Cade

Cade is autistic.

Cade has autism. 

Not really sure what the correct way to say this... we're still learning everything and most likely will be for a while. 

For a while now we have suspected that something was up with cade... he was saying a few words then around his 2nd birthday he was saying nothing... his pediatrician recommended we get him tested for autism... a 7 month long wait and he was tested and we got an answer... cade has autism... 

The dr doing the test was super sweet and really wonderful with cade. At the end she mentioned that she did notice quite a few autistic traits. Spinning in circles, choosing objects such as drawers and the door knob over toys, carrying a small object in his hand and never letting it go, his "jargon" , not looking when his name is called, his inability to focus on her and the task she was asking him to do and so on... 

She said he is a very smart boy and her prediction is with therapy and early intervention he will do good. 

So that is where we're at... cade has a diagnosis. 

Nothings changed really, he's still the sweetest loviest little boy around. He's still stubborn and sneaky. He's still funny and hard headed. He's still just our cade. Who pats our backs during hugs and gives the sweetest kisses. 

My plan is not to let this 1 word define him... im going to give him every opportunity within our power to learn and grow and develop his skills. 

He has been going to therapy at the Turn center twice a week and omg he has already shown improvement!!

Hes signing more, food, all done and please. Hes attempting to say some random words here and there. Hes playing with toys instead of destroying them and not throwing everything thats not nailed down. 

I have to also remember hes 2... 

And has a few quirks.... but who doesn't... I know I certainly do.

So thats it... cade has autism... but its not what will define him... his furry upper lip and sweet warm smell and big beautiful green eyes will. His furry little eye brows and his dimple chin will. His big cheeks that jiggle when he runs and the freckle on his neck will. His giggle and laugh when we tickle him will. I have no doubt in my mind cade will lead a normal (what ever that is) happy healthy life. 

I love you little man more than you will ever know ❤