1.Autism has finally been something that doesn’t
sound foreign. As a matter of fact, we are seeing more
and more diagnoses of Autism. When did you realize
Julian was Autistic?
In 2004 three letters PDD, changed our world. PDD-
Pervasive Development Disorder refers to a
group of disorders characterized by delays in the
development of socialization and communication
skills.
Julian became distant, listless and almost mute. Little
by little, his speech minimized and he began to
withdraw socially. We decided to place him in a pre-
school in hopes to jumpstart his social and
communication skills. The director of the school
discussed with us that her school was not in Julian’s
best interest and to have him tested. Within a month,
Julian had a full battery test at Texas Children’s
Hospital. They tested his hearing, vision and speech. A
psychologist monitored his behavior in a play
environment to see how he interacted with objects and
individuals. Texas Children’s representatives
referred us to the Blue Bird Clinic for an MRI and at
the age of 3 Julian was diagnosed with PDD a
disorder on the Autism Spectrum.
2. You have other children that don’t have special
needs. How have your other children adapted to the
world of autism?
Julian is the oldest of 3 siblings and he identifies with
his role as big brother. My sons are super protective
of one another and extremely close. Growing up I
taught my boys to be kind and remember that how
they treat their brother is how others will treat him.
We have carried that with us ever since.