Understanding Autism: Our Journey with Simon

🌟Simon's diagnosis of autism came as a surprise, as he displayed social motivation and excellent language skills during doctor visits.

🔍Observation of red flags such as tiptoe walking, extreme fixations, and repetitive behaviors led us to seek a diagnosis for Simon.

💙Understanding the differences between individual experiences with autism is crucial, as each person on the spectrum is unique.

✨Early diagnosis of autism allows for access to resources and support that can benefit both the child and their parents.

🚀Living with autism in an RV and traveling to national parks provides unique challenges and opportunities to learn and grow as a family.

What are the signs of autism in children?

—Some signs of autism in children include delayed language development, repetitive behaviors, extreme fixations, and social communication challenges.

Can autism be diagnosed at a young age?

—Yes, autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months, although some children may not receive a diagnosis until later.

Is autism a lifelong condition?

—Yes, autism is a lifelong condition, but early intervention and proper support can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals on the spectrum.

Do all individuals with autism have intellectual impairments?

—No, not all individuals with autism have intellectual impairments. Each person on the spectrum is unique, and their abilities vary.

How can families support a child with autism?

—Families can support a child with autism by providing a structured and supportive environment, accessing therapy and resources, and promoting inclusion and understanding.

00:00Introduction: We have two children, Simon and Ezra, who are both on the autism spectrum. Simon's diagnosis came as a surprise due to his social motivation and language skills.

05:23Red Flags: We observed red flags such as tiptoe walking, extreme fixations, and repetitive behaviors in Simon, which led us to seek a diagnosis.

10:06Diagnosis: Simon was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, level two social communication challenges and level one restricted repetitive behaviors.

12:18Differences in Autism: Each person on the spectrum is unique, and understanding these differences is important for creating awareness and acceptance.

17:10Importance of Early Diagnosis: Early diagnosis allows for early intervention and access to resources and support that can benefit both the child and their parents.

21:36Living with Autism in an RV: We share our experiences of living with autism in an RV, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for growth as a family.

22:59FAQ: We answer common questions about autism, including signs of autism in children, early diagnosis, lifelong condition, intellectual impairments, and family support.

25:42Conclusion: We invite viewers to follow our journey and subscribe to our channel for more videos on living with autism and traveling to national parks.