It was during Aidan’s three year old check-up that we really became concerned that there were some issues and milestones that he was not achieving, those suspicions came from both - parents and doctor. We may overlook our importance, as parents and caregivers, but our daily interactions gives us more insight and knowledge than anyone else. My husband and I were both suspicious something was up as Aidan neared three, but did not rush to books and the internet - we went to our doctor. The current rate of Autism according to the Centre for Disease Control is estimated at 1 out of every 88 live births.
ASD is five times more common in boys (1 in 54) and the rates for girls is (1 in 252).
Those sheer numbers alone will create unnecessary reactions - so don’t become alarmed without a thorough examination by a professional - not an internet check-list.
As an emerging toddler, Aidan could do some remarkable things. Reading from age two; he could recite signs, billboards, movie listings, preschool books, newspaper headlines - absolutely shocking. One day in line at a local grocery store check-out, a mother marvelled at his ability, “How did you teach him to do that?” I shrugged and explained that both my husband and I are readers. Yes, the first sign that something was not quite normal. When Aidan was in grade four and had to complete a Social Studies project titled, “About Me.” Under the heading, “My favourite things” he wrote, books. We own a small library. Attempts to edit his collection have been fruitless, as he would always return from an outing with a new copy of the exact same book we had lugged off to a donation bin.
We have always encouraged and fed his love of books. A trip to the library or bookstore is always filled with excitement. Road-trips are not complete, without a trip to the local bookseller, and Aidan often plans out where the best book store is, in any city, town, or village that we may visit. The larger, urban, book stores, with play areas, provided Aidan with his introduction to “Thomas the Tank” and the wonders of Percy and Gordon. I have no malice towards Thomas or the author, Reverend Awdry, however the connection of children on the spectrum and their love of this little train is indisputable.
The trains are reliable, they go around the tracks, they do not challenge any sensory issues
(not too loud or fast) - all the elements an Autistic child needs. Aidan’s love for books and Thomas is simple to decipher, they never change. Open a book, push a train along the track - it is not dynamic, nothing to going to pop out or create a loud noise. Now, just because your toddler loves Thomas (as he or she should) does not make an argument to get them on the list for assessment.
(not too loud or fast) - all the elements an Autistic child needs. Aidan’s love for books and Thomas is simple to decipher, they never change. Open a book, push a train along the track - it is not dynamic, nothing to going to pop out or create a loud noise. Now, just because your toddler loves Thomas (as he or she should) does not make an argument to get them on the list for assessment.
We continually, during those toddler years, fed Aidan’s autistic tendencies, completely unaware of how we were tailoring our choices to suit his needs. Our lives, with him, were not the easiest. His sensitivity to crowds and noises would make it difficult in social situations, but we learned the signs when a tantrum or outburst would be surfacing. He still came out to parties, to restaurants, to celebrations - not always successfully, but I think that he manages better now because of his early exposure to a healthy dose of social life. We still didn’t know it was Autism, but we instinctively knew what he could and could not handle.
