Camryn hit all of the normal milestones as an infant. She babbled, rolled over, crawled, sat up, and walked within normal ranges of time. She even developed speech on time, and started to make two word phrases around age two.
But at age 2 1/2 I began to notice certain things about Camryn. She stopped developing speech, and began displaying odd behaviors, some of which I had experienced in working with Autistic children at WKU during my senior year internship. Something wasn't right. I could feel it in my gut, but pushed it aside. After all, nothing could be wrong with my child. What parent wants to believe that?
A few more months went by, and the odd behaviors increased while other skills didn't progress. Maybe I wasn't just "being paranoid" like my family and friends told me. Even our doctor didn't feel anything was out of the ordinary. But I knew. Deep down I knew that Camryn had Autism. I just couldn't bring myself to accept it just yet.
I enrolled Camryn into the KSI program at the county preschool program at age 3 and they confirmed her delays. Yet, no one wanted to help me in getting her diagnosed. She was "normal" they said, even though we had pages and pages that discussed various delays. I later learned they would have to fund therapy if they gave or lead to a diagnosis. How could you deny a child getting help for fear of funding services? This I will never understand.
I finally got the approval to have Camryn tested by a local psychologist at age 4. *Insert angels singing* By this time, I was so mad and ready to receive the diagnosis, so my sweet girl could get the services she deserved. I was tired of not being listened to or helped. I wasn't just imagining things and she wasn't "just a late bloomer." Something was wrong with my daughter and I needed help. The appointment seemed to take forever, with various tests and observations. Finally, he took us into a room and we sat down. "Your daughter has Autism Spectrum Disorder." It's hard to explain how those words hit me. I wanted to break down and cry, but there was also such a relief to finally receive a diagnosis. I guess it's hard to know this feeling unless you have actually experienced it with your child. I held it together, not wanting Camryn to see me upset.
The previous 2 years had been so hard. Knowing something was wrong with my child, but not receiving help. I had started to sink into a deep depression, between dealing with the death of my lifelong best friend Emily and trying to find Camryn help/accept something was wrong. Now I finally had a diagnosis to help us move forward.
Fast forward to today. Camryn is enrolled in a state-wide grant to help her receive the services she needs. She is functioning at the three year old level for speech. (only two years behind!) She is delayed in social skills but will hopefully be receiving services to address that very soon. (Why I'm currently planning an IEP meeting) She is very high functioning. And academically ahead of her peers in school.
In the past three years we've dealt with picky eating, texture issues, sensory problems, complete meltdowns, extreme fears, behavioral issues, and repetitive behaviors. But the joy and happiness she brings to our lives overrides all of this. Every single bit. She is the smartest, funniest, wittiest little girl. She loves music, singing, and dancing. She recently started "gymaskits" (gymnastics) and loves it. She loves her baby sister and helps Mommy take care of her. :)
Camryn doesn't realize that she has autism and is different from other children. Or maybe she does and just can't communicate it to us. But I feel confident that she knows how much she is loved by her family and friends. We will never give up on her.
