Having a little with Autism means every day we get through safely is a great day. The challenges are intense and require a constant attention from myself, my partner, our in home staff and the list of people who assist each day through school and therapy. I was told I would never have a child due to personal medical issues but along came Liam. He has blessed us with so many wonderful moments but has changed the way we are able to approach events that others are able to do on a regular basis. Autism affects us as a family mentally, physically, emotional and financially. This is set to be our very first true family vacation, hopefully with the assistance of Liam's in home helper, Astry.
Liam first showed sign of autism at 13 months old, after showing off the chart milestones being hit just a month previously at his 12 month checkup. This was when he lost his voice and my heart sank. Within a few months, he was able to start early intervention and special instruction. He began attending a special preschool at just 2 years old to regain his skills. After many appointments, evaluations and psych testing, we finally received diagnosis Sept 19th, 2016. Liam was 2.5 years old, diagnosed level 3 with the mental function equivalent to 7 months old. He would require 24 hour a day supervision. He had developed sensory processing disorder and was sensitive to light, sound, and even texture which led to a feeding disorder to boot. Liam has shown many comorbidities and eventually had to start medication for ADHD. We have learned to live with so many things that I never imagined were a part of anyone's journey. I have learned to never take a single thing for granted. I took his voice as something that just happens, but we have lost it 2 more times and are now working to communicate through his device, signing and pictures. However, this kid doesn't know how to give up! He is smart, determined, strong, funny and has the biggest heart! We have done every therapy available to us in order to help him grow. With the changes and loss of words, we even went to parent child interaction therapy to build a stronger bond and relationship of trust through non verbal communication. He has worked so stinking hard and its showing! By age 5, he had gained and tested to be almost at an age appropriate level. Now, at 8.5 years old, he has began doing half days of therapy and half days of public school! He is finally thriving! We definitely still have our challenges but it is no longer a daily struggle.
Through the process of getting his diagnosis, I "pointed out" at my job. Upon diagnosis, I leaned that he would need substantial support requiring 24 hour supervision. My partner and I decided what the most important thing we could do was and a have done everything we can over the years to ensure that I would be able to be with him and help him grow. I would not change how I have helped him for anything, his mental health and growth has been the most valuable thing I could ever work for. Unfortunately, being MOM is not a paying gig. I cannot put in to words how grateful and deeply thankful I am to anyone who is able to help by sharing his fundraiser or making a donation. I know we are in a delicate time and I appreciate your time in reading about Liam.
Autism on the Seas is a non-profit company that allows families like ours to experience a vacation that at one time we would have imagined to be impossible. They arrange specific special needs accommodations with the cruise lines and they provide professionally qualified staff to assist us with expedited port check-in, meal assistance, pool time supervision, beach excursions, respite (time for [insert family member name with special needs] to be well cared for while the rest of the family can do other things), and many other perks and assistance. Autism on the Seas also provides pre-cruise professional consultation and valuable resources, including connecting with other families for support.
