At 2 years old. A few weeks after the 2 year shots.  Ryan started taking steps backwards in communication and development.  I took him to the Doctor because I knew something wasn’t right. They discounted my concerns by saying “all children develop differently, give him time”…  My husband was in complete denial. that our boy could possibly be handicapped.

I could stand behind Ryan and call his name(even loudly), without any response, at all.  For a while we all thought it could be a hearing problem, but many tests ruled that out. Then I started observing him, going into his own world and entertaining himself.  Completely tuning out the rest of us.  I even use to joke that he was talking to angels sometimes because he pretended to talk to people (we couldn’t see) and laugh.

There were also certain sounds Ryan would make.  Especially when he was excited (kind of like a shriek). The few words he did say, before age 2 had completely gone and he was using inflection but no formed words. Sometimes when I talked. He would want to touch my throat to feel the vibrations. It seemed to really soothe him.  I had a hard time keeping clothes on him as well, because waist bands and tags drove him nuts!  He also started eating sand and dirt at the playground and the beaches. too…

On Halloween. Just before Ryan’s 3rd birthday.  I was on the porch, when a boy came and sat on my lap and wanted to help me give candy away.  I could tell he was a special child, but to my surprise,  he made noises just like Ryan. This was kind of a shock to me! (I never heard any other child act or sound like him before!)  soon I saw A man approaching me.  He  looked very concerned but happy.  He said his son never interacted with people like this before and that he was Autistic!  That was the day I knew, for sure, my son had Autism.  I was happy I could finally put a name to this, but a bit sad knowing Ryan’s road in life, would not be an easy one.

That next week I took him to the Doctor and demanded that tests be run. I finally got through to his pediatrician, that his development was still, not right.  Then I also mentioned that I had met a child who appeared to be, just like my Ryan and he had Autism!  Referrals started flying to have him completely tested! His first diagnosis was PDD  (pervasive developmental disorder). It wasn’t till the first school meeting that the word “Autism” was used!  I walked out of the meeting.  broke down and just cried.  I had known all this time, but hearing others say it. Finally Made it real!

That My Son would never have a “Normal Life”, like everyone else...

Looking back now! (which has been 15 years)  I can tell you that I think “Normal” is way overrated!  Ryan has such an amazing heart and personality!  He touches so many lives, on a daily basis!  We have even started calling him the family barometer, because He feels everyone’s emotions around him. This young man is gifted, in so many ways, We have yet to learn!

Forget about Normal!…..I am very proud to say, that Ryan, is a priceless Original!!!.....