Autism Is Ausome
This is my son, Neo. He’s turning 3 years old in just a few months. Like most toddlers, he loves to explore the world around him and often tries to do things on his own. But unlike most toddlers his age, he still can’t talk, he has certain obsessive habits, and has a few self-injurious behaviors.
Having a strong maternal instinct, I knew deep in my heart that SOMETHING is wrong peculiar with my son. My suspicions were confirmed right after hearing these painful words from the developmental pedia, “It seems that Neo has mild autism.”
What is Autism?
According to National Institute of Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by:
- Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts;
- Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities;
- Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period (typically recognized in the first two years of life); and,
- Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.
The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment or disability that children with ASD can have. Some children are mildly impaired by their symptoms, while others are severely disabled. – http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Before we went to see Dr. Mark Reysio-Cruz (developmental and behavioral pediatrician in Capitol Medical Center) last August 2015, I had been noticing a few red flags regarding my son’s behavior.
- Repetitive stacking and lining up of objects. When he was nearing the age of two, he would always make “towers” of objects that he could find lying around the house. At first I found this amusing, but when I noticed that he often lines up cars instead of pushing/driving them around, I became worried.
- He hits his head against the floor or any surface whenever he gets angry or anxious, or for no reason at all.
- Speech delay. I didn’t worry about this actually because my eldest spoke in sentences when he was already 4 years old. Neo, on the contrary, can’t/won’t use even simple words such as eat, water, milk, by the age of 2 1/2 years old. He uses gestures to communicate.
- [Sometimes] Spins in circles, walks in tiptoes, and puts everything inside his mouth.
- He does not respond when his name is called. This happens 70-80% of the time.
- He prefers to play alone.
- Poor eye contact.
Dr. Mark also noted Neo’s strengths — he knows the alphabet, shapes, colors, and numbers, he can use spoon/fork and drink from cups, throw a ball overhand, and kick a ball forward. Most of all, he has a happy disposition. 🙂
During his evaluation with Dr. Mark, Neo got a 63.5% Total CAT/CLAMS Developmental Quotient (DQ). His low score constitutes delay and warrants further evaluation and management.
His visual-motor/problem solving abilities is 74% (a passing score) but his language score is a bit low at 53%. At 2 1/3 years old, he has receptive language skills of a 10-month old baby and expressive language of a 16-month toddler.
If you’re interested with the Dev Ped evaluation rate/price, it’s PhP 4,500 (evaluation report included). One session lasts for about an hour.
The shock of finding out that my toddler has autism is life-changing, but I won’t allow even a bit of this fact to change the way I look at life. Tougher days and rougher roads are ahead of us, but I am not going to give up on this mystery.. until all the pieces fit.
Capitol Medical Center
Quezon Avenue Cor. Scout Magbanua St. Quezon City, Philippines, 1103
(02) 372-3825 – 44
www.capitolmedical.org
Marcelino G. Reysio-Cruz III, M.D.
Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics
Room 207, Capitol Medical Center
371-2106 / 372-3825 local 3234
(By Appointment)
Published: 2016-01-15 16:06:41
Hello! I am glad I saw your blog and was interested to read some of your writings. I am a SPED teacher and I have a sister diagnosed with Intellectual Disability. I understand the challenges you face but I just want to express my thoughts of how you took time to write about your son. I am so touched and I know he is so lucky to have you. Dealing with kids is difficulty, but I know you have the heart for it. May God continue to bless you and your family!
Thank you so much for taking time to read my entry. For the kind words, thank you. 🙂
Thanyou mam for sharing at iopen ang story ni neo katulad ng baby eros nmin 2 n 4 mo ths old n xa at diagnosed with autisim pro ng start n xa mag OT at kita nmin n malaking improvement nya… Tama po kau d dapat tau sumuko sa kanila kc tau ang kanilang magiging paaa kamay at bibig nla sa mundi nting my mga taong mapanghusga…. Goodbless and praying also for neo full recovery…..
Thank you, too, and I hope your baby will respond well to therapies. Mahirap lang talaga kasi nakaka-drain physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially… but let’s not lose hope. God bless sa inyo! 🙂
Saan nagOT si NEO?
