What is autism

Elijah was diagnosed with Autism when he was about 2 years old. Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. I've also learned that an estimated one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism. Studies also suggest that autism are more likely then girls to develop autism. One out of every 70 boys is diagnosed with autism. Social skills are usually the first signs of autism. I can remember Elijah not wanting hugs from anyone. If you did get a chance to hug him he would say it hurt him. I would feel bad knowing that he was in pain or bothered by something that I was doing. It has not been an easy task but with my mothers knowledge we as a family have learned different ways to show him love without squeezing him. Elijah learned most of his shapes by age 3. Now I don't mean triangle, square, circle, rectangle. I'm talking about parallelogram and trapezoid. I didn't know those shapes until I got into high school (go figure). Elijah could put a puzzle together fast then I could. Loud noises, certain smells, and light can also effect children with autism. Elijah can not sleep in the dark but he also does not like to much light. I have a night light in my home so when he comes to spend the night he comfortable like he would be at my mothers house. Foods are also a big things for my little brother. He loves pancakes he can eat them all day. Chocolate milk is also his favorite drink. I've come to realize that researching and reading is the best way to learn about autism. My mother has read many book about this disorder. Here are a list of some books:
Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism by Jenny McCarthy
Not My Boy! A Father, A Son, and One Family's Journey with Autism Book by Rodney Pette

Trying to raise awareness

My name is Priscilla Rivera. I am an older sister to a very special boy named Elijah Lopez. My brother has currently been diagnosed with Autism and Tourettes. Although it has been very hard for my family to try to understand both Autism & Tourettes we have learned to embrace them and it's made us stronger as a family. Elijah was diagnosed with Autism when he was about 2 years old. Recently is when he has been diagnosed with Tourettes. Being an older sister to a special needs child is sometimes difficult. I don't always understand the things that he does or why he does them. I try to research different ways to interact with him and try to understand things from his perspective. Elijah is such a happy little boy sometimes I wonder if he even understands what is going on. I would like to think that he doesn't because to my family nothing is wrong with him. God gave us a gift and we cherish him everyday. I am also a mother and there is nothing like the bond that Elijah has with his nephew Anthony. He often tells me " I love my baby nephew scil". It just melts my heart. They both love each other so much & when Elijah is playing with Jr he doesn't have one twitch. I started this blog so that I could raise awareness & support for other families. I didn't really know & still don't know how to deal with all that's going on. I figured sharing Elijah's story with others may be able to help another child cope easier. God bless you all.!