up till my last breath. 

10 years before, there were not enough resources and awareness about Autism. I relied heavily on the therapist I was recommended, and they were good. We started Behavior therapy right away. Abdullah was not given medication. They told me that he will improve with therapies. They asked me to practice his goals thrice a day just like a medicine and that's what I did! I trusted them and after hard work of 3 months, there were visible changes in Abdullah. His on seat behavior increased from few seconds to 5 minutes in-fact even more.

Few things I did in the beginning were Firstly, I stick to same therapists for almost 5 years because it takes time for a therapist to build rapport with a child. Once rapport is built it is easier to work with child as he gets comfortable with therapist. Secondly, whatever his goals were, I would religiously practice them at home (sometimes thrice a day, sometimes twice a day). 

Vigorous suggestions to the parents, whose children are recently diagnosed, please do not give up, never lose hope, and believe in yourself and on your child. They are going through a lot but we cannot see their pain. It is a tough and long Journey with lots of ups and downs, some time's the child regresses and sometimes ameliorates, but after every night there is DAY to be thankful to! 

 

-------- Thanks

 


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