The Spectrum

Autism is a developmental disorder that onsets before the age of 3. It is a spectrum of disorders, hence no two are alike. Autism is not a disease....thus there is no cure. However, those with autism can learn to manage their autistic traits well enough to pass for normal. It is but just an impairment in social interaction.
Aqil started talking late...in fact, it is only after seeing the speech therapist did he start with his first words. 2+ and still not talking, pulling us but unable to tell what he wanted. Cried and wailed when we couldn't understand what he wanted and he got frustrated.
Visitings during the festive season was a challenge, not wanting to enter unfamiliar homes. Home was the best place. His diet was terrible. Only milk and plain porridge. Yup, plain porridge...add condiments and he'd refuse it. Even now, it is still plain porridge. Oh yes, he eats rice....chicken rice. But just the rice. No chicken meat nor soup to go along. Just rice.
Snacks? He eats wafers of a particular brand. Other brands....NO. Chocolates....he love it. Cadbury milk chocolate. Other types....NO. Other brands....NO. French fries....yes! He love it too! McDonald's fries. Other fries....NO. Tried frying home-made fries...NO. Cheated by putting other fries into McDee's fries container......NO. He knows.
With such a diet, we need supplement for him. Pediasure. He love it. And now, no Pediasure...NO. He won't drink the milk.
Bringing our worries to the experts was a right move. We were set up with speech therapists to start him off with his first words. We were referred to EIPIC Centre for special needs children. A lot of improvements were seen. His vocabulary has increased....he is socially much more interactive, responsive....he is behaving almost normal! NO....he is normal. He just need help with social interaction.

Similar to how Aqil is. Looks normal.....behaving almost normal. And yes....this boy is wearing diapers....same like Aqil. Still with diapers. 

We never regret. We don't feel sorry for him or ourselves. We are thankful to God for blessing us with this handsome gift. He opens our eyes. He shows us the meaning of patience, understanding, love. He made us realize that there are many, many like him all around us. There are even others worse than him. 

Being able to make us smile. Being able to make us love him. Being able to break / melt our hearts. ~

HE IS AWESOME! We love you sweetheart!