Entering a new world but finally having understanding

by Cassandra
(Woodstock, GA)

I have a 4 year old son named Ashton. He is my middle child. About 6 months ago I got a gut instinct that something was not quite "right" with his behavior. My husband and I always said Ashton was his own unique person. He had his little quirks about him and we just took it as being his personality. We had to tell people not to crowd him, that he does not like to be touched unless he is willing, please do not pick him up if he does not want to be held (he would cry excessively until put down), and to give him time to warm up to you (even with family and friends he has seen numerous times before).

Ashton was a good baby but very quiet and liked the quiet. Bath time was a chore when he was small. Took quite a while for him to enjoy bath time. I could go on and on about all the little things in his behavior that have added up and with my "mom" intuition finally makes sense. A lot of things have been checked off on the list. A lot of guilt for not quite seeing this earlier to get him help sooner. Heart break from the emotional side he has had from this. The fear that struck me when I realized he could not really hold his writing utensil, button his pants, put his shoes on,and difficulty dressing himself.

Ashton use to be able to write his letters and now we are working very hard again starting with the letter A. It use to crush me inside when he would wipe my kisses off or be hesitant to give me one. I would say to him " that is okay, mommy knows you love me" and I would give him a hug when he would let me. We are also with the understanding he might have Asperger Syndrome.

So, now our jouney begins with a better understanding of Ashton's world and we can move forward in helping him. With all the little signs the biggest one for me was Ashton's eating habits. He just really did not eat. Bread, rice, and sometimes peanut butter is his main diet except for chocolate Pedia Sure. He will gag or vomit if he does not like something he ate. He has choked numerous times. Ashton has left the table complaining of the smell of the food on the table. We knew not to fight it and when he asked to go in another room while we ate we understood the smell was too much for him.

For 2 years I have kept his pediatrician updated on his eating to decide if it was picky eater syndrome or something more. Last step was we enrolled Ashton into a Pre K that served meals (no food allowed unless written note from doctor) to see if maybe Ashton would start eating if he saw other kids eat. A total no go! We now have a note from the doctor for outside food.

Also during the past 6 months I paid close attention to his behavior because of a "feeling" that would not go away of something is not quite right. Ashton starts physical and occupational therapy in September. I look forward to this so my husband and I can learn ways to help our son. We have the attitude of what ever we need to do to help our son we are ready and willing to do. This is our challenge with Ashton and like my other 2 children Ashton will always be our gift we are fortunate enough to have come into our lives.

Thank you for this website and the better understanding with our new situation. Please forgive the jumping in topics in my story. Ashton and his 3yr old sister were playing in the room while I was typing this (some distractions happened). Also, thank you for giving this opportunity to get my story out. This the first time I have been ready to do so.