What is Autism?

Autism. This past week it's seemed like our lives have been governed by this word. About 2 weeks ago Ethan's speech therapist was evaluating him and concerned that she was seeing a few {red flags} of Autism with Ethan. She was only slightly concerned and asked our co-coordinator, Kim, to come out to visit him to see if she noticed anything. Well, Kim came out last Monday and also noticed them. Surprised and very naive on the topic we immediately started researching exactly what this disorder is. What it entails. What the symptoms are. How it is thought to be caused. Anything we could get our hands on. The more we've researched it the more concerned we are. So many Autistic characteristics point to our little boy. It feels like they are describing his quirk's exactly. So we have started the process to have him completely evaluated. Friday he was seen by his Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Next week we have an apmt. with an Autism specialist to come out and evaluate him, an Occupational Therapist visit, His regular Speech Therapist, an apmt. with his Pediatric ENT for a hearing test, and a full physical with his Pediatrician. We would like to get this either over with or dealt with as soon as possible so we are really pushing everything and not waiting on anyone. Needless to say it's already been an emotional roller coaster and from talking to people that have been through it- it sounds like we are just barely buckled in for the ride. I guess we know to hang on tight.

--- for those of you interested more in Autism...
"Red Flags" of Autism
MORE warning signs
What is Autism?
Outrage and Autism
Autism Research Institute
Talk about Curing Autism
(I told you we've been researching it!)