The Journey to Normal

Book excerpt: Normal isn't anything more than a setting on the washing machine.... When Sophie was born, she was a beautiful, happy, normal baby girl. There was nothing different about her at all. In fact, the pediatrician mentioned how social she was. However, between Sophie's first and second birthdays, things began to change. Her language stopped developing; she was hardly speaking at all. She didn't seem to notice when someone entered a room. She no longer wanted to play with her friends. Something was different about Sophie, but no one could tell us exactly what it was. Though she seemed to have symptoms of autism, there were no conclusive answers. Could it be sensory integration disorder? Perhaps selective mutism? This is Sophie's story; the story of how a little girl overcame her inability to speak and understand language. It is the true story of my very own precious, amazing daughter and how living with autism has effected each of us. It is compromised mainly of my own blog posts, written as the story unfolded, with details and updates woven in. You will walk along with us and feel our heartache through the pitfalls and rejoice with us through the triumphs. Sophie's story is a beacon of light for other families traversing a similar path. Regardless of where your family might be along this journey, Sophie will inspire you to keep reaching for the light.