Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My Little Girl was diagnosed with autism when she was just 1.5 years old.She is almost 4 now and is doing pretty well.Just thought I would share this part of my life with some of my friends.And yes,her name is really zonata.
Shannon

She is a beautiful little girl.

I worked in a group home for autistic kids back in the mid 80's. They are very special kids, but so often misuderstood and neglected because they are so challenging. Your little Zonata is blessed to have you in her life. The thing that bothered me most when I worked with autistic kids was that some of the parents actually shunned and abandoned their own kids just because they were different.

Thanks Eby,
Yes I see other parents at her pre-school etc...and they seem so dis connected from there autistic childern.Its very sad..
I am very blessed to have her in my life.

Shannon

She is awesome Shannon, I feel good that you shared a part of your life with us! Makes us all a little closer, even though we are a half country apart. Hope to see all around THE BEND!
Todd Hughes

First and foremost I am thankful that you are an active part of her life and trying to educate others to what autism is and what it does.

I personally have some questions for you... If you would rather email me in person I am totally fine with that.

I wanted to ask you what you thought were some of the causes in her instance and what were the early symptoms.

steven.x.owens(AT)pbsg.com

Steven,
Thanks for the kind words man.
I don't mind answering any questions on the open Forum as others may want to know the same things.
Autism is proven to be genetic.Zonata's mother has a brother with a mild case of it and her cousin has three kids in wich 2 of them have autism.
Anyway,We first started having her checked because we thought maybe she just couldn't hear.You could practically scream five feet from her and she wouldn't even budge.We thought for sure she was very very hard of hearing cause other times it was obvious she did hear us.Thing was we started seeing that she wasn't using any words even at 13-15 months of age.We had her totally checked through at Loma Linda when she was 16 months old and they didn't diagnose her with it but they were pretty sure thats what it was.
They refered us to some other specialist and after a couple more months and many many long distance (there are no resources here were I live)trips to Los Angles they determined that she has moderite to severe autism but with no retardation.Many cases they are retarded as well because of it and we were very lucky in that area.
Its been very very tough last 3 years but its all worth it as she is a real joy.

Thnanks,
Shannon