Looking Back at the Diagnoses

By Kristin Selby Gonzalez
Director of Autism Education, Enzymedica

I remember when I was a little girl I dreamed of having a family. I envisioned crazy weekends with two or three kids running amuck in the house. My husband and I barbequing in the backyard as our kids swam in the pool and I couldn’t wait to be the soccer mom that taxied each child to school and their activities. However, on Oct. 15, 2004 that dream was taken from me. That was the day I was told my son had autism.

The specialist said that my child would never talk, look or have any friends. I remember hearing the words, “This is the best your child will ever be.” The world went from color to black on that day for me. How could this be? My perfect baby boy who was only 2 years 4 months was now facing what I thought of at the time as a death sentence. They went on to tell me that my son did not know the difference between me, his own mother or the chair I was sitting in. I couldn’t feel my body and I have no idea how I ever stood up and left the office. As I got home I slipped into a deep depression.

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Enzymedica: A Message of Hope

May 15th, 2012: Remembering To Enjoy The Simple Things In Life

I love that Jax loves life and that driving in the car makes him this happy!! He reminds never to take life for granted and to enjoy the simple things!!

May 13th, 2012: Reflecting on Motherhood

Reflecting today on motherhood. It is crazy because I remember like it was yesterday that I was pregnant with Jax (10 plus years ago). I read every pregnancy book I could get my hands on. I followed all the rules with what to eat, I never took any over the counter medication, never drank a sip of alcohol, did yoga, interviewed several pediatricians, washed all his clothes in the special baby detergent, had everything ready on the checklist and listened to classical music on Jaxson's delivery date and yet nothing could prepare me for the journey I have been on. Having my son has been the greatest joy but also the scariest thing I have ever done. He is counting on me to make all the right decisions. I am so proud of him and so blessed as he has taught me so much. I read this quote today and it felt so true and reminded me to sit back and enjoy this ride. I know one day I am going to be 90 years old sitting in a rocking chair reflecting on my life and the one thing I want to be able to say is I lived life to the fullest, I didn't always play it safe and I jumped off the waterfall! Quote I liked today: "Life may be a roller coaster but remember even roller coaster's reach their destinations as long as they stay on track!"