What is Autism?

So I wanted to start my first actual blog post by explaining in different posts about the disabilities I live with everyday. Autism was diagnosed first at the age of 4, which nowadays, is really late. So what exactly is Autism?

Autism is a brain disorder that can affect social and communication skills. Autism is typically diagnosed before at the age of 4. Most cases can now be diagnosed before the age of two. The national average is that 1 in 54 children in the United States will be diagnosed with ASD or Autism. Boys are typically higher diagnosis than females. Autism is typically classified a spectrum disorder based on the severity of the signs. The two typical signs to see is not having any eye contact, and staying focused on a specific item or subject. Autism is complicated because every case is completely different. 

To a child, a meltdown can happen due to having too much sensory input. This is called a overstimulation attack. It can be a smell, the lighting in the rooms, music playing, or background noise that can set it off.

My Autism Story

Some of my family has either a career or background in medicine. My mom was pursuing medical school at the time before i was born and left school shortly after giving birth to me due to my complications. My aunt is currently a NICU nurse helping to save and take care of babies in conditions like I was born in. My parents started noticing that things weren't going to plan from very young. My mom started seeing that I wasn't reaching typical baby milestones. Crawling, walking and even talking was being affected. I was non-verbal (otherwise not speaking) until the age of 5. I remember my mom telling me that I wouldn't have any eye contact and she noticed that I would play with my toys in the corner. My mother told me that she knew that I was always going to have issues due to the concerns that my first teachers in daycare/preschool was brought to their attention. That has lead me to my diagnosis.

My biggest place for overstimulation attacks was the grocery store. My mom remembers being stared at constantly due to people just being educated. My moms best friend was a mobile vhs player where i can watch movies to try and make the trips easier for myself. The irony is now I have worked for a grocery store chain.. which my family never thought would happen.

For myself, I don't actually remember a lot about my early autism days. But I do remember being really frustrated at times not being able to speak and communicate with my family. I was a shy kid to begin with, but I did bond with the teachers more than the actual peers I was in. I also remember the countless hours in doctor's offices in my childhood just to get an update or get a prescription filled.

My Treatment

Treatment can be tricky and is based on the individual with autism. I am very fortunate to have an amazing medical team who followed me and made sure I had the best care possible. After I was officially diagnosed at the age of 4, they started helping my family with services to help me be the person I am today. I started Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy to help me gain the motor skills, and help communication skills. Speech Therapy was a part of my life until a senior of High School. Physical/Occupational Therapy was in my life until the end of 6th Grade. I have been on an IEP (Individual Education Plan) since I have entered the public school system.

The doctors tried the best they can to provide natural medical assistance before putting me a controlled substance. The sad part is a lot of Autism/ADHD medication has a lot of side effects depending on the medication. The biggest issue was weight loss due to how small I was on top of my picky diet. We had tried 10 medications before finding the right medication for me! I have prescribed on Concerta, a common ADHD/Autism medication, since I was 4, I believe. But I was so young, that i don't remember exactly when. At the end of middle school/high school, they were able to produce a generic (methylphenidate) of the medication that has made my medication cheaper. Luckily, this medication didn't make me lose weight but did effect how i grew. I typically changed clothing sizes once every two years. i remember being in size 10-12 clothing for 4 years.

I am very blessed to say that the hard work that my parents put in as well as myself allowed me to be high functioning. I am looking forward to pursuing college and checkmark a goal that I was told that wasn't possible. I am continuing to use tools taught from my public education experience as well as following doctors advice.

What can you do to help?

• When you see a child, crying out of nowhere in a public place, be kind to the family and don't stare.

• Wear Blue during World Autism Awareness Day (Every April 2nd) or the entire month of April!

• Find out more information and be more educated. I suggest following two Autism Organizations in helping in research and resources; Autism Speaks & Autism Society.

• Please don't pet Autism Asssistance Dogs while having a vest or harness on. Their job is to protect/calm their owner.

• Don't just ask questions to a person with autism, not many people are as open as I am.

• Tell you kids about Autism with resources to help them understand.

• For any child reading this blog, my challenge to you is to make friends to someone with autism or any disability. We want just the same things as you do: have friends, sleepovers, birthday parties, prom dates, and teammates.