Brady's Page

How Our Journey Began

Brady enjoyed a typical first birthday party in September of 2006.  We had family up from West Virginia for cake and presents.  Brady enjoyed his first bites of cake, smashing it everywhere as he ate.  He enjoyed playing with all his new toys and visiting with his grandparents, great-grandparents and godparents.  He began walking that week, right on time, just as he had hit all the major milestones in his first year of life.  He was babbling a lot, and even said “mama” a couple times.
Everything was great, until his 12-month check-up at the pediatrician a few days later.

They asked all the development questions, as they had every appointment over the last year.  But this time, when they asked if he was pointing and waving, I realized he wasn’t anymore.  They didn’t think we should be too concerned, he was still clapping, giving eye contact, sharing hugs, etc...so we decided to watch for those things and talk again at the 15-month checkup.  Three months went by, and more disappeared.  At this appointment, I was adamant we needed help.
By that afternoon we were in contact with Help Me Grow and on our way to helping Brady.  Within a month we had an early intervention specialist and picked a speech therapist who would work with Brady in our home once a week.  Soon we were also taking him to an occupational therapist for his sensory needs and taking part in a special needs play class.  After working with Brady for a couple months, his speech therapist (we’ll call her Stephie) had to break the news to us...autism was a definate possibility.

I remember that day vividly...I broke down crying right there in front of her.  I think it had been in the back of my head for a short while, but if I didn’t say it out loud, it couldn’t be true.  Brady was so loving, giving hugs and snuggles every chance he got...how could this beautiful little boy of ours have autism?  My dad called later that morning to see how speech had gone and I was still crying...I could barely get out the words to share with him what Jerod and I had just been told.  He and my mom drove up that afternoon to be there for us.
We called Children’s Hospital that afternoon and found out there was a six month wait for a diagnosis appointment...there is such an epidemic of autism that not even the professionals can keep up.  I quit my job that month to stay home with him full time...this was the beginning of a long road ahead.  I thank God for Stephie who pointed out Brady’s autism to us, a day that must have been equally hard for her.

We were fortunate enough to get an appointment at Children’s in June (thanks, Dave!).
By the time we went to the appointment we had done enough research to know it...Brady had autism.  For us, the appointment was a formality, we had already accepted it.  Now we just needed to know what to do about it, and we wanted to get started as soon as possible.  We wanted to get Brady on the road to recovery...we were reading books, reaching out to the few people we knew with family members with autism, and googling autism every chance we got.  I decided I had a new full-time job...to bring my son to his recovery from autism, to help him communicate his wants and needs and lead a full happy life without boundaries.

As we share Brady’s journey with you in the months to come, remember this...it is impossible to go through this without surrounding yourself with a support group.  Jerod and I have AMAZING family who would do anything for Brady...unfortunately they all live three hours away.  Our current goal is to find a support group of friends here in Columbus and to find our family a church here in Columbus to call home.  Family, friends and God are the support and help we need to get through this.  God has blessed us with the most amazing therapists that work with Brady...it takes angels to do the work they do for our little boy.  It is so easy to get caught up in the “why’s”.  Why Brady?  Why our family?  But we must instead ask why has God blessed us with this amazing child and how can we as a family become stronger through this and help others?  We hope that through this blog we can begin that part of our journey…

Sarah and Jerod,

I have received this from claire and have read your account.  I will be interested in the progress that Brady makes.

You are in our prayers, Jan and Tom

God only puts on you what you can handle!! It sounds to me Brady could not have gotten any better parents than the both of you!! My prayers are with you guys as Brady will soon recover!!

You guys are so brave for putting all your thoughts and feelings out there, but I know it will help someone!  We continue praying for you and the whole family and can’t wait to see you!

You and Sara have come a long way in a year. You have been given an opportunity to help other families dealing with Autism, that is what we are to do. It will make the 2 of you stronger people. Rely on each other and God to help you find your way. You have our support anytime you need it, just ask.

Jerod,
I just saw your piece about Brady on the news.  I completely understand your concern and determination to help Brady in any way possible.
I, too, went through the distress of watching my son (thirty years ago when there was less knowledge of autism) lose skills and communicate less as a toddler.  Ours is a long story, but my message is a hopeful one.  Although I was told my son would probably never be in a regular classroom, he was able to be in one by the time he went to school, is now a college grad, and is happily married.  I would be willing to talk to you if you feel the need to.  Keep working, pray, and never give up hope.

Sara and Jerod,

I read your post above and thought back 7 years to that day when I got the diagnosis that my son was on the “Spectrum”. You wonder what you did wrong and how you can “fix” it. Then you dig in and learn all you can. I researched on the internet how to help my son...I found lots of info but also kept reading that there was not enough professionals to help the many who were waiting. I went back to school and became a Special Education teacher!! My prior career was a banker and investment rep. I guess my message is this: you do what you have to do for your children no matter what. I put my faith in God and he led me down this new path. I would not change what I am doing now-each child has something to offer and I love helping them discover what it is!! Although I am sure you have many offers, if I can help with any of my experiences, please email me anytime. Take care.

Thank you for having a blog about your son Brady!
I have a grandson Brady, who has Autism.  I knew something was wrong with our Brady before his parents would admit it.  I had gotten the information and telephone numbers ready in case my daughter needed them.  One day she called crying and told me she thought something was wrong with Brady.  That day she made the call and had appointments set up with Help Me Grow.  He had a speech therapist and another therapist.  When he turned 3 in March, he started attending a pre-school.  We were all shocked that he likes going.  He usually screams when his Mom gets out of site, but he must think she stands at the end of the drive, since she is there when he leaves and there when he gets home.  I am very interested and will follow your blog! I know it will help others.  I will keep your Brady and family in my prayers!