By Angela aka mtmomma
(Most people online know me as mtmomma. You can get to know me and both my girls more at http://mtmomma.com)
In April of 2004 I gave birth to a wonderful little girl. I was on cloud nine because I now had two
great little girls. Seeing the world through my daughter’s eyes has helped me to grow and learn. So
many doors for learning, loving and understanding, have been opened up to me. I just had no clue
how many doors I would face with my youngest daughter. I noticed at around 2 years old she started
doing odd little things, over- or under-reacting to many things. She was always very verbal, spoke
well, and at an early age her first word was Sierra (her big sisters name). I noticed she started losing
words and getting mixed up on her words, and I was faced with those doors I had mentioned. I was
lucky to have the internet to go to, to research her behaviors. I put in a list of words: spinning toys
and self, losing speech, and a few sensory related words. I hit enter in the search and saw many
sites referencing Autism.
The more I searched and learned and looked for answers the more I was forced to look at myself
as well; I started seeking out doctors and I wasn’t even sure what type of Dr. she needed to see. When
I found one finally who could give me a little insight and assure me my world was not falling apart
and we had to give lots of family history I was told she was on the spectrum. The first thing that popped
in my head wasn’t a puzzle piece, it was a rainbow of colors, some bright some faint. The Dr’s official
diagnosis was “Your Daughter has High Functioning Autism or what is now called Asperger’s.” In
the same breath I heard “You most likely are as well but I can’t give the official diagnosis, as I’m a Ped.”
Every day I search for a way to help my daughter thrive and succeed. I’m glad I knew to search out
those little things that set her apart from others. My mom just thought I was silly, stubborn, picky
and yes spoiled. But the truth is I’m most likely on the spectrum and didn’t get a diagnosis due to
the stereotypes and most test and research for autism being based on boys… I think each day is
getting better in regards to women finding help and getting a proper diagnosis and it is due to sites
like AWN! Ladies who have been there and done that offering an open caring, and understand hand
to lead us in the right direction…
Thank you all for being there and helping me open those doors so my daughter could have a
brighter day!!
Thank you,
Angela aka mtmomma
Angela,
I agree it’s absolutely wonderful how there is an increasing amount of support and resources for females on the spectrum, and I’m very glad you and your daughter have found this realm of support!
A scenario where a mother discovers she may be on the spectrum after her child receives his/her diagnosis is becoming a growing trend, and your experience with this is similar to a number of other mothers whose children are diagnosed with an ASD. These mothers often say how much of a revealing self-discovery experience it is for them to see elements of themselves in their child.
Thank you very much for sharing your story.
Yes, either the mother or the father tends to be on the spectrum as well, or else an uncle, aunt, grandparent. My parents, for example, show autistic-like traits, but not enough to be diagnosed. My uncle, on the other hand, we strongly believe is autistic.
Thank you very much for your beautiful story.
Thank you both for your comments!
It’s amazing how much we learn through our children..