This is our Story, our Autism Journey with Troyden

Autism Spectrum Disorder, as diverse and intricate as the name suggests. There is no one-shoe-fits-all remedy or specific that can be assigned to our indigo and crystal kids to cover their needs but, with enough support and understanding within their communities and with the help of local businesses as well as persons of the public, we can create an environment where there is hope and a positive future for each and every person on the autism spectrum within their respective community.

It was in the April of 2016, autism awareness month when our son was officially diagnosed with Full-Spectrum High Functioning Autism. If you were to see him you would say that he is normal, incredibly beautiful, but normal. It is only when you observe him for a bit that the differences start to show and become very apparent the more you interact with him and his environment. Thankfully we are gifted with a child that is physically sound and healthy in every other sense and we are blessed to have such a happy child most of the time when his anxiety is kept in check and we don’t upset routines too much. In a way, you could say that we had our suspicions regarding his autistic traits before his diagnosis, from his delay in speech, delay in some fine and gross motor skills, and trouble with transitioning, separation anxiety, obsessions, food aversions, meltdowns, silly sounds, tippy toes, sensory processing disorder and stimming behaviours, and we were probably more prepared than other parents in the same position.

As of writing this, he is nearly 8 years old and we have much to learn as we progress down this journey of failure and success, a journey that unless you have the first-hand experience cannot fully grasp the magnitude thereof yet, we have also learned an incredible amount and this is what we want to share with others that are facing a future with loved ones on the autism spectrum. Sure, it isn’t the life we imagined, our son’s Autism threw us a curveball, but it is the life we never could have imagined in a million years. It’s a path of learning, loving, and getting to be taught by our own child which in itself is a gift. It’s seeing life from a different angle and gaining a new perspective of what life is all about- like the stars, sun, and moon all being aligned and we can now make sense of the universe. It is a different ability in an imperfect world knows as a disability.

It’s unpredictable in the sense that we don’t know what each day will bring for neither our child nor his future. It is mysterious and filled with mixed emotions but don’t be mistaken, autism is hard. There are days when it breaks our hearts to see him struggle but it is in these days; care, compassion, love, hope and patience see us through and guide us to be of the utmost support for our son. No matter how autism looked to others in our family. No matter the hardship and struggles. We have always been determined to make sure our son would be happy while being his own perfect self.

As parents, we started reading more about Autism and researching how this happens, causes of autism, natural cures, effective teaching ways, frequencies and the brain, as well as behaviours, sensory overload, stimulation, nutrition, heavy metals and other things related to autism.

Everywhere around the world were parents facing the same issues we face and we soon realised that in our community there is minimal immediate and future support for children on the Autism Spectrum. This also means that currently, our child has no place to reach his highest potential, lest say other children on the spectrum in our community.

One question kept raising itself continuously; if the caregivers of those with autism are no longer there to take care of them, what provision has been made for their wellbeing and what would become of them?

We have decided as parents with the skills and passion we have to assist a community that is in serious NEED of guidance. We cannot do it alone.

Please join us by supporting this fundraiser for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

If you feel that you can make a contribution for a mom and dad to help our son, but also our community, please feel free to make a donation. Funds are to assist us to start this project. If you would like to get involved with our project, please feel free to contact us directly. Our email address is [email protected]

We thank you for your kindness in making a difference for children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.