We always knew Ayla was different. During her first year, she had colic, and never really slept much. As she got older, it was apparent that something was not right. At family gatherings she seemed tense, and often withdrawn. She did not speak, and was often having fits because she could not talk to us. During social times at day care, she was withdrawn, and lashed out at other children. We also started to notice things that seemed were not appropriate for her age. She could count up to 10 and backwards, and count up to 20. She could count in 10's, new her entire alphabet, colors, and shapes. She did not really play with toys, but would rather read books.
At three years old, our day care suggested she showed signs of Aspergers. After several meetings and discussions with our school district, we suspected (and accepted) that she may be autistic. We found a wonderful preschool that does early intervention, and so began her 28hrs a week of therapy. After two months she is already speaking, using three to four word phrases, and has begun to play with a little girl down the street. She is also memorizing the books we read to her, and reading them back to herself.
We still have many challenging times. The meltdowns have increased because her understanding of her environment is increasing, but she still has not figured out how to put words together to express herself. She has also began to show signs of sensory issues, such as hand flapping, head shaking, and finger twirling. I still catch her at times playing by herself at school.
Even with these challenges, it is because of having a great program, a proactive and aware school district, that Ayla has finally begun to come out of her shell, and show signs of this beautiful little girl who loves to sing, dance, and laugh. And because of my wonderful wife, my loving parents and great freinds, I am able to push through the harder times and see my child for the beautiful person she really is.
St. Louis, MO
