Our Autism Regression Plan

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I remember thinking the following thoughts:

  • Once we clean up his diet, start supplements, remove the junk, lessen his sugar intake, remove gluten and dairy, and increase his water he will start doing better. Then, this will be fine.
  • Once we start ABA and find the perfect combination of therapy he will start doing better. Then, this will be fine.
  • Once we get him potty trained and fix his constipation he will feel better. Then, this will be fine.
  • Once we get him communicating with his speech device he will feel less frustrated. And then finally, he will be fine.

We’ve done all those things. Each one was a MONUMENTAL, life changing success. And, after each success, we would experience periods of huge improvements and growth. It was amazing. And then, after each improvement, another regression. This is the roller coaster I so frequently talk about.

Yesterday, I found myself once again as Cooper’s mom, confused by autism. I’ve seen an increase in behaviors such as hoarding, lining up of items, carrying items around, screaming, moaning, flapping and grunting over the past week. He’s been more rigid than usual. More anxious. I’ve seen an increase in running, kicking and hitting. It’s like I am watching him slip away little by little each day. I know this sounds dramatic. But, if you have been in my shoes, you get it.

So, I made a plan. And almost overnight I feel better. We found a new doctor that will look at Cooper’s whole health holistically. We talked about PANDAS in a constructive way. We talked about medical marijuana. We talked about medicating for Cooper’s anxiety and stress. And lastly, we determined that he has a terrible ear infection. I found a doctor that will talk with me about Autism. That will look at the whole entire kid and not just different pieces. I feel like a weight has been lifted of this old mom’s shoulders. I found someone to help us.

We are on the right path again. I can’t help but wonder though, how this keeps happening. Why is it so hard to help my son? It shouldn’t be like this.

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Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

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1 Comments

  1. Gina on October 23, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    Oh man mama! I SO hear you. Regressions are so hard and I still find them catching me off guard from time to time. For now I just pace myself and try to be more patient with the regressions. It seems to make them go by a little faster… or maybe a little lighter. I guess it depends on the regression.