Personal Post: Why You Should Light It Up Blue
Hello and Welcome!
Today, I want to talk to everyone about something that is dear and personal to my heart. Most of you know me as Savannah, the avid book reader who devours a book a day. Who is never without a book where ever she goes. What some of you don’t know, is that I am mom to an adorable little boy named Ben.
(Ben is a 4 year old little boy who has Autism.)
I don’t talk much about it cause well,…to be honest its overwhelming. We first received Ben’s diagnosis when he was 3 years old. Being a first time mom, no doctor would believe when I said that something is wrong with my son. They kept telling me that he is a late bloomer and will start speaking soon. They didn’t see what I saw. Ben, a passive little boy who was always in his own world. Who had extreme OCD tendencies and needed constant structure. I kept fighting and seeking out second opinions and finally! In late May of 2012, we got an answer. Ben has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).
Now, some parents might get scared getting that diagnosis. Me? I was relieved. I was glad that I finally had an answer as to what was going on with my son. Finally, I could seek the help that Ben needs without sounding stupid trying to explain to medical professionals over and over again, why my son is not speaking. Finally, my prayer got answered and we finally got help.
Once we had the diagnosis, I knew the road is going to be tough. Paper after paper work. Application and after application. Seeking out therapist and deciding, where to get therapy, how much therapy, and what therapy would work best for him.
I’ll be honest in saying we struggled financially. But by the Grace of God we ALWAYS made it. We ALWAYS had what we needed. Nothing more nor less.
So what am I asking exactly? On April 2nd 2013 is World Autism Awareness Day. This day is to help spread awareness. All I’m asking is that you support Ben and I and all others affected by Autism, by wearing blue. Blue hair, blue nails, blue shirt…anything blue.
Thanks to EVERYONE for your love and support! Ben has been blessed with such great friends and family who have help him on this journey.
Thank you Lord, for always listening to my prayers and walking by my side. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Go out there and support TEAM BENJAMIN in a fight to help hear his voice.
To my son Benjamin,
I love you more than words can express. Know that you are not alone. Mommy and Daddy are fighting for you every step of the way. I hear you son and I’m reaching out to you. I pray that you continue to be a testimony to the church and to those around you. I pray that your voice will one day be heard loud and clear. And most importantly, I pray that you will one day be a great Godly man, and do great things. No matter what happens Ben, never loose hope or sight of God. Always remember who you are. Forgive Ben. Not everyone will understand you and that’s okay.You will make mistakes and fall, but ALWAYS get back up. Make me proud son and prove all those doctors wrong!
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Thanks for letting us know about this day. I have 2 kids in the spectrum and life is always interesting. They tend to see the world in a very different way and their daily challenges are difficult for “normal” people to understand. We do a lot of role-playing and practicing social interactions so that they can function normally.
You also become an advocate for your child in everything. It can be exhausting. You are very lucky your son was assessed at a young age. I had to wait til mine were about 8 years old. (Back then the waiting lists were long).
Good luck.
The letter to your son was so touching. The whole post was. Thank you for sharing this.
This is a really wonderful post. Autism is one of those things that it seems like doctors have a really hard time diagnosing. A family friend has a child with autism and she too is a first time mom… and also just kept getting written off by doctors as not knowing what was “normal”.
I think you’re already ahead of a lot of people in simply not having given up. I wish you many happy years to come 🙂
Thank you for sharing your personal story on autism. The letter was great and very touching and made a pregnant woman cry.
I’ll wear blue if I can remember… 🙂 Aw he’s so cute! It’s gonna go viral! xx
Thank you for sharing your story. My 5 year old son has Autism too.
He is adorable!!!!
I’m glad you finally got a diagnosis. At least now you have a road to follow and explore. You are an awesomesauce mom!!
Your son is so cute and he is incredibly lucky to have such an amazing mom. I will definitely wear blue on the 2nd!
I love this post. It’s so honest and touching. I was in college in Alpha Xi Delta the yr we switched our philanthropy to Autism Speaks and I loved getting to work with others to raise awareness and money. So many people are affected by Autism. When I was working in elementary schools I got to work with some of the sweetest kids who happened to be on the spectrum. So I’ll be right there with you wearing blue for them! I never really thought about the struggles each family goes through, but your sun is lucky to have such a devoted and kind mom. You’re awesome! 🙂
Hi Savy,
I can relate to what you are going through. My only child Bella was diagnosed with ASD last year also. She is 4 years old, and not speaking yet either. She is in a 5-hour county preschool Autism program for 3 and 4 year olds. It’s been very challenging, and I worry about my baby all the time. She starts Kinder next year. I connected with everything you said, and your letter brought tears to my eyes. We even had the same problem with the Dr. saying she was a late bloomer, and I was relieved to have a diagnosis, and be able to understand what was going on with my daughter. My family will be wearing blue tomorrow!