February 14th 2015 our "Tman" was diagnosed with SPD & Autism. My intuition had known this for months, but hearing the doctor speak those words made it real, final, and permanent! I wasn't devastated, because I knew he was the same Tman we knew & loved.  Surprisingly, there was a feeling of relief. I wasn't the overreacting nor neurotic mom people thought. I knew he was experiencing the world differently, and in a way that we didn't understand. We just couldn't understand each other, which was creating more and more days of frustration in our family! We needed help! Every night I went to bed feeling horrible that I lost patience! My heart was breaking. I doubted my strength and ability to be a good mom to him & my others. I still have nights like this, but I know that we have good days, too! 

              Terence didn't change when he was diagnosed , what changed was how we communicate & connect with him. Terence has therapy daily, and I am learning new strategies from his therapists, other parents, etc. We use these techniques to help in our daily routines.  I help his brothers & sister understand how Terence is experiencing things a little differently then we do, and has to really work hard at keeping his body in check with his surroundings. I try to get everyone to understand that even if we can't see it, it's hard work for him everyday. So we'll have days that are "bad days" and on these ones it's our job to try our best to help him instead of getting mad. 

              I consider our family blessed! Tman is high functioning & a smarty pants! All too often, I hear " he doesn't seem autistic". I have to remind myself they only see snapshot(s) of him. Many people have this picture of what autistic children look or behave like. Until your introduced and become part of an autistic community, it's difficult to truly understand that every autistic child is different...there are no two alike! Nothing with autism is black & white, or constant. People need to be more aware & knowledgeable of what Autism really is, because there are too many misconceptions

              In this journey we have met some amazing people with the biggest hearts & unlimited patience. Our doctors and therapists have guided us to a multitude of resources. We have family & friends who have been understanding and supportive.  Unfortunately, I meet parents who have not been as fortunate. They have battle after battle trying get their child the necessary services. I see non-verbal ASD children struggle, and it's heartbreaking to hear the insurance wouldn't cover ABA hours or necessary equipment. Through it all, these parents keep optimistic & resilient regardless of being pushed down or shut out. 

              The Byrnes family is walking for all the superheroes in the Autism community, with our favorite… the Incredible Tman!  Please join us in supporting these children & their families, as well as all those who dedicate themselves to help & give their love to Autistic children