Joshua was born a healthy boy. He was an unusually quiet baby, which made the nurses rave over him. He didn't even cry when they did the routine PKU heel stick that is performed on newborns. I immediately began breast feeding him, and he was off to a great start.
After taking him home from the hospital, I became concerned because he did not nap or sleep on a normal schedule. As months passed something seemed amiss, but visits to the pediatrician warranted no concerns. Joshua became obsessed with specific toys. He wanted to jump in his jumparoo for hours and cried inconsolably when he had to stop. He was easily upset, liked to spin in circles and flapped his arms almost constantly. He plugged his ears to loud noises and did not tolerate diet changes well.
At 20 months he would not point or wave and did not speak any words. He was referred to a behavioral pediatrician who diagnosed him with severe autism. We immediately began speech and occupational therapies. Joshua is now four years old and remains non verbal but is making progress. We are not concentrating on the length of this journey. We are simply walking it one step at a time.
Reaching for a Star
I hear my mom say "You're reaching for a star."
I look up and see stars are very far away.
How will I ever stretch that high?
Will I really be that big someday?
Mom says we all have a star to reach.
She says "It's a dream, a goal to fulfill.
I know you don't really understand right now,
But I'll help you and then someday you will."
I understand reaching for a star would be a struggle,
Because they are so very very high.
But I know my mom would catch me if I fall.
So I should not be afraid to try.
Someday I'll stretch my arms and jump as high as I can.
I'll slowly soar just like a balloon.
I may not only grab a star while I'm there.
I just might also grab the moon.
Maysville, KY
