I thought my three-year-old was just an overactive little boy who only liked certain foods, who preferred watching Spongebob episodes over playing with his brothers and flapping his hands when he was excited.  During a trip to Virginia, a caring family member, who is also a social worker,  pulled me aside and asked, "Have you had him evaluated for autism?"  Rather than being offended, I listened to her advice.  As soon as we got home, I called the pediatrician to make an appointment.

While I waited for the appointment date, I conducted research and created a binder that included all of his behaviors.  The more I read, my eyes filled with tears.  As a single parent, I worried:   who would take care of him if something happens to me?  Who will make sure he gets all of the necessary services?  I called my mom one Sunday after crying the majority of the weekend over this.  She listened to me and then said, "That is what older siblings are for."  I had to laugh.  I know my family, with all of their quirks, is a tight-knit unit that will pitch in if I need them.

At the appointment, I pulled out the binder and the pediatrician and I discussed my son's behaviors, all while the pediatrician observed my son.  The conclusion:  autism.  I left with a sense of resolve to learn as much as I could in order to help my son.  I have been referred to our local school system (they have an early learning program for autistic children) and the neurodevelopmental center at our city's children's hospital where more evaluations will take place.  I fill out lots of forms, get insurance authorizations and conduct additional research, homeschool the three school-aged boys, work and try to fit in some "me" time.

So, life goes on as usual with schooling, work, church, library runs, playing football, rooting for our favorite teams and enjoying the changing seasons.  Next up:  the holidays!