Beginning Post

I have been wanting to provide people with information about autism spectrum disorder for a long time now, and I finally decided to try this method. My wonderful, beautiful daughter was diagnosed a month before she turned 2. She does not fit the typical stereotypes of autism and what people think autistic people are supposed to look or act like. I have heard and read about several different theories on the causes of autism, as well as what treatments are available. The aim of my blog is going to be to try and provide correct and relevant information about the information I have read about and received feedback about.

The Autism Society of America has a very nice statement on their website about what it is like to live with autism: "Though there is no single known cause or cure, autism is treatable. Children do not “outgrow” autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to significantly improved outcomes. With the right services and supports, people with autism can live full, healthy and meaningful lives."

I was fortunate enough to have had the diagnosis for my daughter very early. She started attending the Early Childhood Special Ed program through our school district when she was 27 months old. She began receiving SSI (Social Security Supplemental Security Income) payments at the same time. She began receiving private Occupational and Speech Therapy twice a week when she was 3. She stopped receiving Occupational Therapy after 14 months. Alot of autistic children have sensory issues with sound, touch, sight, etc. My daughter's main sensory issues are sound (things get too loud) and being cold (she wants to wear pants and long sleeves so she doesn't get cold). She may not ever need to receive Occupational Therapy again, but she may later in life.

The main autistic characteristics my daughter displays are social and speech impairments, which I will go into detail about later. For now, feel free to leave me a comment and ask a question or just leave feedback. Thanks!