I thought this “phase” would just last “forever.”
When Jonah was diagnosed with Autism in 2016, there were several “markers” the diagnosticians used for rating.
“Does he often line up toys or objects?”
This was a definitive “YES”
They were looking for patterns of repetitive or restrictive play.
This happened A LOT in his younger developmental years, to a point where Jonah would not only line up his cars, but he would line up in the order he received them EVERY TIME. Like dozens of cars.
One thing I misunderstood as a parent of a newly-diagnosed child is that, while my child’s development may be delayed, it still happens.
He’s going to “develop.”
He’s not necessarily going to line up toys and objects forever.
Autism markers are just that. Markers.
Jonah can now point to an object to reference it.
He can play pretend with his toys.
He doesn’t hand lead.
He doesn’t line up toys or objects anymore.
He doesn’t have issues with toileting.
He can talk (albeit with a limited vocabulary).
But that’s not the story for everyone.
As Special Needs parents, we don’t always know, when our children will “peak” developmentally so to speak.
They may or may not ever outgrow those autism markers.
But one thing is certain. They will never grow out of “autism.”
We celebrate #smALLVICTORIES because the smallest step can be the biggest victory when progress isn’t guaranteed.
#ausome #autism #fromseveretohere