Matthew was diagnosed with Autism shortly after starting school at a Special Needs Preschool. He was 3 years old. After the school initially evaluated him they said he was Developmentally Delayed. I knew there was more going on than just having a couple of delays. After several attempts and long waiting lists, we got him into a Psychologist for an evaluation. When we got a diagnosis we felt a relief to know what he had and start early intervention. I will never forget the speech therapist at the Special Needs Preschool say to me "Why do you want him labeled?" She was irritated with me. I didn't want him labeled!! I wanted him to get the help he needed!! There was more going on with him than a speech delay and a fine motor delay. Many times and particularly at a meeting with the Preschool, the Principal kept telling me how cute he was and that he was going to be a "lady killer" one day. As if cuteness will make your disability go away.
Matthew enjoyed Preschool once he got there each day. He struggled with transition and separation anxiety. Each day it was a battle to get dressed and head to the bus stop. We lived on a cul-de-sac, so I would either drive him to the bus stop at the end of our cul-de-sac and entertain him in the car to keep him from crying. There was lots of screaming and crying as we transitioned. I remember times I carried him to the bus stop screaming. I would get on the bus and help harness him in. He always had a Thomas the Tank Engine train in his hand for comfort. I will never forget the bus driver telling me "Mrs. King, I want to let you know that once we are driving he stops crying and many times he sleeps on the bus all the way to school." Basically Matthew was worn out from his screaming/transition fit so he would fall asleep. He would get off the bus when they got to school happy and in a good mood.
