By age 1, he gave up his bottle and pacifier on his own and went to straws and sippy cups. But he wasn't crawling or lifting his head while doing belly time. He wasn't rolling around either. He would say dada but nothing else. By age 2, he was walking, He wouldn't use a fork or spoon. At age 2, his peditrician thought that he should be speaking more than 3 words and babbling more, even showing signs of pretend more than he was. It was suggest that we have him tested for Autism. Though he was diagnosed with ASD, we were in denial. We didn't see it. By age 2 1/2 - 3, we were all learning sign language as a form of communication and he's in preschool, were they have him learning the PECS System as well as sign language as a form of communication.I am online every day, reading stories, learning more about Autism, some days crying and feeling frustrated, some days feeling hopeful and empowered with knowledge to try and help myself as well as my son. I have gained much patience in all of this, it even amazes me. He will be four in July. He is amazing to say the least. He is loving, kind, and funny. He still is non verbal but communicates well through sign. He is smart and masters puzzles, games, has amazing computer skills and can take apart and put back together many things. He is great when we go places, shopping, restaurants and such. He's not a wanderer. He helps around the house all the time. We still have obstacles to face. Eye contact isn't always there and he's such a picky food eater. He sleeps great but we have difficulties with potty training. To this day, we still don't always see Autism. We see that he has different abilities than others. He lights up a room with his smile. He makes me a better person and I love him to the moon and back. He's my teacher and I'm still learning.

Rhonda L DiMaggio
Uncasville, CT