I am mom to Ruby and Clara. Ruby is 3 and has autism. Clara is 9 months and NT so far.

Ruby was a great baby and is a very smart little toddler. Ruby wasn't a kid who regressed, she just never progressed. She hit most of her milestones on time, sitting up, walking etc. She babbled, although not very much or very loud. She smiled and was a very happy baby. I had no idea anything was wrong. I have never been a believer in the flu shot, but was talked into getting one when I was 6 months pregnant with Ruby. I was a nurse and was pushed into it by the staff. I regret that day so much now.

She started teething at 3 months, but didn't cut a tooth until she was 13 months old. She never fed herself either. At 22 months I had to spend an entire day teaching her to put food in her mouth. She got it and I was exhausted. At that point I sort of knew something wasn't right. I just didn't want it to be autism. I pictured autism as "Rainman" or a child who sits and spins things all day. I knew that wasn't my child, but I found out that autism comes in many forms.

After my stepmother very tactlessly told me that something was wrong with Ruby, I finally opened my eyes and did something. It took quite a while to get the diagnosis. I cried a lot. I watched "Autism Everyday" and almost died. I felt like I'd lost my child, the child I thought I had. It took me a long time to get over it. I've still not fully accepted the autism, but I have come to a place where I can deal with it. She is still Ruby and still needs my love and patience. She can't help her behaviours and I am here to help her.

A month after the diagnosis I decided to try the GFCF diet. We saw great things, although small, they were good. She was no longer a picky eater, I could put anything in front of her and she would eat it, that was enough for me to keep it going. I then researched anything I could and learned as much as I could and began the world of biomeds. In the eight months of diet and biomeds Ruby has gone from 3 words to well over 500 words. I can't even count the words she knows now. We also learned at Christmas that Ruby can read. She just started reading words to us! We had no idea because she couldn't talk. Her memory is amazing as well.

Ruby is now getting 3 hours a week of ABA, she was on the SC diet but now I have her on a half GFCF and half SCD. I know the SC diet is great, but I found it very restricted, she was on it for 6 months.

I could go on and on here! Ruby has come a long way. She has a long way to go. I'm sure I will add to this!