Did you know about Autism Spectrum Disorder and co-occurring conditions?

My sweet boy, now 16, a ray of sunshine. The first time I saw you smile I can remember you were about 4 months old (or could it have been gas?) while sitting on my bedside with you (and grandpa in spirit)

I can remember like it was yesterday. I had attended a safety class for newborns that evening, before you were ready to appear to the world. I can remember having contractions around 9pm and yup I WAS READY to welcome you. Your dad and I had your hospital bag sitting at the front door (With EVERYTHING !! as you know I do not pack light. lol. )

Just as I told your dad, its time!! We hopped in the car and I can remember sitting in the front seat, my "water" just broke, and your dad turned left instead of right. By now it was closer to 11pm and he made time to stop for his coffee at the local Couch-Tard , while I was having contractions in the car. Living in Quebec City, this was quite the city adventure. One, two, three PUSH!!!

Arriving at the hospital, it was quick!! Park the car, grab the baby gear and your dad wheeled me in. I do not remember which direction we went exactly though all the halls and an elevator. Finally we arrived to the room where I was already dilated at 8cm and you were well on your way. The flavor was banana popsicles while I pushed up through to 6 am. You were born and placed in an incubator to rest after having your first bath and new blue hat (like the color of your grandpas eyes)

My whole world changed in one night. The energy that I felt from being Mirinda to now Mom was "magical". A new human.

Looking back I had always wondered why you had exhibited full projectile vomiting from an infant until about the age of 12 years old. I remember your dad and I having to do A LOT of laundry. He would do projectile vomiting up to at least three times a day. I had been navigating this long answer as why and what was the connection. Right from Pediatrician visits, to formula switches and breast milk to learning about gut health and infancy. Never had I known "why" it never stopped me from wondering.

It was only years later when this question kept re surfacing over and over in my mind. The answer came from an Autism Specialist who helped to connect these answers. Now the interesting part was after having a diagnosis of Autism at the age of 10 years old, why had no medical doctor been able to clearly explain that this was a possible "co occurring gastrointestinal disorder, severe stress response and sensory triggers like severe acid reflux (GERD), cyclical vomiting syndrome (CSV) or intense physiological meltdowns can trigger acute vomiting"

As I share this today I had never given up on the question that I had always wondered. Now it makes sense and we can move forward with understanding.

Love you buddy xo your mom (Never Give Up)