Sophie

At 18 months, Sophie, was full of curiosity and boundless energy, much like any other child her age.

But her parents Paola and Cristian had noticed some developmental delays, so they were quick to have her checked out by a paediatrician.

Soon after Sophie was diagnosed with autism, a developmental condition that typically lasts throughout a person’s lifetime.

Autism spectrum disorder, commonly known as ASD, affects how people communicate and interact with others and how they make sense of the world. The term “spectrum” is used to emphasise that autism presents differently in every single person.

People with ASD can experience difficulties with communication, social interaction and restricted/repetitive interests and behaviours. These difficulties are often accompanied by behavioural challenges and sensory issues.

Fortunately, with the support of Children’s Health Queensland’s Child Development Program team, Sophie, now two, is thriving.

She is able to ask for water and bread (in Spanish), say and identify colours and numbers in English, use two words, repeat words and sing.

“Sophie’s diagnosis has been a journey of love and discovery for us,” Paola said. “As a mother, I have discovered an internal strength that gives me the motivation to continue to try new things and strategies. It’s so amazing to discover how Sophie’s brain works and every day she brings us great pleasure.

“It’s exciting to see her rapid development – she has progressed so much since her diagnosis – and we are learning to understand how she comprehends the world around her.

“Our paediatrician said Sophie had immense potential that we were going to discover with time. Her inability to express herself frustrates her as she gets older; so we are concentrating our efforts on helping her through this. We know that the tantrums will get better when she can understand what is happening.”

For Sophie and her family, autism is a gift, rather than just a set of challenges to overcome.

“There are so many other unique characteristics I am now observing in my Sophie,” Paola said. “Most of all, an autistic person is a free spirit who does not know or understand social commitments – they tend to be non-judgemental, honest and sincere and have a deep capacity for love and caring.”