Hello, it’s Amit Saar’s mom. I wanted to share a personal aspect of our journey. My son has autism spectrum disorder, which affects his social interaction, communication, and behavior. However, despite these challenges, I have witnessed Saar’s incredible growth and development in ways I never thought possible.

I recall feeling overwhelmed when Saar received his initial diagnosis. The sheer number of questions and uncertainties we faced was daunting. Nevertheless, one thing was sure: I was determined to do everything I could to support his growth and well-being. Consequently, we delved into researching his requirements and how to foster an atmosphere where he could feel safe and appreciated.

Our initial focus was to establish a stable and predictable setting. Saar has a natural inclination towards structure and consistency. Being aware of what comes next provides him with a sense of command in a world that can often be chaotic. Therefore, we devised a daily routine and adhered to it consistently.

We discovered the effectiveness of visual aids, which was a significant breakthrough. Saar has always been a visual learner, so we implemented pictures and symbols to help him comprehend new concepts and instructions. I vividly recall the delight in his eyes as he began to grasp these visual cues. It felt like we had discovered a new language we could understand.

We have also acquired the skill of breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Take brushing teeth, for instance; it can be overwhelming for a child with ASD. Therefore, we simplified the procedure by dividing it into smaller steps. Firstly, we get the toothbrush, then we apply toothpaste, next we brush, and finally, we rinse. This approach transformed seemingly intricate tasks into achievable steps for Saar.

Saar’s progress toward acquiring new skills was made possible by consistent positive reinforcement. Every small achievement was celebrated, and every effort was recognized, which played a pivotal role in boosting Saar’s confidence and self-esteem.

During our journey, we have been fortunate to receive assistance from various professionals whenever necessary. In addition, our team of experts, including special education teachers and speech-language pathologists, have provided invaluable guidance.

This journey has not only been about Saar’s learning and growth but mine as well. I have become an advocate, actively participating in his education and connecting with other parents and caregivers through support groups. Although challenging at times, the experience has been enriching. Witnessing Saar’s progress and transformation into an incredible young man has made it all worthwhile.

So, to every parent out there with a child on the autism spectrum, remember: you are not alone. And to every child with ASD, remember: you are unique, loved, and can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Much love, Amit

Jack appears to be showing an interest in the bathroom. Wonder if it will translate into success?

When it comes to autism, toileting can be a challenge. Children with autism may face difficulties using the restroom regularly and may experience physical discomfort while passing bowel movements. A practising paediatrician, Dr David Hill, sheds light on the gastrointestinal issues that autistic children often encounter and offers helpful advice. Dr Hill is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and serves as the vice president of Cape Fear Pediatrics in Wilmington, NC. This informative video on autism is provided by Reel Media LLC.