Who Needs a Highlight Reel Anyway?

Recently, I have had a heavy feeling on my heart about my role as an advocate for Izzy and others with autism. As a teacher in Katy, TX, I feel confident in that role. I am blessed to have taught many students who are on the spectrum and worked with fabulous teachers who just get it.

What’s been bothering me, though, is my portrayal of my life on social media… my highlight reel, if you will. I’ve not been very vocal about our challenges. And if you’ve only seen pics and short videos of Izzy, you may think that she’s a normally functioning kiddo.

Rodeo Houston 2018

Many of our friends and family members who live in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Oklahoma, and even further across the nation don’t know about Izzy’s diagnosis. Under the guise of “I don’t want to be an oversharer on social media,” I’ve shared nothing. I’m realizing that others need to hear our story. Our story can help others, and, in some ways, also help us. This is our story.

Izzy was born on January 20, 2008 in Charlotte, NC. She was (and still is!) perfect. At around a year old, the doctor started to do screeners for signs of autism. She said this was typical and wanted to keep a close eye on Izz. Early intervention is key, and we were determined to tackle any challenges with full force.

Izzy - 18 months old

When Izzy was 18 months old, we became concerned about our her lack of words. She often communicated by pointing and crying. Tantrums were an everyday occurrence. The doctor recommended a free program through the school district: ECI - Project TYKE. They evaluated her (for free) and provided (free) speech and occupational therapy at our home. They gave us tools for teaching Izzy to express herself through visuals. We also began private speech therapy and OT at this point (which was not and never will be covered by our insurance). At three, she transitioned into the PPCD program in Katy ISD. For the next two years, she took her full-sized backpack (I asked a million times,
"Really? A full-sized backpack? She's so small!") and rode a bus from daycare to Alexander Elementary every day. After we got over the fact that she'd be riding a bus at the age of three, we became so grateful for this program! 

Izzy - PPCD - 3 years old

Throughout this time, we visited many different doctors… psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, a nutritionist… Izzy had an MRI, CT scan, blood work, and the list goes on! Finally, we received the diagnosis of PDD-NOS: Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified, meaning that Izzy showed some signs of autism. The signs she showed were a speech delay and a cognitive delay. Her social skills were lacking, too, but she also showed some strengths in this area. Izzy was (and still is) so friendly. Her ability to interact with others was (and is) such a strength.

During this time of Izzy’s challenges coming to the forefront, we had psychologists tell us that Izzy lacked  in imaginary play. Um, have you met Izzy?! She has the largest collection of dress up clothes I've ever seen, and for about a year, she thought she had a tail. Seriously! I learned that while doctors are extremely intelligent and experienced, they do not know my child. And, if you ask a three-year-old to play with weird dolls with no faces, you might think she has no imagination!

More than anything, Izzy struggles with her speech. Don’t get me wrong, this kid loves to talk! It’s as if her brain is moving so fast that her voice can’t find the words. This leads to so much frustration! Izzy is also challenged by fine motor activities. She wants so badly to write with paper and pencil, but, man, she has gotten so good with a computer! Sensory overload is another struggle. Crowded areas with lots of loud sounds really bother her. However, this is another area that’s gotten better. Sometimes, though, she just needs a break… to get away from the chaos. And, you know, sometimes we all need that. 

Izzy - 4th Grade - 10 years old

The last five years having Izzy with me at school has been such a blessing, and now we’re approaching her last year in elementary school. She still attends private speech therapy every week, and we are on a (never-ending) waiting list for OT. We regularly see a psychiatrist, and Izzy is on meds to help control her impulses and help her focus in school. She has a second diagnosis of ADHD.

While we’ve had many frustrating moments, I truly believe that God trusted me and Greg to be Izzy’s parents for a reason. Because of Izzy, I begged to teach the special education cluster during my years in 5th grade. And because of Izzy, I’ve learned that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. I’ve mastered patience. She’s taught me to step back and look at the little successes, for those are just as important as the big ones. 

It is my hope that someone will read this and think, “I am not alone” or maybe someone will look into and utilize the wonderful (free) resources through a school district or maybe someone will just be a little more understanding when a very typically-looking child is having a meltdown in public.

I am proud to be Izzy’s mom, and I can’t imagine my life without her in it. While I am still not very likely to make negative posts on social media, I will make a conscious effort to share more of our journey… whether it be good, bad, or ugly! This is not the story of our life with a child who has autism; this is the story of how we came together and found the strength to help a little girl make continual progress and be the best version of herself. And when I think about it, isn’t that what we all want? Isn’t that what we all need? Set goals, and do what it takes to achieve them. Be your very best. And when life throws curve balls at you, catch them and throw them back!

*This post has been added to my blog that I haven't updated in years... literally, seven years! If you want to LOL just scroll down and read all the crazy things... yeah, whatever!