The big 3 is approaching faster than I'd like. Jojo was diagnosed on 09/05/12 right before his 2nd birthday. I had such huge expectations of what I would've accomplished in the world of Autism, in the first year. I didn't know what I was in for at all. I was naively ignorant to what was coming and I took on a superwoman attitude. I crashed the library, bookstore, and any webinar or website I could find and I read/listened to so much information that first 6 months. On top of self educating I was in the thick of finding speech, occupational, and behavior therapists to come in home to help us learn how to work with Jojo. I had a great plan in my mind; 3 to 6 months of intense therapy and we could nip this in the ass! Throw in a gluten and casein free diet and we were sure to crack the code.
Fast forward to April (7 months in) and I was absolutely defeated by my own plan. I was no where near where we wanted to be. I was exhausted. Jojo was so sick all the time. My plan failed and I felt like autism smacked US in the face and with a cold hearted smirk it chuckled at my every effort. After seeing a few specialist it was determined that jojos autism and global delays are caused by chromosomal abnormalities specifically chromosome 6. This was my hardest and most defining month. I came to the realization that this awful existence I was living in was now staying. The hectic schedule. The daily battle within myself to just keep going was taking a toll. I finally just said to myself...you get what you get and you got what you got DEAL with it!!!
I knew that in order for me to do my best for my family I had to make sure jojo was ok. I needed reassurance after the passing out episode he had. I had to know why it happened and then maybe I could refocus? So began a summer of appointments and medical tests. This lil cutie was a true champion through it all. The team at Phoenix children's hospital was amazing with him. An amazingly positive atmosphere and he had every recommend test and other than a few things to keep an eye on after age 5 he is medically FINE!! A huge relief and refocusing began.
Autism may be here to stay but we can just live around it. Its part of us now..its who we are..we are the autism family on the block. We are Team JoJo forever!!
I cant wait to post after his birthday and reminisce over all the triumphs we have had. He has made some incredible progress and just amazes me everyday.
So the big 3 can come and pass with balloons and gifts to make my lil wonder smile and get so excited im sure a lil hand flapping will ensue.
