Cinthia Angeles, of Georgetown, knew early that her middle child, a son, was not developing as quickly as her oldest child. The 2-year-old was nonverbal and easily agitated when his environment changed.
Angeles says her youngest and oldest sons do not have autism.
Angeles had enrolled him in a nursery school, where a staff member informed the parents that they were concerned about their son. She was referred to a social worker who spoke Spanish.
“First, a doctor diagnosed problems in his ears. My son had surgery and made a lot of progress,” Angeles said. “But there was still something different about him. Seven months after his surgery, they reevaluated and that’s when they told us he has autism.”
The social worker was instrumental in finding resources for Angeles and her son. The boy, now 6, is enrolled in a school that can accommodate his needs.
Angeles said there are good days and difficult days raising a child with autism. “But you learn to live with them and have a lot of patience,” she said.
While she sometimes struggles to meet the demands of being a parent to a child with special needs, Angeles said the tough days are worth it. “I would tell other parents to love their blue angels very much and that there is nothing that we cannot overcome,” she said. “They are very intelligent children and only God has control and the strength that we need in our lives.”
For parents and caregivers wanting more information about support options, please visit Autism Delaware.