Scribblings

Diagnosis: Autism II

When Tomas first began to visit us on weekends, TB and I were alarmed by behaviors described in the previous article. Like the little boy Christian, Tomas would have long, violent tantrums because we couldn't communicate with each other. We didn't have to bolt things down but little T would throw himself against the wall and onto the floor and it was frightening. It was also terrible because we knew he wanted or needed something we just didn't know what. He had no words. He didn't point at what he wanted. And like Christian, Tomas didn't have any real play skills.

It's all so different now thanks to the early intervention program which taught us skills to help Tomas communicate.

I knew from playing with my 3 kids that it's important to get down on the floor with the child. It's more meaningful that way. So right from the beginning I was always getting on the floor to play with Tomas. In many ways, his responses were sort of inconsistent like Haydn's in the previous article. Sometimes he'd turn and look when I said his name. Most of the time it was like he didn't hear. Yet, he would consistenly make eye contact...not looking at my mouth or away, but directly into my eyes. He laughs. He enjoys praise. I suppose that this is why he has the "not otherwise specified" diagnosis. He's not "typical".

Other changes and strides Tomas has made since moving in:

He points at what he wants
He says a few words
He signs "more"
His play is much more imaginative than it ever was before
He enjoys interacting with us
He will interact with strangers--he's shaken hands with Heidi's DVR counselor, given a doctor a hug, given the new teachers hugs
He's able to do more things independently--now he can put on his shoes, socks, pants (with help), shirt (with help) and is trying very hard to master snaps and zippers

With all the intervention, Tomas has new connections in his brain and it's very encouraging!

There's no cure for autism but the encouraging thing is that some behaviors can be reduced to the point that they're not noticeable anymore.

It sounds almost like the diabetes I've got--I'll always have it but with intervention I can get it to the point where it's about unnoticeable.