Navigating Colby's Autism Diagnosis

 Navigating Colby's Autism Diagnosis 

When Colby was born, he had the calmest, most laid-back look on his face. He was a peaceful baby and brought so much joy into our lives. As he grew, we began to notice little quirks that made him uniquely Colby. He would find words he loved and repeat them over and over, creating a rhythm of his own. He also loved hiding in dark, tight spaces, seeking comfort in small, enclosed areas. These quirks were endearing, and we celebrated them as part of his personality.

At age five, Colby was diagnosed with ADHD. His father has ADHD, so we knew it was a possibility for some of our kids. To help manage his boundless energy and impulsivity, he was prescribed Concerta, which helped him thrive. He did well in school, made friends easily, and seemed to be on a great path.

But when Colby turned nine, things began to shift. He started losing weight, and his doctor decided to take him off Concerta to focus on improving his health. Without the medication, he struggled—academically, socially, and emotionally. His once-thriving personality seemed to dim, and he found it difficult to connect with friends or keep up with schoolwork.

As his mom, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to his struggles. His quirks, his challenges, and even his moments of brilliance pointed to something deeper. I began advocating for him, expressing my concerns to his doctor and suggesting he might have autism. To my relief, Dr. Franklin listened and supported us in pursuing a specialist evaluation.

The road to answers wasn’t easy. There was an eight-month waiting list to see the autism specialist, and in the meantime, we did everything we could to help Colby succeed. It was a long, exhausting wait, filled with paperwork, tests, and uncertainty. But when the day finally came, and Colby was officially diagnosed with high-functioning autism, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief.

It wasn’t the diagnosis itself that brought peace—it was the clarity. With a name for what Colby was experiencing, we could finally move forward with a plan to support him. We applied for Medicaid through the Katie Beckett Waiver, which allowed him to access the services he needed without financial strain. He was placed on waiting lists for occupational therapy and other resources to help him navigate his world.

Over the years, Colby has thrived with the support of his services. He wouldn’t be where he is today without the incredible guidance and dedication of his doctors, Miss Monica at St. Luke’s Autism Center, and his therapist at Idaho Pediatric Therapy. His therapist has been a vital part of his journey, helping Colby improve his writing, navigate his struggles with textures, and find healthy ways to cope when life feels overwhelming. They’ve worked on managing his sensitivity to loud noises, navigating big groups, and developing tools to help him feel more confident and capable in any situation.

Even though Colby has autism, it doesn’t mean he’s not “normal” or that there’s something wrong with him. He is absolutely perfect, just the way he is. His autism doesn’t make him less—it makes him unique, and it’s a part of the incredible person he’s growing up to be.

If you find yourself in the same place, unsure where to turn or how to navigate the challenges, the advice I’d give is this: advocate for yourself and your children. Don’t give up. You know your child better than anyone else, and your voice matters. There are resources out there to help, though it can sometimes feel overwhelming to find them. Be patient, keep pushing forward, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

For more information about autism resources and support, visit organizations like Autism Speaks or reach out to your local healthcare providers. You are not alone in this journey.