Autism Adventures: Appointment Avoidance

Thanks to God’s grace, an insurance plan that covers all bases and a team of wonderful therapists our son has improved in amazing ways since the diagnosis in 2015. We have gone from minimal eye contact and zero verbal communication to inquisitive eye contact and speaking four-word phrases. I am so grateful to for early intervention and the folks that have a passion for this work. They are truly angels.

I will admit that I have this belief that our son was injured from the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccination. You see, he was developing “normally” up until receiving this vaccine. Some doctors have told us that the regression is a tell-tale sign of autism, but my gut tells me otherwise. This vaccine yielded his very first severe reaction. By severe I mean a fever that lasted roughly three days. After that fever, we noticed changes. He no longer gave us eye contact. He stopped speaking. I remember the appointment prior to the vaccination we were asked how many words he was speaking. I proudly stated ten. It was a great moment. That following appointment I had to share that the words had decreased.

There was one appointment where the doctor looked me in my face and said the ‘A’ word. The flags were there and we were referred to a developmental pediatrician. It was at that appointment that I explained to the doctor what I believed to be the cause of our son’s regression – the MMR vaccine. He looked at me with saddened eyes and did not dispute me at all. He was diligent about the developmental pediatrician appointment and we got in sooner than usual.

The diagnosis was affirmed and we went into action – immediately. As therapists and evaluations were scheduled, I began to experience peace. Progress is continuously being made. Development is evident. Prior to each appointment, I experience a bit of anxiety about the vaccines that we will be told we “need” to administer. I actually called in advance of the last appointment to confirm the vaccinations. There were none “required”. Whew!

Fast forward to that four-year check-up. The time is now. I am anxious to the point of tears. I told myself that I would watch Vaxxed this weekend, but I just couldn’t do it. The hubby and I will educate ourselves and make a decision after reviewing his immunization records, state requirements for school and more. The appointment will not be made until we make a decision.

This is my very first candid post about autism. Parents, pay attention to your children. Elders and other folks may try to tell you that there is nothing going on with your child. Please pay attention to your children. Early intervention makes a huge difference and we are living testimonies to that. An evaluation can make a huge difference. Don’t let tradition or someone tell you that “all that child needs is a _____”. Our world, the toxins and integrity has changed so much over the years. Put your children first.

Peace.