Autism. How It Changed My Life.

7 Years ago my husband and I welcomed our firstborn, Gabriel. We were as happy as any parent could be. Gabe was growing on point and happy, oh so happy. By the time Gabe was six months, I started to notice some differences between him and a friend of mine's daughter. Now I know no one should ever compare his or her children to other children but as a first-time mum being around other small children, it gets you wondering.

So I started to almost obsessively pay attention to what Gabe was doing. I realized yes some things he was doing but other things, like eye contact, he NEVER did, he would never point at things he wanted. So, off we went to my GP and I got told the same thing that probably most parents get told "He's still young. Give him another few months and we will reevaluate".  Excuse me!?!?! clearly, he is still young but the signs are there and something is not right. 

Anyways, by Gabe's 1st birthday he made some progress, he was rolling over and crawling but still no pointing or eye contact and no more words other than "mama", "dada", "nana", "papa". We ended up moving to a bigger place which ended up being the beginning of Gabe's regression. Any progress Gabe had made had just vanished. POOF! it was like he reverted back to being an infant.

It was many months later, when Gabe was 2.5 years old, that he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Now here we are 5 years later, Gabe is 7, his sister Gwen is 5 and also on the spectrum, and his youngest sister Gray is 2. We have our struggles from time to time, but for the most part, we have developed a routine that allows Gabe, Gwen, and Gray to enjoy life the way they need and want to.

I can't begin to express how hard it was trying to get a family portrait done with 2 kids on the spectrum. It's awful and draining. The majority of the population who doesn't have children with Autism don't understand why our kids "just can't sit for a photograph". That's why I'm happy to offer personalized family portrait sessions that cater to your child(ren) who has Autism. Please contact me for further information.