It was just about two years ago that we received an official autism spectrum disorder diagnosis for Simon. As I said then, it wasn't surprising or alarming, but it was a starting point to make sure that he was getting what he needed in terms of therapy. We're lucky that there was never any suggestion that he was likely to suffer from significantly reduced function.
So far, things have panned out better than I expected. He was able to start kindergarten on time, and academically he is thriving. Socially, he's having a difficult time making friends, but he's a sweet kid and is getting better at expressing his emotions. It's some of the social contracts, especially around hierarchy and responsibility, that can be a struggle, but I think those will come around as well.
I credit Diana with his progress more than anyone, because she has always been so proactive around making sure he gets what he needs. Second, I credit his amazing teachers. The double pre-K might have been a big time commitment for him, but the results have been fantastic. The ABA therapist he had the first time around was great. The OT therapy we send him to now has been excellent as well. A lot of experts have made an extraordinary difference in his life.
ASD doesn't go away, and it's never "cured," but you hope to train the kid in the coping strategies that allow him to coexist with the "neurotypicals." I have little doubt that he'll get there, but I can see through my own experience that he will probably struggle a little. There's no question in my mind that child me living today would have had the same diagnosis, because I see so much of myself in him.
I'm proud of my little man. He's a charming little boy, very smart, and very kind. He's got this.
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