He had his OT at CHAMPS clinic, near SM North EDSA 🙂
Hi, is it possible for you to send me dr. Mark’s cellphone number? We are a patient of his way back and would like to make an appointemnt. I cant seem to catch him earlier this week at the clinic’s trunkline. Thanks
its scary how he hurts himself when he gets angry 🙁
Yeah. It hurts me more each time he does that to himself. 🙁
You have a wonderful son. God bless you and your family.
Thank you 🙂
Hi momma 🙂 I admire your strength and courage 🙂 The good thing is that there are classes and new developments geared towards ASD. Have faith 🙂 At the end of the day, a mother’s love will conquer it all 🙂
Oo nga 🙂 N is currently undergoing therapies. I’m thankful for new developments too. Thank you!
I’m scared of discovering that anything might be peculiar with my own child because I’m not sure if I have the courage or strength that you have…more power to you mommy, looking forward to reading your stories..
Thank you mommy Jackie 🙂
Hi Mommy! I admire your strength for sharing this. This will help other mommies who are going through the same thing.
I hope I have inspired moms with special needs, or kahit yung mga moms who has neurotypical kids. Thanks. :0
this is a lovely post fellow mommy! I admire your strength! God gave you a wonderful son 🙂
Yes he’s wonderful. Salamat! 🙂
Into this world, special children are born. I believe you can take care of him the best way you can. And we will be here, your community of moms, to help you every step of the way. 🙂
I believe that I can. I’m thankful for moms like you and to the whole community of strong and inspiring moms 🙂
Thank you for sharing.I think aside from from the helpful information ,many parents experiencing the same situation will be encouraged. God chose you to be his mother because He knows you’d appreciate his being 🙂
Yes, we mommies always need encouragement.. even mommies of neurotypical children. Thank yo 🙂
I won’t pretend to know the challenges that comes with parenting a child with autism, but I am sure that Neo is one intelligent boy and that you are a mum who can nourish his strengths and build him up. God is good!
Amen. Thank you so much 🙂
My godson was diagnosed with autism but it turns out he had neurobalstoma. He was exhibiting all the signs. Only a strong women and mother can face such a challenge. I admire your strength.
I havent heard of neurobalstoma. Will read about it. Thank you for the kind words 🙂
My first born also underwent the same examination when he was four years old. We noticed some speech delay and he would play on his own and even spin in circles for almost half an hour. Turned out, everything’s fine. We over exaggerated.
I salute you for your calm acceptance. Your Neo is one lucky boy to have you as his mother. God bless always.
Thank you. I’m also honored to be his mom. 🙂
I admire your strength! Your son is lucky to have you.
Thank you mommy! 🙂
My brother has cerebral palsy and global developmental delay. Its tough. But he made our family stronger. Better. Your son is very blessed to have you.
Thank you. God bless your wonderful brother and your family too. 🙂
It really is important na may acceptance ang mother eh.. mas madali natutulungan ang mga kids no.. at napaghahandaan ang mga therapy sessions.
Keep it up mommy!
Yes acceptance is really important. And it’s the first step before being healed. Thank you 🙂
My heart goes with you and your son mommy. Just continue what you are doing right now. Don’t give up. God has a plan and it is a miraculous one. =)
I won’t give up. Maraming salamat 🙂
I salute you for being patient and loving to your child. Wishing you all the best for you and your family.
Thank you mommy 🙂
I love your story. I have a dear nephew who also has autism and I love him much. He’s such a sweet sweet child. 🙂 God bless you and your little Neo. Hugs! Thanks for sharing, Mommy. 🙂
They’re sweet talaga, even if they have problems connecting with people. Thank you. 🙂
I have a cousin, whom I grew up and tutored when we were kids. She’s now 40 (and I’m 42). Enjoy every moment with Neo. You’ll soon find out ikaw pala ang maraming matututunan sa kanya and not the other way around.
Aww that’s true. Right now he’s teaching me how to love unconditionally. Thanks 🙂
Hi Mommy Shalene, thank you for sharing this story about Neo. God bless! 🙂
Thank you 🙂