Jayce was diagnosed at the age of 2 with severe ASD and SPD. He WAS nonverbal. I say "was", because for the last year and a half he has been in ABA therapy and attends morning Preschool through a special education program in our community. His teacher and therapists just adore him and have made such a world of difference in his life. His echolalia skills he has mastered. If you ask him to repeat you, he will. He also knows to say please, and he can perform tasks when asked to. He is a completely different little guy now at the age of 4 than he was when diagnosed.
At 2 Jayce didn't speak at all, he wouldn't respond to his name and he couldn't care less if someone new walked into the room. When I came home from work, he wouldn't acknowledge me. What a heart break for a mama, but now he can't wait for me to get home. He grins and runs to me, squeezes, hugs, and kisses me. ABA has been our miracle and I just couldn't be more thankful for all of the amazing people we have met and that have taken such an interest in pulling Jayce out of his shell.
To new parents with a child on the spectrum, my only advice is that all babes on the spectrum are different. Don't ever compare yours to another. Be thankful for the little one God gave you and take pride in EVERY tiny little thing he/she does because all little steps are HUGE.
Jayce is our blessing, our inspiration.
Follow us on our journey https://www.facebook.com/SPACE4JAYCE
Please don't quit asking questions and learning. This is a journey you do not have to take alone.
Terre Haute, IN
