One Utah family has learned that while life on the spectrum is challenging, it can also be filled with moments of joy, growth, and beauty.
Brothers, 7-year-old Liam, 5-year-old Ollie, and 3-year-old Milo, each have their own distinct personalities, yet share a strong, unbreakable bond that strengthens each day. Their connection is evident in their interactions, despite the unique challenges they face.
“They have to put in the work to communicate; to be able to socialize,” their mom, Marjorie Grover, said. “It’s not something that they just intuitively get like other kids do.”
Grover first began noticing signs of autism in three of her five children at an early age. While every child’s experience with autism is different, Grover observed behaviors in each of her sons that made her aware something wasn’t quite right.
“Around 18 months, Liam was delayed in his speech. He was very, very shy to the point that he wouldn’t talk to anyone,” she said. “Ollie came along and he was overtly physical and hyposensitive to everything. With Milo, emotional regulation was a big challenge. He was also really sensitive to sounds and lights.”
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects one in 36 children in the United States. It is nearly four times more common in boys than girls, as Grover’s three boys demonstrate. The developmental challenges they face may look different for each child, but they all share common aspects of social difficulties, communication hurdles, and sensory sensitivities.
“It impacts the child’s ability to communicate and interact in social situations,” said Tara Long, RN, MSN, a pediatric nurse and director of care management at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. “It can be very stressful for families, especially as they are seeing these things kind of pop up at a very young age.”
Despite the challenges, Grover remains hopeful and focused on the future. She believes early intervention is crucial for her sons, and their journey is not one she has to face alone.
Long emphasized that early intervention is key to treating autism and helping children overcome some of the challenges they face. “The sooner the child can start in speech therapy or occupational therapy, the more successful that child is,” she said. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and parents need to be persistent in finding what will work for each child.
The symptoms and their intensity can vary greatly from child to child. In many cases, girls may show more subtle signs of autism, which can make it harder to identify the condition early on.
“There’s a saying that goes around in the autism world, which is when you’ve met one person with autism, that means you’ve met one person with autism,” Grover said. “They’re all so different.”
Through much trial and error, Grover has been able to identify what works for each of her sons and has embraced a mindset of patience and flexibility. She remains dedicated to finding ways to help her three boys grow and thrive despite the hurdles they face.
“We have to put in the work to help them be successful and be able to live in this world that is not created for people with autism,” she said. Her words reflect her unwavering commitment to her children, and her belief that, despite the obstacles, they will flourish in their own way.
The Grover family has learned that there is beauty in being different, and that there is no limit to what her sons can achieve with the right support. They are growing up with the knowledge that being unique is something to celebrate, and that their contributions to the world are valuable.
“They have skills and abilities that other people don’t have,” Grover said. “They’re needed in this world. And I know that they’re going to be okay.”
Utah’s resources, like the Early Intervention Program from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, provide invaluable support for families of children with developmental challenges. The program offers free in-home therapies that give families the tools and guidance they need to help their children thrive. Local school districts also offer a range of developmental support to children on the spectrum.
Additionally, Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital is committed to enhancing the experience for children with developmental disabilities. The hospital has developed a sensory room, made possible by generous donors, which allows children to experience a calming, quiet space away from the stress of the hospital environment. This room provides an opportunity for children to engage in play and self-soothing activities in an atmosphere designed for their comfort.
For families facing similar challenges, Grover’s journey offers hope and encouragement. While the road may be difficult, the family’s story is a reminder that with love, persistence, and support, children with autism can flourish and lead fulfilling lives.
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