Connecting with my Son over Watermelon Slices

He was about 5 years old at the time and just like most kids, interested in exploring his surroundings. Although, as a child with Fragile X syndrome and autism, he explored his world a bit differently than other children.

That day we were at Wal-Mart.

In the produce section.

Payton was diagnosed as being on the spectrum shortly after turning 2. After visiting with many physicians, psychologists and therapists, it wasn’t until we met a wonderful physician 150 miles from our home who, within five minutes, was able to determine our son was on the spectrum and having Fragile X syndrome. A couple genetics tests and a few weeks later, we knew for sure.

Since that time, his mother and I did everything we could to learn about his world. We researched what therapies to use. Visited potential schools for Payton. We did everything parents do so their children will succeed. But in that time, through all the research, the traveling and the discussions with specialists, nothing prepared me for a seemingly widening gap between Payton and me.

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