My son, Justin,  in the above picture is the reason for this page.  I want people to be aware of autism.  Justin is autistic.  He was diagnosed in January/02, but it was apparent something else was wrong from about the time he was 18 mths.  I wish I was more up on things when I look back.  Others where telling me different reasons on why he didn't talk, why he was delayed, why he didn't do things other children his age did.  I even had him at the pediatricians for different reasons and nothing was even hinted at it being autism.  I would call his name and he wouldn't look at me, we thought he was deaf, then when he looked at me, which when he did he hardly had eye contact. it was like he was seeing through me, or just a glance.  When he was born he was basically fine.  He was born with 2 small holes in his heart, causing him to have a heart murmur.  Within a year it was cleared up.  I remember getting his pictures done just before his first picture, he was a happy smiley baby, who looked right at you.  Slowly I lost part of that child.  A child who once ate everything on his plate, would hardly eat anything, no veggies, no fruits, no cheese, no pasta, no cakes or cookies, and no meat.  I do like the fact he could care less about candy .  Soon Justin was in his own little world.  I could call his name 20 times and he wouldn't look at me standing right beside him.  But he could be up the hall and the Teletubbies come on and he would zip down the hall to watch them.  I knew he wasn't deaf.  He learned a few words, but lost them.  I watched other children his age or compared him to my sisters kids.  He was definitely different. Justin also became uncontrollable to take anywhere.   One day while at the doctor's for myself I had Justin with me.  My dr was the one who discovered he was autistic.  She set up an appointment for a hearing test and then one for an evaluation diagnosis. He had perfect hearing.  In Janurary/02 he was diagnosed with being moderately autistic with severe delays in language and comprehension. (in Fall 2003 Justin was rediagnosed as severely autistic) This little boy is my angel.  I love him so much.  I just wanted to tell our story. Justin is now saying one or two words and using them in the right context.  He is also understanding one or two word commands.  Autism is just really being made aware of.  And I want to help get the word out there. 

Although Justin isn't vaccine damaged, I find this group very informative and supportive. Nice to know we aren't alone.    They now have a new mumps/measles/rubella schedule that you can get your child vaccinated by so that you can keep them safe.  I wouldn't trade Justin in for the world.  But if I had of known about doing the shots differently I would have.  How does that saying go, an ounce of prevention is a pound of cure.  For your child's sake look into it.

MsLea©Updated Sept 25/04