My pediatrican told me that she has a son with autism..

We went yesterday for a well visit. I know she has three sons who are all grown.

She told me that her middle son would 100% have been diagnosed with high functioning autism 25 years ago, no doubt in her mind. She has educated herself on the topic by reading, attending conferences etc...

25 years ago she said that he was labeled all sorts of things by schools. She knew something was not right when he was 1. No eye contact, no language until close to 3. The language developed atypically and he had a few stims (some rocking, head banging).

At the time no one ever thought autism. She fought to get him services of some kind and eventually had to resort to paying a huge amount of money out of pocket for a private preschool that helped him with his speech..it was really the most that they could do then.

It was inspiring to hear her talk. He not only went to college but is getting married and works in special ed helping other children. She said he's had his challenges through life but he LOVES his life and doesn't feel he has something that needs to be "fixed". It helped him become stronger and work that much harder.

It was just really really nice to hear. She did not know the extent to what we are going through with Johnny.

What was really great to hear was that after testing him in various ways for over half an hour, she laughed and told me what an engaging, social and smart boy I have. She is shocked that autism is a question for us...but she also doesn't witness his stims/quirks and he really was on his best behavior for that whole time yesterday. Even I was amazed at how he answered evertyhing and did everything she asked. It gave me a lot of hope for his future regardless of a lable.

Thought I'd share it here!

Re: My pediatrican told me that she has a son with autism..

That was very inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

Re: My pediatrican told me that she has a son with autism..

Agree, truly inspiring!! I to get nervous about the future but then come back and realize I need to focus on right now and make the best of it.

Re: My pediatrican told me that she has a son with autism..

That is nice to hear

Re: My pediatrican told me that she has a son with autism..

That IS inspiring!!!