Noah's Red Flags for Autism

First I want to say that this is our story. Please remember that. And this will be completely my opinion and from my perspective.

I’m going to start in the beginning...

Pregnancy

I had a relatively easy pregnancy, aside from a few painful fibroid flare ups (why I took meds) I had no complications.

The only thing I would say “stands out” is that Noah wasn’t very active. And I know I don’t have anything to compare to, but when I hear other people’s pregnancy stories, I don’t think Noah moved around much.

And things I would not do (again) if pregnant: antibiotics, Tylenol 3, flu shot, a lot of sugar and processed foods.

Noah as an infant: ( & I’m going to just list from now on)

-constipation

-silent reflux

-trouble sucking/eating

-never seemed comfortable

-back arching

-colicky in evening (typical, I know, I’m just listing it all)

-he was “floppy” low muscle tone

-decent sleeper

-happyish during the day

Before 1st birthday:

-sensory seeking started

-delayed in milestones

-didn’t imitate

-no babbling

-red/rashy cheeks (likely milk allergy)

-sleeping in crib well with minimal wake ups/ easy to go back down (not because of training)

-pretty happy

-was content with a few toys or watching Mickey Mouse — really loved MM.

-content in car seat, bouncer or jumper.

-could easily laugh

-sound sensitivity noticed

Before 2nd birthday

-frustrations became more present

-sensory seeking even more: spinning, going upside down.

-no words

-not pointing

-no real way to communicate

-engaged in play with mom + dad

-did not like comfort when hurt or did not seek us to solve problems

-strong eye contact and social with us

-toe walking

After diagnosis

-started lining things up

-transitions became hard

-more rigid, less interests, more tv

-self injury started

-nonverbal

Noah was diagnosed a couple months before his third birthday. In the last two years we’ve learned a lot. How to handle the hard parts better, but also just how amazing Noah truly is. He has come so far!

It’s interesting to because Noah didn’t develop many of the stereotypical red flags for autism till after his diagnosis. He wasn’t a “clear cut” case. And even with all the successes, improvements and wins over the years, Noah’s autism has also definitely become more present.

And as the saying goes, if you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. Every individual has their own uniqueness, strengths, and challenges. Every person has their own story. And this is ours.

Hope this helps someone!