From the moment I found out I was expecting I knew I would do anything for my child. I would fight endless battles and move mountains, as I'm sure many parents would as well. But in our case that willingness became more than necessary. My love for my daughter has motivated me to make things happen and accomplish more than I ever thought possible.
I found myself a single mom to my daughter by the time she was 4 months old. I was so in love with her though, my relationship status didn't matter. I still felt more complete than ever before. Around that time I started noticing little differences in my daughter. Although she was a happy baby with a smile that made it worth waking up for, she often seemed fussy or discontent. She loved constant movement and insisted on being worn almost all day. As she got older I could tell certain settings made her uncomfortable. Anywhere busy, loud, or bright upset her. As did other kids. She seemed on the late side to many physical milestones. A huge tip off for me was her resistance to eating solid foods. While other kids her age were talking, she was still silent.
By the time Angelina turned a year old I knew something was different. After voicing my concern for many months I told her pediatrician that I would not leave his office until we got a referral for an evaluation- something he was hesitant to do because of her age.
By the age of 15 months I had a word to all her behaviors and quirks that were so unlike her peers. Autism. Though a diagnosis gave us answers it has been anything but easy since. Getting treatment for a child her age with resources in our area has been challenging at times, but I have fought to get her the help she deserves. Many days it feels like when we make progress in one area, we regress in another. But through all of this I continue to celebrate her strengths and differences as who she is.
Gorham, ME