My daughter Carleigh is 4 years old. She did not meet the milestones that her older sister did and she was a much more difficult eater than Ashleigh was too. While I thought something wasn't quite "normal" about her lack of vocabulary or the inability to say mama or dada at 2, I listened as others tried to convince me that Carleigh was just a delayed talker and that she would come around. Ashleigh, 2 years older, was showing signs of delay and we had her tested by the county school system. During that home visit, the evaluator noticed some concerning behaviors that Carleigh displayed. She had Carleigh tested as well, the results showing severe developmental and speech delays. Carleigh was diagnosed as nonverbal autistic with sensory processing disorder by a developmental pediatrician. I'm glad I had answers, I was happy to have a plan and I felt guilty for all the times I became frustrated with a sleepless night, a random meltdown or a battle at dinner time. My life changed with that diagnosis. I became a mom that could tolerate an outburst. I no longer lose my mind with the late nights of trying to calm my little girl down. I have learned from Carleigh and her teachers different ways to communicate with her and the frustration is starting to disappear from all of us. Because of her, I am more aware of the population increase of these special children and have started training to be a therapeutic horseback riding instructor so I might be able to help other children on the spectrum. Carleigh is currently in school and making huge strides. She's using a PECS book to communicate, follows a visual schedule and is starting to learn how to use an AAC device. Of all the success she's had, the best one by far was the moment she started saying mommy and daddy which was just within the last couple of months. It was a long wait to hear those words, but a wait well worth it.

Lindy Knapp
Spotsylvania, VA