13/04/2023
AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH ❤️
This is a long post. But if you suspect your child to have Autism, maybe this is worth reading.
January 2022 when we suspected ZK to have Autism.
Why?
He is lining up his toys.
Rarely respond when we call his name.
Repetitive actions.
Walks a lot.
Delayed speech.
But he has eye contact. He plays with others. He looks at the objects your pointing at.
Actually wala akong idea sa Autism. Wala din sa isip ko. Until someone told me na yung pagpapatong patong ni ZK ng cookies bago kainin is a sign of Autism. Since then, hindi na natahimik ang puso't isip ko.
I researched about Autism, watched videos and asked the people I know. And it led me to the same answer that ZK has the signs 😭💔
I immediately asked his PEDIA on what to do. She referred us to a Neurodevelopmental Pedia which I immediately contacted.
Pero honestly noong una, indenial kaming magasawa. Kaya hindi kami nagpaschedule ng assessment noong May. Pero as we go along, mas lalo akong kinakabahan. Umiiyak ako gabi gabi. Nagdarasal. Wala akong peace of mind. THIS IS ONE OF MY SILENT BATTLES as a Mommy. Ang hirap hirap iexpress yung sarili ko, yung nararamdaman ko that time kaya iniiyak ko nalang.
That is when I decided to finally let him be assessed by a Neurodev.
Nagdarasal ako habang papunta kami sa hospital. I explained to the doctor all of my observations. I was asked on his daily activities which I cannot answer kasi hindi ko talaga alam because I am at work. 🥹 The doctor asked him about colors, numbers which he still does not know. But there are activities which I was surprised that he knows and he is interested at. The doctor said that it is normal for a child to line up his toys but the frequency should be decreasing as he grows up.
The result is that ZK is NOT AUTISTIC but has DELAYED SPEECH. Thank You Lord for answering my prayer. Nagkaroon ako ng peace of mind. Para akong natanggalan ng tinik sa puso.
Also, we were instructed that he has to undergo speech therapy or occupational therapy.
Up to this day, we were not able to let him undergo speech or occupational therapy. But we were in the process.
Now he knows the colors, numbers, he knows how to sing, dance. But still delayed in speaking. He speaks maybe 2-3 words. May mga sinasabi lang talaga na hindi naiintindihan.
Sa mga magulang na may napapansin na kakaiba sa mga anak, let them be seen by professionals. Early assessment and therapy would be of great help to your children. And also this is for your peace of mind.
Feel free to ask questions. Sasagutin ko basta alam ko ang sagot. 😁
God bless everyone. 🙏