Emily's World: A Journey Through Autism

Chapter 2: Early Years

When I was a baby, my parents noticed that I wasn't reaching the typical developmental milestones like other babies my age. I wasn't talking or making eye contact, and I didn't seem interested in playing with toys. After a lot of doctor visits and evaluations, I was diagnosed with autism when I was two years old. 

My parents always made sure that I had access to the best possible care and support. They recognized that I had unique needs and were determined to find the right interventions to help me thrive. I went to speech therapy, occupational therapy, and had other forms of support to help me develop my skills and abilities.

One of the biggest challenges for me was learning how to communicate with others. As a child, I struggled to use words to express myself and often found it difficult to understand the words of others. Instead, I would use gestures or other nonverbal communication to express my thoughts and feelings. It took a lot of patience and persistence, but eventually, I started to develop language skills that allowed me to communicate more effectively.

Another major challenge for me was sensory processing. I was very sensitive to certain stimuli, like loud noises or bright lights, and often found these things overwhelming. This made it hard for me to participate in everyday activities like going to the grocery store or attending a school assembly. To help me cope, my parents worked with my therapists to develop strategies like wearing noise-cancelling headphones or using fidget toys to manage my anxiety.

Despite these challenges, my early years were also filled with many joyful moments. I loved spending time with my family, and we would often go on nature walks or visit the library together. I had a deep fascination with the natural world and would spend hours observing the birds and insects in our backyard. And even though I had trouble making friends, I found comfort in the company of my favourite stuffed animals and books.

As I grew older, I started to develop a stronger sense of self-awareness and began to understand how my autism affected my interactions with others. While it could be frustrating at times, I learned to appreciate my unique perspective on the world and to see it as a gift rather than a limitation. I also began to develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others who might be struggling with their own challenges.

One of the most transformative experiences of my early years was attending a summer camp for children with autism. It was the first time that I was surrounded by other kids who shared my experiences and challenges. For the first time, I felt like I belonged and that I was understood. I made some lifelong friends at that camp and learned skills that helped me to navigate the social world more successfully.

Another important aspect of my early years was my love of art. Art provided an outlet for me to express myself in a way that words couldn't always capture. I loved to draw and paint, and I found that creating art was a way for me to explore my emotions and connect with the world around me. My parents recognized this passion and encouraged me to pursue it as a hobby.

Of course, there were still many challenges to overcome. I struggled with executive functioning, which made it hard for me to stay organized and manage my time effectively. I also had difficulty with sensory processing and would sometimes become overwhelmed by certain stimuli. But my parents and therapists worked tirelessly to find solutions and strategies that helped me to overcome these obstacles.

Looking back on those early years, I realize how fortunate I was to have the support and love of my family. They never gave up on me, even when things were difficult, and always believed in my abilities. It was because of their support that I was able to develop the skills and confidence I needed to navigate the world around me.