We have begun a new journey...

February 16 we began a new journey...Cole was diagnosed with Autism. This has brought lots of change into our lives. One of the biggest change is trying hard to take one day at a time. I am trying hard to put my faith in the Savior that he will lead me and guide me in this journey.

It all began in September 2008 I started to feel like something wasn't quite right with Cole. I took him into our pediatrician and told him I was concerned with Cole and some of his behaviors. A few were: he struggled with his peers, lined his cars up and that something just didn't seem right. Well he did a few things with Cole and said, "I don't see anything let's keep an eye on him and talk again at his 3 year old check-up in November." I was fine with that. Well November came and the feeling that something was not right with Cole and we needed to find out what it was. At Cole's 3 year check-up our doctor saw a few more of Cole's behaviors (no eye contact, speech delayed, I told him that he was a horrible sleeper up 2-3 hours every night in the middle of the night, picky eater, stopped using his fork and spoon, speech seemed to be delayed, wanted to play alone when with cousins, repeats things over and over, licks hands, runs around our island over and over, etc...), but still not to alarmed. Erik went with me and helped me describe better some of the behaviors we were seeing. The doctor gave us a referral to some developmental pediatricians to have him evaluated, "saying it takes months to get an appointment that we should make one and then if we decided that we didn't think it was necessary we could cancel."

The holidays came and went with much frustration. Taking Cole anywhere was a nightmare. His first day of Sunbeams was almost his last (a story for another day). I began calling several of the referred doctors. The response I was getting was we aren't making anymore appt.'s check back in 6 months or we are 6-9 months out for an appointment. I was so frustrated. Of course, pleading with the Lord that we had to be seen soon. Our prayers were answered and we got an appt. at the Melmed Center in Scottsdale set for 2 weeks later. Within days I received a packet full of questions about Cole and his behaviors, health, etc... We spent 4 hours filling them out and sent them back so they could review them before our first appt.

Monday, February 2, Cole, myself and Oma went for our first appt. at the Melmed center. For 2 1/2 hours we meet with Dr. Bilog (developmental pediatrician) answering questions, testing Cole, watching him play, and answering even more questions I left there emotionally drained. Set up an appointment to come back 2 weeks later for more testing and an 1/2 hour of discussion of what the dr. was leaning toward as a diagnoses for Cole. From the first appt. to the final written report it took a month and Cole was officially diagnosed with Autism.

Woe, that is a lot to take in. I spent several days/nights with lots of emotions. Luckily for us we have an amazing support group, our family and amazing friends. First and for most I knelt in prayer asking Heavenly Father to help me and Erik. Very quickly he sent angels to help us. A wonderful primary president Laura Richins, Peggy Peterson (Cole's one on one adult friend in Sunbeam class), Kaylene Barrus (my cousin who has an autistic son - that I totally admire), Ally Crandall (a cousin full of advice and info.), Heather Solomon (a dear friend), Moe Edwards (a dear friend with an autistic nephew, she took me over to see how his amazing mother as helped him be successful), Wendy Brimhall (set up a park day with her friend Heidi who is an Autism Specialist), my family, Erik's family and Erik who went with me to the temple where we felt peace. Let me tell you there have been so many angels sent our way - some through anonymous notes sent with encouraging words, to dear friends who insisted on bringing us dinner, to my mom seeing my need to get away and dropping her plans to go with me on a quick weekend trip to Utah, to my sister LaSchelle opening her doors to a much needed get a-way, to sisters and sister-in-laws and brothers who have just been there to listen. I have already met some amazing people and have experienced several tender mercies (in which one day I will share).

Where we are today:

*Cole attends an early intervention preschool 3 days a week for 2 1/2 hours "Little Coyotes"

including him there is 7 kiddos in his class with 3 teachers

*we have an ABA therapist coming into our home every other week

*DDD approved (that is the state program that has no money to share)

*waiting for the federal program to come out and evaluate Cole - hoping for some funding so we can have some therapist come into our home

*Weekly occupational therapy (Fiesta Pediatrics)

*Weekly speech therapy (Fiesta Pediatrics)

*Signed up for a 5 week Jump Start program at SARC for this summer

*Trying to organize a "social" group

*planning weekly thematic units to help Cole develop more language

*I am reading every minute I can trying to learn more about Autism and what I can do to help Cole

*Will attend my first Parent support group next week

*Cole goes to Sunbeams without crying with Sis. Peterson

***trying to enjoy our journey with Cole each day with a cheerful heart...