Mutterings Of A Mindless Mommy

One year ago today the doc that had been assessing my daughter said “she is autistic.” Of course it wasn’t too much of a surprise, once we started the testing I knew the direction things were going. It was a little bit of a punch in the gut but by no means devastating. Admittedly I was a little relieved because I felt I had more direction in her life. I think the only reason I remember the date is because it was the day before her 3rd birthday. Now here it is the day before her 4th birthday and I am sitting her reflecting on the last year.

It has been a year of tremendous growth, lots of backsliding, and a whole heckuva lot of fun. All-out meltdown at Sea World complete with judgmental parents telling me my child was spoiled. Numerous parents commenting on public freak-outs and diapers on a “child her age.” Lots of dirty looks, rude comments, and nice enlightening conversations on my part (depending on my mood hehe). What I do know is over the last year not only has *my* understanding and impression of autism and all spectrum disorders changed but so has that of all of my friends and family. My daughter is a happy, affectionate, and loving little girl and I am so thankful to have her in my life.