Our days with autism, could be numbered.
We are walking a journey with our Keller James that is miraculous and unbeleivable. It is at the same time hard to take in and yet all we have wanted to see for years. It's the days we dreamed of... when we were brave enough to dream.
Keller has finished creche (preschool) and in January 2018 he began Grade R (kindergarten). He attends the same school Kieren attends, a normal primary school filled with neuro-typical boys and girls. The school does value inclusion and has a few kids on the spectrum and with other intellectual disabilities, but it looks likely that Keller will not be one of them. For sure, he was nervous about the change to 'big school,' but he is ready, and we, his biggest fans in the world, know that he will thrive.
At this point we have been told by multiple therapists that Keller does not have ANY of the symptoms of the autism spectrum and some have recommended that we meet with our diagnosing doctor about taking away his diagnosis. This can happen, where a child would 'lose a diagnosis' because of intervention and an overcoming of symptoms. We see Keller still struggling at times with focus and other tasks, but we agree that truly his defining autism symptoms are no more.
I someone wonder, with a huge lump in my throat, HOW DID WE GET HERE?
How did we get to a point where our child has no symptoms of autism and absolutely thrives in every part of his life? Was that other child we had just a dream or was that really our life?
We know that Keller's autism diagnosis at 22 months was very real and it was very accurate. He met all the criteria for autism and had symptoms that were moderate. Our lives were completely turned upside down by the diagnosis and our family became intervention experts and all personal therapists for Keller.
We have walked a three year journey with Keller where every moment was an opportunity to have therapy and help him learn and our efforts have proven fruitful.
What has been the most fruitful in this journey with autism has always been PRAYER and the PRESENCE of GOD. We have always known that God was with us and have always seen His hand on Keller’s life. There are changes and advancements that could have only come by a miracle and we never will forget what God has done.