I am a single mother with two children.  I became a mom, having my daughter at 21 years old.  I actually thought I had a good grasp on life by working up the corporate ladder and providing for my family.  In 2005, my son's father was diagnosed with agressive Systemic Lupus Erythmatosis and my world was turned upside down. 

After dealing with the news of this, I found out I was pregnant - 11 years after I had my daughter.  We were excited and scared at the same time.  After Jesse was born, he was so spoiled and loved.  Being the only baby in the house, the other kids loved to hold him and love on him.  Something was different, though.  I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Jesse demanded the lights be left on while he was sleeping, insisted on constant movement or the wrath of fury would abound out of his mouth, and would only calm down if I squeezed him against my chest.  As Jesse got older, these demands only increased.  Even as a newborn, when I read him stories, he would cry.  I simply chalked it up to that was just the way Jesse was.

As Jesse started to crawl, we noticed more unusual behavior.  He wouldn't speak at all.  Wouldn't even TRY to make words.  He didn't play and began banging his head on the walls and the floors when he didn't get his way. 

His father noticed the signs all along, however; I wasn't so quick to admit there was something wrong with my child.  I was raised with the thought of if you aren't like everyone else, you're not accepted.  Jesse's dad was much more accepting.  When Jesse was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, I broke down.  Because he was diagnosed at the age of 1, the doctors were reluctant to say he has full blown Autism.  Once he turns 3, they will re-evaluate to see where he falls in the spectrum. 

Today, Jesse is a thriving little boy.  At 2, he laughs, plays, signs, and speaks a few words.  We have learned his body language and developed a routine.  Jesse participates in speech and occupational therapy as well as Early Headstart, Parents as Teachers, and goes to United Cerebral Palsy twice a week to play with other children with disabilities. At 3, Jesse now participates in Pre-School and Headstart with other Autistic children.  He loves socialization and pretend plays every chance he gets.  His favorite shows are Sponge Bob and Back at the Barnyard.  His favorite movies are anything with fast racing cars like Fast and the Furious, Cars, Gone in 60 Seconds, and others.  We are learning to deal with our issues of over stimulation and being spoiled.  Such a little boy is a true gift of God.

I can honestly say that Jesse has turned my world right-side-up.  He has taught me the softer side of life.  Every hurdle and every accomplishment is a big deal for me.  I celebrate the new things, the old things, and everything about this little boy.  I believe God put him here to be our Angel and teach me unconditional love, patience, and understanding. 

I will begin to post blogs from diagnosis to present.  We should celebrate our children with Autism for they are one of a kind.  They are the true rulers of the universe.  ;-)