Our Youngest Son Who Has #Autism Is Now Eleven Years Old!

Nathan is eleven years old and enjoying his summer. It is difficult to believe that so much time has gone by since he was born. It was 11 years ago yesterday that our youngest son, Nathan, came into our lives, and earlier than we expected! Between the numerous Braxton Hicks trips to the hospital (which we didn't want to ignore, especially with me being older), then the doctor actually having to administer Brethine to keep me from going into labor too early and having an amniocentesis four days earlier, we still weren't prepared for what lay ahead. Everything to do with my fourth pregnancy was different from the first three times. Our journey started out a little rough, escalated way beyond our imagination but, we are so glad to have been blessed by having him in our lives! 

It has been an experience that has actually made us better parents and has given other family members the chance to see a glimpse into the lives of a special needs family. Nathan is considered to have high functioning autism "HFA" but, when he was diagnosed with autism, they actually told us to look up Asperger's Syndrome. Nathan was very intelligent for being almost five years old but, he was challenged socially and behaviorally. Without even knowing it, they were asking us to "Think Differently" about our son's situation. I am thankful to have the support of family, friends and the community connections in which I have made over the years since Nathan's diagnosis. It makes a BIG difference when you realize that YOU are not alone!