I am the mom of 3 little boys - 6-yr-old twins and a 3 yr old. Our twins were diagnosed with autism and sensory integration disorder at age 3. Looking back, there were signs of autism from birth but we didn't recognize them at the time. We knew they were "different" from other kids but we were first-time parents so didn't always realize how different, and when we did we just attributed it to being preemies or twins or boys... until finally by age 3 we knew there was more to it than that.
They have come a loooong way since then! They are now in a regular ed class with resource support through the ASD program at school, and they have pull-out as needed for therapy, sensory breaks, or if they need a quieter environment for something that requires extra focus. They still have challenges, mostly in the areas of communication, social skills, and sensory, but they have amazing talents also.
Our little guy's development was on track until somewhere between 15-20 months, he had started to say a few words and he pointed a lot, but he lost some of those words and stopped pointing altogether. He made less and less eye contact and would rarely respond to his name. It was a gradual change, but by 22 months the signs were stacking up. We talked to his ped at his 2-yr checkup and started the process of having him evaluated. He enrolled in early intervention and was diagnosed with autism at age 2. At age 3, he "graduated" from EI to the early childhood pgm through the school. He's doing well so far, still not talking much but he is interacting more and starting to imitate, which he wouldn't do before.
My husband is a full time SAHD, and has been since our twins were 6 weeks old. His background is in education, and he does an awesome job with our boys.
The reason I started this blog is to have a place to write down all the cute, funny, and frustrating things my kids do all the time. It will be great to look back later and see all the progress they've made. Also, to raise awareness about autism. If there's one thing I'd want people to know about autism, it's that people with autism may be wired differently, but they have the same desire to be loved (however they express it), feelings, and talents just like everyone else. I truly believe that many of the struggles that those with autism and their families go through could be lessened by increasing awareness and acceptance in society.
And, in the midst of it all, you'll find some random thoughts about whatever else is on my mind at the moment, just like the title says :).
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Little Bitty's class had their end of year party on Wednesday. They had bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and sandboxes with buckets and toys (just right for a class of 3-4 yr olds). He didn't even realize we were there at first. Finally I knelt down by him, gently touched his arm, and said hello, but he still didn't look up or acknowledge me. So I just started playing in the sand next to him and eventually he looked up and noticed I was there. He gave us a big smile and a "hi!"
They had some frozen ice-pops (the kind in the plastic tubing that you push up as you eat them) and he tried it but made a big face about it. He doesn't like anything that is too cold... but I was impressed that he gave it a try. 
