Hi my name is Kaila and I will turn three years old this month. I was born
at Crouse Irving on April 26, 2001. I was born weighing 7lbs 6 ounces. My
Mom had a little bit of a rough pregnancy but it was more because of a
condition that she has. I was delivered by emergency c-section because
after 36 hours of labor I just didn't want to come out :o)
When I was about 9 months old I could say "gobble, gobble" when my Dad
asked me what a turkey said (thanks to all of those hunting shows we
watched) I walked on my first birthday. When I was about 18 months I
could show you where my eyes and nose were. Then one day it all just kind
of went away. My Mom asked the doctor about this and he said that it was
normal for children to forget certain things while they were working on
learning new things.
I started having severe ear infections and had to take antibiotics for
almost 3 months straight. I still wasn't talking so my Mom took me to an
ENT who recommended tubes. After having the tubes for 6 weeks I still
wasn't responding to my name being called and I hadn't started talking so I
had a MRI with a brain stem hearing test. My hearing was slightly impaired
in my right ear so I was fitted with a hearing aid.
My hearing improved but my speech didn't so my Mom contacted Early
Intervention. I was assessed and fell behind in certain areas. I started
receiving speech and occupational therapy. I didn't really like doing what
the therapists wanted. I just wanted to play with the things that I wanted
and they wanted me to play with them. I had many temper tantrums because
they invaded my space.
As time went on I learned how to do the motions to "Wheels on the Bus" and
"Itsy Bitsy Spider" but I still didn't talk. I also discovered "The
Wiggles". I never like to watch TV until these guys came into my life. I
soon became obsessed with them. I forgot about everything else.
In November of 2003 I seemed to be forgetting more and more and not
learning anything new. My Mom once again mentioned this to my Doctor and
he said that it was time to have an official evaluation. Early
Intervention had me scheduled with DEC for November so we waited a few
short weeks.
On November 18, 2003 my Mom and Dad heard the words that would change their
life forever - I had autism. They thought this was something that only
happened to boys. It was time to get educated and fast. Being autistic
didn't change who I was, it just altered the way my brain processed things.
My Mom and Dad have started their fight for me to get the best education
that is available. I am a very smart, giggly girl who loves to twirl my
curls. I can be affectionate and I have a smile that lights up any room.
When you hear me giggle your heart melts into a million pieces and you
can't help but laugh with me.
My family cares very much for me and have faith that I will conquer this
beast and lead a "normal" life. I am lucky to be loved by so many people.
