My youngest son called this week. At first, it seemed like a routine check-in ‘Hey Mom, how’s it going?’ phone call. We chatted about the latest coronavirus news, his new role at work, and how fast the kids are growing. But something seemed off. My mother’s intuition had my radar up.
“Mom, I have something to tell you, and I wanted you to hear it from me”. Oh my god. Here it comes. “You know we’ve been concerned lately about [Raymond] (as in Raymond Babbitt — not his real name). We recently had him tested for autism, and his results are in. He has been diagnosed on the mild to moderate spectrum for autism”.
My precious, two-and-a-half year old grandson is autistic. At first, I felt sad, and then, almost relieved. Since he was around a year old, he has exhibited delays in motor skills and speech. He has a huge head, and literally needed ankle supports to help him walk because his head is so heavy. And then, the terrors began. He would cry hysterically, and nothing would console or soothe him. My son and his wife were at a loss how to help him.
They have done a wonderful job of seeking answers, and have a great team of providers who will help them navigate the future. This gives me relief. But what does his future look like? What will be his (and their) greatest challenges? How can I help him and them as a grandparent? I have so many questions and so much to learn.
I am a grandparent of an autistic child.
