Finding Piece

I need an outlet. I need somewhere to get my thoughts together and to work out my feelings. That is the purpose of this blog. As I am learning about my new world, I hope to enlighten readers about it too. Everyone has a story and this is mine.

In 2013, Randy and I found out we would be welcoming another boy to our family. 4 boys? Really? We've GOT this. In June 2014, Asher made his debut.

Asher hit all of his milestones. He was healthy. He was a big ole boy. He rolled, sat, crawled, smiled, and loved. I began to notice some funny quirks. He tapped spoons on EVERYTHING. He looked out of the corners of his eyes. A LOT. Although it was really cute, I had a gut feeling. We saw the pediatrician, had a CAT scan, saw an optometrist, and everything checked out fine.

No words. He didn't hit that milestone. At 2, we saw a new pediatrician. She said he exhibited some characteristics of autism. Even though those thoughts had rolled around in my head, it hit me really hard to hear it from someone else. She assured us that Early Intervention would be key to his development and that we couldn't have started any sooner.

Now, Asher will be 3 in June. We have a neurologist, we have a normal MRI report, we have speech, developmental, and physical therapists. This is the most difficult thing to deal with. There are so many acronyms, questions, fears...I don't have enough answers. Asher is definitely on the mild end of the spectrum. We have seen small improvements.

They say that if you have met one child with autism, you have met ONE child with autism.

This is Asher:
•nonverbal
•sensory issues
•flaps hands when excited
•covers ears
•picky eater

This is ALSO Asher:
•funny
•loves to look you right in the eye and kiss
•SO strong and agile
•cries for his brothers
•loves to be outside and messy
•happiest when he's around a lot of people

I am now a stay-at-home mom. We have lots of appointments and it is FREAKING hard. Some days are long; some days are longer. We are determined to do what we have to in order for Asher to thrive. Our boys are in love with him. He has his own way of doing things, but he is a part of our puzzle. We will do anything to make this piece fit.