Family

Struggling to Accept an Autism Diagnosis

Lacey

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Leading up to the Autism Diagnosis

Last school year my son started faking being sick to try to get out of going to PreK and having uncontrollable meltdowns when he did go. Then he began telling us about the kids at school being mean to him. He also started coming home with marks on him that he was not able explain. When I could not get answers from my son or his teacher, I went to the principal who called a meeting with himself, the teacher, the teacher’s assistant, and my son’s speech pathologist.

My husband and I were there to find out what in the heck was happening to our son during the day. Because they recommended it, they knew we were waiting on further evaluations to be scheduled for him. So they were there to tell us we should go ahead and prepare ourselves that the diagnosis from the upcoming evaluations was likely going to be autism. . .

 

We’ve been pretty quiet about this journey that we started on about this time last year because it’s been so much information and emotion to process, but it’s a little easier to talk about now. This is my latest post on the Oklahoma City Moms Blog. Read the rest of it by clicking here.

 

 

24 thoughts on “Struggling to Accept an Autism Diagnosis”

  1. Lacey, firstly…hugs. This is not easy and what you are going through, and your feelings are totally real and acceptable. You are grieving, and you are accepting. The good thing is, your son has been diagnosed early, and there is so much today and especially where you are to help make his life easier, and yours. Autism will never define him. Your son is brilliant, and really is creative, he excels in so many areas where some kids would not, and he always will. His brain is powerful. I know you may have days which will be difficult, but remember to take care of you. I really do pray for you and your family to have strength to guide you on this new chapter of your lives. x

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  2. Lacey– I’ve known about his autism from reading and commenting with you– but to have you spell it all out, the process you’ve gone through– It was just beautiful. And I am certain that other mother’s who read it will find encouragement and hope through your words. Thank you for your courage and care. You re amazing. xox

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    1. OH Rhonda thank you. You are always such a comfort. It was hard to write but I think it did help me. I do hope it may help someone else going through this process too.

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  3. Thanks for sharing. As you know, a lot of families have sat in front of similar desks in similar offices to hear the same word, and it hits everyone in the heart. Your son is already awesome and now he’ll have the chance to get whatever help he needs in order to thrive. He’s got a mom who has and will fight like heck for him, and that already makes him luckier than most.

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    1. You’re so right. I didn’t realize there was such a large and embarrassing community, but at the time hearing it felt isolating. I hope it may help someone. It helped me to write I think. Thanks for reading and for your words. I really appreciate them.

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  4. Oh Lacey, thanks so much for sharing. I really appreciate your story, and really admire how you tagged this post “Acceptance”. To me, acceptance is the first step of opening to learning and loving. So grateful for you. I love you. Blessings, Debbie

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    1. Oh Debbie. You nailed it. As bad as it sounds I wasn’t now prepared to educate myself more on it tell I was at a place of acceptance. Now I’m reading anything I can get my hands on to learn. Thank you. Love to you wise friend.

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  5. As a parent I cannot imagine what it feels like to get the official diagnosis, even if it’s something you’ve had gut feelings about or questioned all along. As a special education teacher and behavioral therapist , in my experience anyway, it feels good to evaluate and come to a conclusion on exactly what needs your child (any child) may have and come up with a plan to help him be successful. I cannot speak for all schools or even any other teachers or therapists, but like they say, it takes a village. I , as a parent, always think, the larger the village the better.

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    1. Thanks for your perspective Crystal. It was scary at first, but I am thankful we do have a plan and an amazing team of resources that are fighting for and helping my son now.

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  6. Lacey, you are strong and brave. This is a chance to use those gifts.

    I was in your shoes 11 years ago when our son was diagnosed on the spectrum. It sparked an incredible amount of learning—and teaching—about his needs. He’s the amazing kid we enjoy today because of his uniqueness and I’m forever grateful for getting an early diagnosis so we could plan and advocate for him. When nurtured, there are some things a “different” brain is just way better than “normal”. Who’s normal anyway?!

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    1. Oh it’s so encouraging to here from other people with older kids that have gone through this. And yes his brain is different. He looks at things in ways I don’t, and I love that about it.

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  8. I have worked with adults who suffer from autism and while theirs is not severe, it can be difficult at times because of their behavior choices. One of my jobs outside of working at the gym is to work with those with that are developmentally handicapped and so we have many clients with different conditions and this is one of them. I think this was a very personal and real story and post you shared and I am happy you shared it because many people don’t understand it fully; hell neither do I really, but it is nice to hear other people’s stories and experiences.

    Shay-lon

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      1. Hey!
        You’re welcome and Yes, it will be but a good learning process; maybe a difficult one but a good one, because it will show growth within you, and in turn give you something to look forward to as you continue to learn and educate yourself and live through it.

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