My daughter Sophia was a special little princess from the get go. August of 2008, born on the hottest day of the summer, Sophia came into the world at 37 weeks and 3 days. She was very healthy despite being deemed 'early'. She didn't start walking until 14 months, and could only say very few words, 'mom' 'dada' 'baba' and 'nana'. I really started to notice how frustrated she would get by head banging and flapping her hands because she couldn't voice what she needed. After trying flash cards with pictures and trying our very best, we got her tested for hearing. She passed her hearing test with flying colors. But in my heart, I knew there was something more to this beautiful green-eyed girl. I consulted the pediatrician and got her in to a behaviorist. She was diagnosed with PDD-NOS and Sensory Integrative Disorder. From then, I got her into speech therapy and occupational therapy and it did wonders. Sophia sucks on her index finger and touches soft things as a stimm (she calls it 'softing' kind of interesting!) and it helps calm her down when she is overstimulated or tired. Grocery store trips have been the hardest to master. With all the lights, smells, sounds, people and colors in her face, grocery trips are short or if I have my husband watching her at home. Now that she is older, I have her 'be in charge' of items, like peanut butter or oatmeal and have her put them in the cart. I have her be as redirected and occupied as possible, and make her feel like a big girl. Today was the very first day of Kindergarten for her, and she absolutely loved it. My ultimate want as a parent to her is her to succeed, to be understood, to learn and be comfortable and enjoy being who she is. She is so incredibly smart, very artistic and has a wonderful, vibrant imagination. She is also the sweetest little girl ever. I would NEVER trade her for anything different. She is my little butterfly. : )

Brittany Anderson
Spokane, WA