As Anthony’s behavior was worsened, we were referred to take him to a specialist. When the doctor came back into the room after her assessment. She said Anthony had “Autism Spectrum Disorder”. Her assistant handed me a book about Autism and sent us out the door. I could barely move. I felt numb all over.  I’m glad I had my mother there to keep me standing. I had no idea what just happen. I shook the doctor’s hand and said that whatever it is we will get through it together.I was clueless what just happen. What was Autism Spectrum Disorder anyways? And is it different than Autism? And what is Autism? I only knew Autism was what Dustin Hoffman had in Rain ManI used to just call it “Anthony Syndrome”. Over time, I learned to look at Anthony as an individual child and not what his label said. He was a child with autism not an autistic child.The first thing I did was called his speech therapist and begged for help. And she said something that I will never forget and it has helped me regain my strength throughout this journey. She said “God puts the child who needs special care with the ones who can help him the most”. At that point, I realized that I had to get it together. Anthony needed me. I was his connection to the outside world and I had to help him. I started to research Autism in the library and online. I started to go to support groups to get more information. I wanted to learn as much as I could about it. I felt that when the therapists came, they were there to teach me too not just Anthony. I studied their every move. And when they left, I continued what they were doing. I carried over all of their treatments. I bought everything that they suggested. I tried every technique that was recommended. I felt like I was on a crusade.I studied the different theories regarding treatment for Autism. Floortime, ABA, social skills training, etc. I wanted to learn them all.As I was getting ready for Anthony’s transition to preschool, I also started to think about how my life was going to change. For three years, my life was focused just on him. What was I going to do with all my time when he was in preschool full time. After seeing the huge difference occupational therapy made with him, I decided to enroll in the OT program at a local college.

Occupational Therapy is defined as the use of productive or creative activity in the treatment or rehabilitation of physically or emotionally disabled people. At this point I began my mission!

On September 10, 1998, we had Anthony’s first year check up with his first primary pedtrician. Anthony had his immunizations and everything (health wise) appeared to be within normal limits. After expressing my concerns regarding his speech, she referred me to Early Intervention Services (EI) for an evaluation of his development.Anthony was about 16 months old when the team of EI providers (case manager, speech, OT and PT) came to our home to complete an initial evaluation. I can remember Anthony was not cooperative and not willing to engage in their “play”. He would take their toys and go to the corner of room and explore by himself. Anthony had four temper tantrums during the hour that they were there.As each professional read their scoring results, my heart started to ache. Anthony was 16 months old and most of his age equivalent scores were 3-6 or 6-9 months. I tried to hold back my tears but couldn’t. My husband gave me a comforting look and put his hand on mine. I wanted them to stop talking and tell me how delayed he was. I wanted to be strong and understanding but at that moment I couldn’t be.

                                                             

Anthony was born 7lbs 15 oz on July 29, 1997. He was our first and only child. He was a beautiful boy who had blonde hair and blue eyes. During Anthony’s first year, he accomplished every milestone at the recommended age. Anthony was a healthy baby.Anthony smiled all the time and hardly cried. He was a happy baby. He was my perfect boy.