What life is like with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Post continues after video.

My son, Arthur, on the other hand, is four and still uses a dummy.

While it’s an impediment to his speech, it’s a sensory item that he needs. If you take the dummy away, he has violent meltdowns where he’ll punch and kick the person nearest to him, usually me.

Life prior to Abigail’s diagnosis was very different. My husband worked full-time while I studied part-time and we had plans to go travelling and have more children in the future. At that stage, Abigail was just like every other child her age, meeting all her developmental milestones.

"It’s been more than five years since my daughter, Abigail, was first diagnosed with autism. For my son, Arthur, he received his diagnosis in December last year." Image: Supplied.

It wasn’t until she was just about to turn two that we began to notice differences in her behaviour. She had some trouble with her speech and had started to pull on her ears.

Suspecting that she might have some sort of hearing problem, we took her to see a specialist who said that her hearing was fine. From there, we took her to see a paediatrician who diagnosed her with autism on the spot.

"While it can be daunting and overwhelming receiving an autism diagnosis for your child, there is such a relief that comes with it being given answers." Image: Supplied.

Arthur’s diagnosis last year was starkly different to Abigail’s. While Abigail was given a diagnosis on the spot, Arthur’s eventual diagnosis took months.

Prior to his diagnosis, he had started to display similar behaviour traits to Abigail, but to different degrees. He walked on his toes and had trouble making eye contact, poor social skills and obsessive behaviours.

However, the behaviours that were most telling at that time were his meltdowns and self-harming tendencies that went beyond what was normal for a two-year-old.

"In the time Mary has been with us, Abigail has learnt how to play with Arthur and other children." Image: Supplied.

It was then that I learnt to trust my instincts because as parents, we know our children best. Something didn’t feel right so I decided to pursue it.

After countless appointments with various health professionals, we were finally given answers about what was going on with my son.

While it can be daunting and overwhelming receiving an autism diagnosis for your child, there is such a relief that comes with being given answers. I can’t emphasise enough how critical early intervention for children with autism is.

Since receiving the diagnoses for Abigail and Arthur, we’ve worked closely with SDN Children’s Services to ensure they both get the best start in life by developing their communication, social and life skills.

"As a mum, it’s a beautiful thing to see after so many years of the two not going near one another." Image: Supplied.

With the support of family, friends and services like SDN Children’s Therapies, Stephanie shows that care and assistance can help you overcome any curveballs life throws your way.