Sarah couldn’t quite put her finger on what was different about her son, Ethan. From an early age, he seemed to march to the beat of his own drum. He struggled to connect with other kids during playdates, often preferring to line up toy cars instead of racing them or diving into imaginary adventures. At school, Ethan thrived academically, astonishing his teachers with his intelligence and memory, but he played alone at recess and became easily overwhelmed in noisy, chaotic environments.
Other parents and teachers often remarked on how gifted Ethan was. “He’ll be in advanced classes before you know it,” they’d say. But Sarah couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeper was going on. Ethan’s anxiety would spike at seemingly small changes—an unexpected fire drill or a substitute teacher could leave him in tears. He had a hard time understanding unwritten social rules and would sometimes fixate on specific topics, talking about them endlessly while others tuned out.
Over time, Sarah began to notice other behaviors. Ethan avoided eye contact, had an unusual sensitivity to certain textures, and often flapped his hands when excited or overwhelmed. The thought crossed her mind: Could my son be autistic? But she wasn’t sure. Could it be anxiety? ADHD? Or just a quirkiness that came with being so smart?
Unsure where to turn, Sarah scheduled an evaluation at ACF Counseling of Mason. The process was thorough, with caring professionals who took the time to listen to Ethan’s story and observe his behavior. After several sessions, the results came in: Ethan was diagnosed with high-functioning autism, along with some anxiety that compounded his challenges.
Hearing the diagnosis was bittersweet for Sarah. Part of her felt a deep sadness, grieving, in a way, for the life she had envisioned for Ethan. But more than that, she felt relief. Now she understood what her son was dealing with, and she had a clearer path forward.
The counselors at ACF Counseling not only helped Sarah learn about Ethan’s unique mind but also guided her on how to support him. With their help, Sarah and Ethan grew closer, finding new ways to connect and communicate. Sarah learned how to help Ethan navigate his anxieties and thrive in his own way, while Ethan began to see his differences not as obstacles but as strengths.
As Sarah watched Ethan flourish, she knew his beautiful mind would make the world a better place. It was a journey she hadn’t expected, but one she felt privileged to take with her extraordinary son.
Concerned your child or teen might be on the autism spectrum?
If you’re concerned that your child may be on the autism spectrum, we’re here to provide the clarity and support you need.
We offer comprehensive evaluations for children and teens (ages 12 months to 18 years) using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)—the gold standard for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Our evaluation doesn’t stop there. We also assess co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and other behavioral challenges, ensuring you receive a complete picture of your child’s needs.
Here’s what to expect:
✔ ADOS-2 assessment and a detailed parent interview
✔ Individual and family counseling tailored to your needs
✔ Coordination with your healthcare provider for ongoing support
Early understanding leads to impactful support. Let’s take the first step together.
Schedule an Evaluation Today
You’re not alone! Let us guide you through this journey.
Thank you ACF Counseling of Mason
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