March 19, 2010 my beautifully unique daughter Aurora was born. But I had no clue how unique she would really grow up to be. Just like any baby, she said mama and other small words, she gave eye contact and walked early. Everything appeared to be great.
Around 20mnths I started noticing she wasn't as developed as her cousins were at her age. She slowly stopped speaking all together and gave barely any eye contact. It was like she was in her own world. By 2 yrs she babbled like a baby, began flapping her arms, and barely interacted with anyone…especially other children.
With no change in her behavior doctors suggested she could have Autism. As a single mom this worried me, I feared for her future…our future, how we could do it alone. In June 2012 my worries became reality, Aurora was diagnosed Autistic. I cried, first of misbelief and then tears of relief. As much as it pained me to know my daughter would have to live with this disorder, it felt good to know what it was so we could move forward.
Aurora will be 4 this March and for the past 2 years with the countless doctors, therapists, and medical tests she has come a long way. She calls me "Mama" again, she plays with almost every child she meets, and she takes direction better. She no longer has a problem with eye contact, or flapping her arms and she will respond to the sound of her name. She gives hugs and kisses, says hi and bye, and can even count to ten. This January she begins at her new Preschool for Autism Children where we should see amazing progress.
Aurora is my very own adventure in life, no day is ever the same. I would not change her for the world, and I know now I'm not in this alone. With her doctors and teachers, my family, my boyfriend, and close friends…Aurora can make it through this, we both can. Autism has touched all our lives forever, but I know my baby girl will succeed.
Windsor, Canada