Life is full of surprises, challenges, and triumphs. None of us knows what awaits us around the next corner, or even beyond the next moment. I always knew that I wanted to work with learning disabilities in children, but I had no idea that my job ambition would end up being my life’s reward. My son, David, is that reward. The youngest of my three sons, David has proven to be a true blessing to me and to his two brothers.
David has autism. He is learning about his disability at the same time that he is realizing his many abilities. He understands a great deal about differences in people, and he definitely understands that he learns differently. He has high self-esteem even though his life path hasn’t always been an easy one.
Early Signs of Autism
When David was born, everything seemed perfectly normal. He walked at the age of nine months, started talking at the age normal babies do, and seemed to be developing totally on target for his age. Then, I noticed David’s development in speech was not progressing when he was 18 months old. Having raised two older sons, I knew that something was wrong. At this point, I realized I didn’t have a clue what to do or whom to call.
After a doctor examination, David’s pediatrician shrugged off his slowed progress as normal within baby development stages. He told me not to be concerned because children develop at different rates. I briefly accepted this explanation, then I decided to investigate further. A television advertisement informed me about an organization called Child Find, but when I called the telephone number I learned that I was incorrect. It took weeks for me to learn that this program was part of the public school system.
Dire Predictions from Specialists
Finally, after a year of evaluation, David started to receive special education services. I was so happy to see him getting the help he needed through school, and I also decided to seek some additional, outside speech services. At David’s initial evaluation, the speech pathologist told me to face reality: David would never be able to talk. The therapist surmised that David’s speech was as good as it would ever be. I felt depressed, then angry.
Raising a child with a disability can be very lonely. I felt that none of my family or friends could understand my fears and frustrations. I wanted to connect with other parents who had children with autism, so I organized a parent group to meet regularly and discuss the issues I was facing. The group helped to lift a big weight from my shoulders. I learned that I was not alone.
Great Progress with Help of Educators
I am very thankful to the many people who have helped my son and me. When he started school at age three, David could only say about eight words. With the help of his teachers and the other related service staff in the Detroit school system, David’s language has developed so much that he is now a true debater. He is by no means shy when it comes to expressing his feelings. David’s teachers and I chose to channel this skill. As a result, he has won a speech contest, performed several solo singing performances, and has given numerous presentations. David was nominated for and later received a “Yes, I can!” award from Michigan’s Federated Chapters of the Council for Exceptional Children. David’s idol is Stevie Wonder. When he sings one of Stevie’s songs, he always puts a little extra into his performance.
I don’t know what David will be doing in five years. I can only tell you that he and I both feel that the sky is the limit. David has never used the words “I can’t” and I don’t think he ever will. I am the proud mother of a rising star.
Martha Wilson is a parent from Detroit, Michigan.