Hello True Heart Romance Readers! 

Emmanuel is Quinton’s son and he’s a cutie. As a high functioning kiddo on the spectrum, you’ll see the fixations and sensory struggles that he and everyone around him must deal with. 

There are still many misconceptions out there about Autism. The main one to remember is that it is something a person is born with and will live their entire life with—they cannot be “cured” or “fixed” as much as the public watching a child’s meltdown would like. 

Instead of thinking about how to fix, or discipline a child on the spectrum, realize that when one dysregulated moment ends, it’s one more step toward understanding what that child needs to become and stay regulated to reach his/her full potential physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

The sooner a person with autism gets support they can learn behaviors and strategies that a typical person knows innately. 

Many of Emmanuel’s struggles are common struggles for those with autism—finger flicking or moving fingers/hands rapidly together, walking on tiptoes, not wanting to wear certain clothing, or eat certain foods because of the way they feel, not wanting to take a bath because of how the water or soap makes their body feel, rocking or moving his body while “standing still”, too many people or items sends the person into overload, they tend to run off, or escape a situation that is too much for them—the list can go on forever because autism isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. 

This all being said, many of you probably know, and probably love someone with autism. If you know me personally, then I know you do! Emmanuel’s behaviors and funny quotes are based on my experiences with my adorable son, who is the model I used for Emmanuel. There’s a quote in chapter seven that still cracks me up just thinking about it. I can’t wait to hear what you think once we get there.

This is the one piece of advice I will give to parents—advocate for your child! If you are older, advocate for yourself.  If at first specialists dismiss you, bide your time, and pray. Things will work out. 

I started to see atypical behavior when my son turned one. I had the benefit and privilege of classroom experience, where I interacted with autistic children, so knew the red flags. However the specialists only approved speech services. Once his speech therapists went on maternity leave, they decided, due to staff issues and behaviors we saw in my son, that a behavior specialist might benefit him the best. 

After four sessions (two weeks) I approached the concerns of Autism. She must have seen them too because she immediately got a questionnaire from her car and administered it.  She didn’t seem surprised when the results red flagged him. 

They partnered him with a child psychologist, and after multiple visits, the results revealed what I had known for a year—God created my little guy with a uniqueness to perceive the world in a way that varies significantly from mine—thank God! He is my puzzle piece and helps me see the world in a way I never could have imagined. 😇