MotherCop

Trips to the park was nerve-racking for me. Whether it’d be the brutally honest kids on the swing set that’s asking—What’s wrong with him? Why don’t he answer us back?” Or—”Why does he flap his hands and make those funny noises with his mouth?” Until I realized, this was my reality everywhere, because the staring adults across the way are thinking the same thing—and I’m just gonna have to get used to it.

Pharo is my first and only child. He’s two-years-old and diagnosed with moderate to severe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He’s non-verbal but possesses a dynamic, infectious laughter that says a million words to everyone that comes in contact with him.

It was blatant to me that my son wasn’t like the rest of the toddlers. He wouldn’t dare look you in the eyes. When all the kids played with each other, he would rather go into a corner by himself and play with the toys inappropriately (turning the cars over and spinning the wheels or lining them up every chance he gets). If he did play next to a child, it would be like the other kid doesn’t exist.

He never seemed to stay one place or focus on one thing.  When the rest of the kids attempted to conversate in their language amongst each other, he would just stay quiet—or when he did try to speak, it was obvious his speech was abnormal.

The sad truth is; to an extent, he was progressing like a normal infant, until the age of eleven months. He waved bye-bye and knew his name—giving us a quick glance and smile of acknowledgment by the call of it.  Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Eleven months?? Chill out—my kid didn’t start talking until they were almost three!!!” But this isn’t one of those late-talker cases.

10 Early Signs That Your Child May Have ASD

While these character traits may be common in most Autistic children, it is not a definite diagnosis that your child may be on the Autism Spectrum—considering most of these symptoms and signs are also present in that of a neurotypical child. If your child or a child you may know shows any of these symptoms repetitively, speak with your child’s pediatrician right away for more information on getting an evaluation for the child.   

• Colicky/ cranky infant
• Limited to no eye contact
• Rocking/ head banging
• No babbling by the age of six to nine months
• Limited movements (no motor skills)
• Arm Flapping
• Walking on tippy-toes
• Spinning wheels on toys
• Echolalia
• Limited to no interest in solid foods/ Picky eater

According to most pediatricians, at the twelve-month milestone, toddlers are usually attempting to say their first words—with Mama or Dada undoubtedly two of the few in their vocabulary. I waited for him to say it, but he never did. And to this day, I still hold on to the hope and miracle that my angel would “Say Mama!”

His reoccurring ear infections leading to constant fevers were unexplainable or insignificant and expected according to his pediatrician. I watched him slowly but surely regress as he aged—to the point where he wouldn’t even look at you if you gave him directives, let alone yell his name. He turns away every solid food. While his peers fight over cheese-doodles and chicken nuggets, he’d be content with a pediasure or his milk and water bottles. I thought my baby was deaf, considering it runs in my family. We got him a hearing evaluation (that he passed). During a checkup, his pediatrician finally agreed that something’s wrong and he needs immediate attention.