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Suzanna
The day of her appointment finally came and after about an hour with the specialist Suzanna was officially diagnosed with the Autism Spectrum Disorder, PDD, NOS or rather Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Quite a mouthful but for a Mother who always wondered why my child seemed so different from other children, it was music to my ears. They say knowledge is power, so even though I never wanted my child labeled something it was good to know that now I had somewhere to turn. I could learn the best way to reach her and parent her and help her grow up to be as independent as possible. I remember weeping uncontrollably that night thinking that after today things will never be the same for my little girl. Life would never be easy for her and she may have to have some sort of assistance all her life. I think at that moment I realized how much I loved her and all her quaintness. I would have to be an advocate for her for the rest of her life and I was willing to sign on the dotted line no questions asked.
Suzanna is now fourteen years old. She is now in grade 9 and has grown up to be a beautiful young women, on the inside as well as the outside. She is a typical teenager prone to tirades and temper tantrums but she also has a heart as big as the ocean. She is well liked by her teachers and classmates but has yet to develop a lasting friendship with anyone her age. We are all hoping that one day she will have someone who will be a true friend to her. She follows an integrated learning program at school and does very well at most subjects except for Math. She loves to draw cartoon characters and has started a novel about these characters that she is very proud of. She has also started Karate and according to her instructor is doing very well. All the simple things that we all take for granted such as brushing or washing our hair are not an easy task for her. It is also harder for her to comprehend what people are saying as she interprets things differently and needs to concentrate intently when someone is speaking to her. Eye contact is also very difficult for her but she perseveres and will look you straight in the eye even though it is very apparent how uncomfortable it is for her to do so.
I am not sure what the future holds for my daughter. I would love to protect her from the world forever but I know I cannot do that. As she gets closer to adult hood she will have to make decisions on own that will very probably affect the rest of her life. But she is very strong willed and I have every faith that she will choose the right road in this journey that we call life. I know I cannot always be there to hold her hand or give her a hug when she needs it most but she does know she is loved and accepted without question. Yes, the road may be a bit rocky at times for Suzanna but with proper guidance she will find her way. Of that I am certain, for the fighting spirit that she had as she entered the world on September 2, 1991 is still with her today.
Written by Monicka, October 26, 2005
