My son Nicholas was born in January 2000. I marveled at how he slept at least 6 hours at night from the time he was three weeks old. He then had issues at 5 weeks of age with pyloric stenosis and had to have surgery to fix the valve between his stomach and small intestine. He hardly ever cried but he did not engage people, unilke his older brother, Josh. Nick was also behind every milestone, from crawling to walking (he didn't walk until he was 16 months old). He also did not talk. My husband was in the military, so it was difficult to get a specialist to look at my son because these specialists were too far away.
Nick was able to get into the educational system early because of his disability (however, we didn't know he was autistic). He was labeled with a mental handicap. He also echoed what we said to him. He entered kindergarten at age five but it was difficult because of his outbursts. We were frustrated because no doctor could provide any explanation.
At age eight, his pediatrician referred us to Easter Seals, where he was diagnosed with autism. It was great to finally have a diagnosis but we didn't have the resources to reach specialists who could help him. We depended heavily on the school system, which has assisted him in making great strides. He actually looks at us when he talks and he communicates his wants and needs.
At the present time, he just graduated from 8th Grade and is excited to start High School. I know he will face more challenges but with his 'can do' attitude, I know my Nick will continue to make great strides!
Pekin, IL
