As a mom of four, I’ve learned to handle just about every parenting challenge you can think of. From sleepless nights with newborns to juggling school runs and PTA meetings, I’ve seen it all. But with Oakley, my youngest, I’ve found myself in new territory. Recently, I’ve started to notice some signs that have me concerned—
Signs that Oakley might be autistic.
For a while now, I’ve been worried about Oakley’s speech. He’s not talking or communicating the way other kids his age do, and there hasn’t been any improvement since December. Every day, I wonder, “Is he going to be a non-verbal child?” It’s a scary thought, and one that’s been weighing heavily on my mind.
A couple of weeks back I had a meeting at home with some of the specialists. We’ve been working closely to help Oakley with his speech. During our meeting, I decided to bring up my concerns about autism. As it turns out, if I hadn’t mentioned it, they were planning to bring it up to me. We’re seeing the same signs, and it’s becoming more as he’s getting older.
There are so many little things that add up. Oakley is still on pureed food because he can’t stand the texture of most other foods. Even when we’re outside, he holds his bum up off the grass because he doesn’t like how it feels. He seems to always be in his own little world, and he doesn’t do well in loud environments. All these signs are there, and as a mom who’s been through this parenting journey four times, I know what to look for.
I’ve spoken to a nurse, and we’re going to have a specialist come in to do a bit of a play session with Oakley. It won’t be a formal assessment, more like a casual observation to see if the signs of autism are there. It’s all about understanding Oakley better and figuring out how we can help him.
So many people have reached out to me about autism, sharing their experiences and offering advice. I’m so grateful for the support, but I’m still searching for ways to help Oakley. I want to make sure he feels understood and supported, and that we’re doing everything we can to help him thrive.
As we wait to learn more, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. Worry, uncertainty, but also hope. Oakley is a sweet, wonderful boy, and no matter what, I know we’ll find a way to help him. We’re taking things one day at a time, and I’ll keep sharing our journey, hoping it helps others who might be facing the same questions.
Thank you to everyone who’s been there for us, sharing your stories and offering support. It means so much to me, and it helps me stay strong for Oakley. Let’s keep supporting each other, sharing our experiences, and reminding each other that we’re not alone in this. 💖
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