Why our autism diagnosis was one of the best things to happen to us.

I was always terrified that I would have a kid with autism.  And now I do.  I've been thinking a lot lately about how sometimes God gives us what we are most afraid of and then shows himself faithful.  And now I realize that Eli's diagnosis was one of the best things to happen for us.  Prior to that diagnosis, we were frustrated, secluded, angry, and clueless.  I had this little boy that I loved fiercely, but he struggled with so many things.  He cried around other children.  He couldn't tolerate play dates, trips to the park, trips to the store, or classroom settings without a lot of help.  I worried that other people wouldn't ever see what an amazing kid he was.

Then I went to a meeting and his teacher said with such compassion that we should probably have Eli tested for autism.  She put words to my fears.  The moment I got in my car after that meeting, I burst into tears.  I was terrified of all of the unknowns that lay ahead of us.  But God was so quick and faithful to remind me that He made Eli.  He made Eli with a plan and purpose in mind.  An autism diagnosis did not change that.

Almost four years later, I can look at this boy of ours and am completely amazed at how far he has come.  He is making so much progress in all areas of his development.  This year he has made some really sweet friends, he is learning to read, he is trying new foods, and he just likes to generally surprise us with all he knows and remembers.  Just recently, Eli told us about two events that happened when he was 3 years old.  At that age, he had very limited language skills mostly limited to naming objects, repeating phrases from movies and television shows, and repeating what we said (echolalia).  The fact that he was able to tell us memories from hat time frame confirms that he had a whole lot more going on in his brain than what he was able to communicate.  So amazing.

Eli, don't ever doubt that God made you with a purpose.  He has given you the most compassionate heart.  He loves you. We love you.  And we are so glad that you are ours!!!