Here Begins Our ASD Journey

I am just finally processing and accepting this all. It's been very hard to talk about and a very sensitive topic for me. Watching other people's children pass Bennett in developments was and still is hard. But I am doing much better with it than I was the last few months. I have accepted that Bennett is just different, but still the same amazing little boy we have had all along. So I am finally ready to open up about all we have been dealing with and share our story and adventure as we move forward.

We started speech for Bennett 6 months ago because he had a very evident speech delay. Our Dr told us to just be patient and that he would eventually talk; but he wasn't making progress. So we reached out to Early On and (in a 6mo nutshell) he hasn't been making the normal development steps he should be with his speech. They started talking about autism about a month ago and I freaked. We ended up seeking a second opinion through the Developmental Clinic. They confirmed the strong suspicion of Bennett being on the autism spectrum. They cannot place formal diagnosis was on children because they only do assessments. I have finally stepped back and opened my eyes and realized, he definitely has strong characteristics of ASD. So we are now starting the process of getting a "medical diagnosis" so that our insurance will help cover the costs of therapy that we will need. We are also starting the transition process out of the Early On speech therapy he is getting because he won't qualify for it after he turns 3. He will start in an early childhood special education classroom once he turns 3 in October (the school requirement). We have a great service coordinator that is helping get everything in line and answer all of our questions.

Honestly, we have no clue what the hell we are doing. Just taking it day by day and trying to do what's best for Bennett so he can learn and develop to the best of his ability. 

I'm scared and have so many questions and have questions that I haven't even thought of yet. It's kind of overwhelming. But we will be just fine! Bennett is so smart and so amazing! We have no doubt that he will do amazing things with the help he needs. We are so fortunate to also have a great support system of friends and family. I don't know what I would do without them! 

So here begins our journey and adventure. Let's do this!