What is Autism ?
As taken from autism.org, Autism is a developmental disorder with symptoms that appear within the first three years of life. Its formal diagnostic name is autism spectrum disorder. The word “spectrum” indicates that autism appears in different forms with varying levels of severity. That means that each individual with autism experiences their own unique strengths, symptoms, and challenges.
Understanding more about ASD can help you get to develop empathy towards individuals living with it, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment. It’s truly wonderful how every child is unique and possesses special qualities. Our role as individuals is to support and guide them in reaching their full potential.
Hence, Iconic Fashion Kids warmly embraces every differently abled child to showcase their unique style in the world of fashion. They all have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and thrive in the fashion industry.
Signs and Symptoms for Autism
Ensuring the well-being of our children is of paramount importance, and being aware of the signs of autism is crucial for early intervention and support. Identifying potential autistic symptoms in a child can involve observing their behavior and development. It’s important to note that every child is unique, and autistic traits can be quite different in each individual. Some common signs to look out for includes:
1. Challenges in social interactions – Avoids or does not keep eye contact (most common symptom).
2. Communication Difficulties – Children with ASD who can speak will say things that have no meaning or that do not relate to the conversations they are having with others.
3. Repetitive behaviors – Follow same thing every time while doing an activity or keeps repeating some phrases over and over again.
4. Sensory sensitivities – As a baby reaches about an year old, they cannot express happiness, sadness, anger or any other expected emotions.
5. Delays in reaching language milestones.
Additionally, being vigilant about milestones such as babbling, pointing, and making eye contact in the first year of life can provide valuable insights. However, it’s essential to remember that exhibiting these signs does not necessarily mean a child has autism, as they might also indicate other developmental variations. Seeking professional input from pediatricians, developmental specialists, or child psychologists can provide a clearer understanding and help guide the next steps for the child’s well-being and development.
Understanding, patience, and support are key as families navigate the journey of identifying and addressing potential autistic symptoms in their children. With the right resources and guidance, parents and caregivers can create an inclusive and supportive environment that celebrates the uniqueness of every child.
Let’s explore the journey of some extraordinary children on the Autism Spectrum who are eager to make their mark in the world of fashion.
IG: @rosalyngracedamico
Rosalyn Grace D’Amico, aka Rosie, is the youngest of 4 siblings in a multicultural and neurodivergent family. She attends a dual language immersion school which has enabled fluency in both Spanish & English. However, her favorite subject is math. Rosie enjoys video games, reading, drawing, dancing, singing, & acting. She competes on a dance team with Creative DanceN in South Bend and regularly appears in area theater productions. In the summer of 2023, she debuted as an actress in the true crime film Pink Polka Dots, and has since had several more roles in film. In 2022 Rosie created an inclusive image awareness & antibullying curriculum with her mother, which has led to multiple workshops in her hometown. Over the past 2 years Rosie has completed more than 1000 hours of community service, most of which has been dedicated to diversity and inclusion. She hopes to make a career in the entertainment industry and then become a doctor.
Abel is 8 years old and didn’t talk until the age of four but hasn’t stopped since he learned. He was diagnosed with autism and ADHD but has never let that stop him from being the brightest smile in a room. Anyone who meets Abel can’t help but laugh at one of his many knock knock jokes. He loves acting, modeling, singing, dancing, drawing and creating his own video games. He loves to reuse/recycle just about everything by making toys or decorations out of old boxes, bottles even toilet paper rolls. He has dreams of becoming an endangered animal advocate, actor or zookeeper when he grows up.
We have the privilege of sharing the stories of children whose parents are eager to support us in spreading awareness worldwide.
IG: @mamas_autismblog
IG: @_claudiacervantes
Christian is 4 years old with Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder was diagnosed with ASD November 2021, at 17 months old. Along with severe sensory processing disorder and severe speech delay.
I was told Christian might not speak until approximately age 10 and had a small chance of attending streamline education due to how profound his autism is. About 7 months ago Christian began to say a few words and now he can connect words to sentences!
Christian now articulates himself well enough that other individuals aside from his parents can understand his wants and needs, which is such a beautiful thing to see for a kiddo that was nonverbal for years and would have challenges expressing himself that always lead to an autism meltdown .
In the early stages of Christian’s diagnosis, our family could not leave the house for 3 years as he would get overstimulated by outside noises, smells and strangers. We could not go to parks, grocery stores, or have family visit us.
Christian had early intervention therapies like ABA, OT, and Speech for 3 1/2 years which helped tremendously! With lots of love, support and patience that was poured into Christian’s early stages of life, and helping him thrive along the way, he is now defeating the odds!
In August 2023, after 3 1/2 years of 4 hour, 5 days a week therapy sessions, I was advised Christian seemed ready to enter into a special education preschool setting. Mind you, Christian has severe processing disorder and has lots of challenges going out into the world.
In addition to his severe elopement, he required 24/7 supervision, I was a bit nervous as to how Christian would handle that change and how we would regulate himself away from home.
Christian learned American sign language, learned how to use an AAC device (augmentative and alternative communication) and PECS (picture exchange communication) to help articulate his needs. Fast forward to March 2024, Christian goes to school Monday – Friday for 4 hours, has made new friends, he can be away from home, Christian is understanding potty training, and loves to continue to achieve self independence in his day to day chores, like getting himself dressed, brushing his teeth, helping cook family dinner and completing his homework assignments.
Christian now likes sports and joined an Autism Athletics Spectrum Baseball league. He enjoys being on the field running base to base with his teammates and coach.
Looking back at the day Christian got Diagnosed in 2021, and seeing the brilliant young man he has become, encourages our family to continue to spread hope, spread autism awareness and autism acceptance.
Understanding your kiddos version of autism can feel confusing, you may feel lost, maybe even a little sad and overwhelmed from all the new information and/or resources your family needs to learn about, and that is completely okay. Everything will fall into place, give time it’s coarse and never give up. You are your child’s advocate until they find their own voice.
To the parent that has a newly diagnosed child on the autism spectrum, do not give up. Remember that all the love, support and patience you pour into your child everyday, will bloom brilliantly when you least expect it.
~ Mom of Christian Ryan Padilla
IG: @milos_bumblebee
When I was told that Milos, my son has autism spectrum, it was a hard blow for me, yet I have managed to take the situation calmly. Milos is a boy of almost 3 years old, yet when he was 18 months or maybe earlier, I began to notice certain things that children their age don’t do. For example, even today, my son Milos doesn’t have visual contact with anyone, he doesn’t have no more than 5 words in his vocabulary, and majority of not always he he walks barefoot on his tippy toes. Additionally, Milos spins and jumps frequently, flaps his hands, organizes his toys by colors, and constantly has meltdowns. I also have to take precautions when it comes to his meals because Milo’s tends to stuffed his mouth with lots of food. I also have to be selective on his foods because there are certain meals that he doesn’t tolerate inside his mouth due to his sensorial system. At almost 3 years old. I have discovered lots of new things that occur with him. As mother of Milos, the situation has been challenging because even though I am capable and posses experience working with children with different conditions, at home, Milos father has challenges accepting the situation. As a mother of a child with a certain condition, I believe both parents should be involved in the development of the child, but most importantly, involved with care support, and patience.
~ Mom of Milos Avalos Flores
The stories of these amazing kids are truly inspiring. Their experiences serve as a reminder that strength comes in all shapes and sizes, and they have the power to uplift and motivate others. We hope you have got a sense of inspiration reading the stories of these amazing kids.
If you are interested for more inspiring stories then check out our earlier articles.
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~ Iconic Fashion Kids
