Our Autism journey

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David's first time to travel in the Philippines (3yrs old) - diagnosed with Mild Autism
When David was 3yrs old he was diagnosed with mild autism. 
The news made us weary and shaken. How could this be? But by God’s grace, He helped us face and embrace the truth. Our fears before turned us to trust God more.
 
Looking back, we praise God for He put us in this situation. 
It was actually more than a blessing. David is kindhearted and focus. Thought he won’t speak but turned out he’s even more talkative and friendly. 
Here were some posts when I mentioned about how God has ever been present in our autism journey:
👉 Star of the Week
👉 Upset
👉 Culprit
One of our goals as parents is how he would live even without us anymore so as much as possible we are teaching him life skills that he could use/do independently such as cooking his own breakfast, preparing his own bed, clothes to wear daily/weekly, read his own bible, bathing/cleaning himself, does his nebulizer, buy food at the wet market or even in the neighborhood, communicate in Khmer language, crossing a busy street/road, helping out people, being respectful, even by managing his own time well. 

To be honest, I still care and couldn't help to be worried about our son. We are grateful for a wonderful community at his school. But what will happen if there might be a possibility that he would be transferred to other schools? or what's going to happen if he enters university? It will be a new environment for him to adjust with, unfamiliar people/friends to meet with. He might get bullied for being different, will people be able to understand and accept him? - these are just some of my concerns. 

While David has a friendly trait and pleasant to others, there were still several instances that we would see him play alone at the park and not being included on group games 😐😔. He would run to me and asked if he could walk with me. I would ask him why he can't play with them, and he would reply that the children don't like him 😔 and they said he is not normal. 
It breaks my heart to hear every time 😟💔 my initial reaction is to go and confront the children about it, but Vandy would tell me to control myself from doing it. We should help David figure out by himself how to respond and process it independently. 

Dad observed that at this point, our son still not ready to learn his Autism condition. He might have the idea of autism about but would definitely struggle to accept that he has it. We are praying for courage and right timing and right words to tell David.

To be honest, years back Vandy and I had friction while navigating David's autism. It took a toll on us, affecting our relationship as husband and wife. It was challenging for us to understand and raise our child. It's all by God's grace really! 
God moves and let us realize we are not each other's enemies. And that our son's autism is actually God's will and part of a bigger purpose in God's Kingdom. 
 
The verse today is again connected to armor of God has given us. 
These are tools that us believers should always wear. When we face battles (mostly inward ones) we are ready and equipped no matter life would bring us.



At St. Lukes Hospital where David would get his annual evaluation with Dr. Dimalanta (Developmental Pediatrician)
We are grateful for a considerate and caring doctor, the moment he knew we would be coming from Cambodia plus Vandy was a pastor, he immediately prioritized to accommodate us (it was even on a Sunday afternoon!).
So right after Vandy's preaching at my home church, we went straight to St.Luke's hospital for David's special appointment with Dr. Dimalanta. 





David is now 11 years old and loves this dog (Simba) a lot!

 

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