autism |ˈɔːtɪz(ə)m| noun [ mass noun ]a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by great difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.

The United Nations established April 2nd as Autism Awareness day to shed light on this lifelong brain development disorder that currently affects 1 out of 68 children–impacting their social interaction, learning development, and communication skills.

Today happens to be Autism World Awareness Day, and I wanted to raise awareness in my community by celebrating someone very dear to me. My sister, Maggie Flores.

Maggie is my beautiful older sister and the mother of my nephew, AJ, who was diagnosed with autism when he was only a few months old. She has always been such an inspiration to me. I have seen her go through hardships but she always manages to stay strong and determined. She’s getting married this summer to the love of her life, and I couldn’t be more excited for her!

Maggie agreed to share a little of their story with us today. I hope her authenticity and transparency will encourage and educate you in this special condition.

  1. When and how did you discover your child had autism? What did you feel?
    I suspected since he was only a few months old. He never cried unless hungry. He never babbled or cooed, wouldn’t respond when called out or to noise, did not have eye contact, was unengaged. After seeing numerous doctors, specialists, and countless tests I had him diagnosed at 2.5 years by a psychologist. His diagnosis at the time was called Pervasive Developmental Disorder (not otherwise specified, which is on the Autism Spectrum). What did I feel? I felt relieved! Finally, I confirmed what I already knew and I could now find out what to do to help him.
  1. What has God taught you through the process of raising a child with special needs?
    God has taught me that we are all children of God and we are all made differently and come in all different shapes and sizes. We are all different, but not any less from one another. We all desire to be loved, accepted, and understood.
  1. Do you ever feel overwhelmed?
    Autism affects every individual differently. With AJ, it affects language and communication. Sometimes it is overwhelming explaining things to him. I need to find the right words to help him understand. He has trouble holding a conversation.
  1. What are some of AJ’s strengths and passions?
    AJs strengths are Science and Math. He is very visual and seems to catch on to those two subjects. His passion is swimming. He would swim everyday if he could. He loves the water. I believe it’s an outlet for his stress and anxiety. He also enjoys basketball, video games, and legos. He loves to travel and stay in hotels, and enjoys going to the movie theatre to watch movies.
  1. How have your other children and family members adapted to autism?
    The family has adapted really well, and I believe that’s been due to the early intervention. We live life just as any other family would. All of our family members have been patient, educated, and helpful with AJ’s autism.
  1. Have you tried autism therapy? What has made the most difference in your son’s life?
    AJ has been exposed to ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis), OT (Occupational Therapy), and Speech Therapy. I myself did what I like to call, Social Therapy! I put him in any and every kind of class I could find that involved him being around other children. I put him in T-ball, tumbling, tennis, soccer, hip hop, music…etc. I want him to be involved! ABA Therapy made the biggest difference. Once we got ABA down, everything else came easy. Autistic individuals are very structured (which is great), but they also want to follow the same schedule daily and will have a melt down if changed. I never followed a schedule with AJ so this also helped. Life happens, so if changes are made it won’t drive him crazy.
  1. Tell us about yourself. How are you doing?
    I’m a single mom of 4. My children are 24, 14, 12, and 7. Motherhood has taught me a great deal and one important thing I have learned is that children are all different and don’t come with instructions. It is all trial and error. There is no perfect mother. I do take pride in my parenting and believe I have done pretty good. I will tell you that being a mother has been my best accomplishment. I do find myself overwhelmed and stressed because I am mother and father and there are only so many hours in a day–but it is all worth it!
  1. If you could give any advice to a mother reading this article, what would it be?
    My advice is: early intervention is the key! The earlier you intervene the higher your chances are to close the autism gap! Because of early intervention and therapies AJ went from being PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder) and nonverbal to High Functioning! Tough love is another main key. Do not feel sorry for your child and baby them or give in to their meltdowns or tantrums. If you want your child to succeed we must be tough because in the long run that child will become an adult–and having a melt down at that age will not be pretty or easy to control. Consistency is another important factor! In order for therapies to work, consistency at home is a must!
  1. What is your favorite Scripture?
    I still consider myself what I call a Christian newborn and I still have a long way to go learning scripture, but I would have to say my favorite scriptures have to do with strength…“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Peter 5:7

Thank you to Maggie and AJ for sharing your heart and story with us today! I hope you all understand autism a little better, and pray that this article helps mothers who are struggling to help their autistic children.

Closing thought: 1 in 3 special needs families leave the church because they don’t feel their child is included. The Potter’s House has a “Gifted Stars” program for these families. Check it out!

Do you think your toddler has autism? Read up on this article called, Autism in Toddlers and share this blog with a friend that it would encourage today! 

XO-
Sabrina