Josiah was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 1/2. The assessment came about because he was speech delayed and had sensory issues around sounds and textures. I asked his pediatrician for a speech referral and she was reluctant to give it stating that “there was absolutely no way he is autistic!” How could she know that? In her mind he could not be autistic because he was social, responded to his name, made appropriate eye contact, his receptive language was off the charts, and he was intelligent beyond his years. She said that he would speak more when he was ready. I later changed pediatricians. I’ve actually had to change pediatricians more than once because they aren’t specifically trained in autism or other forms of neurodivergence.

A few weeks later we went to the speech assessment and the SLP said he was going to send a referral to the autism clinic. He said he noticed things other than the speech delay that warranted an assessment. I was a little disappointed to hear that and my denial made me question whether the assessment was necessary but we went anyway. My mother, a Ph. Ed. in Special Ed, went to the appointment with us for moral support. She had notice some “classic signs” of autism and with her background wanted to make sure the assessment was done thoroughly. Sometimes a proper and timely evaluation doesn’t happen for several reasons but that’s a topic for another day.

The day we went to the clinic I was sure that they would say he just had a simple speech delay and with a bit of therapy he’d pick right up and be on the level with his peers. The psychologists did their observations for a couple of hours and came back with a diagnosis of “High Functioning Autism with No Cognitive Delay”. They told me that they had zero concerns about his intelligence but he had deficits in speech, social areas, and rigidity in routine. He also had the issues with sounds and textures that I had already noticed. They recommended speech therapy but he didn’t require PT or OT. I still don’t understand the decision for no OT but I didn’t feel like fighting.

The diagnosis didn’t change who he was or really even how I was parenting him. The diagnosis did change how I was going to teach the world how to relate to him! Schools, sports, clubs and social groups say they are inclusive and accepting but its clear that they expect neurodivergent individuals to assimilate and “fit in” instead of teaching neurotypicals how to accept and include those that may be different than themselves.

Shortly after the diagnosis, Josiah began speech therapy and flourished. Between what I was already doing with him at home and the added support of the SLP, he did in fact catch up with his peers and surpassed them in speech and just about everything else. He has surpassed all of the limitations that were placed on him by the Drs and “well-meaning” education professionals. I have made it my goal to help him defy the stereotypes of autism and show the world that the spectrum is just that. Autism is just as varied as each of the people diagnosed with it. 

It’s crazy to hear things like, “He doesn’t ‘look’ like he has autism.”, “He’s too smart to be autistic. ”, “He’s too social to be on the spectrum. ”, ” He’s so outgoing. Are you sure he’s autistic?”, or possibly the worst one, “He’s too cute to be autistic.” What does that even mean?! There is no look to autism. Autism doesn’t have a tell-tale physical trait that makes it visible. Autism is neurological.

Autism doesn’t mean someone is less intelligent. Autism doesn’t mean a person can’t be social. In general terms it means that the individual may struggle with some social aspects. Autism means a person may have trouble with transitioning from one activity to the next. Autism means you have to figure out how to interact with that person as an individual and not part of the masses….But isn’t that what we all want?

People that make those types of statements have made it clear that they have stereotypes and generalities floating in their minds that block them from seeing an autistic person for themselves and not a character they have seen in movies or tv shows. While all autistic people share similar traits, the way that it presents itself in each person is vastly different. “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”

My Josiah is very social and will talk your ears off if he’s allowed. He has said that he can be very verbose. He will tell you that he is mostly an extrovert but sometimes an introvert around new people. He taught himself how to read before he was four and he has several special interests. Josiah has been complimented several times on his behavior and manners. Josiah is very bright and has been accelerated in school. We now homeschool to allow him to learn at his pace as well as focus on his main special interest; acting. All of his accomplishments surprise people every day and that will always be our goal.

Josiah and I have written two books on autism and sensory processing disorder; Josiah’s Ausome Adventures: My Autism and Josiah and Naiyah’s World: Sensory Processing Disorder. Both books are available anywhere you buy books online. We are now in the final editing process for the tv show he conceived about his autism journey. We shot the pilot episode in December and now getting ready to submit to various film festivals. We are believing to bring inclusion and representation to the airwaves. The purpose of the book and tv show are to bring about true awareness, acceptance and inclusion. We want to encourage people on the spectrum and their loved ones. We want them to know that an autism diagnosis doesn’t have to stop you from living an amazing and exciting life. People on the autism spectrum are just like you and me; they just to be included and treated with respect. 

Feel free to follow Josiah on instagram instagram.com/josiahsworld316 for all the latest information on his books, tv show and daily life. There is always a dose of silliness and pure joy along with genuine support of others on the spectrum. There is no competition for who’s the most autistic and requires the most supports. We are in this together and here to support each other.