Raising a child with autism often comes with challenges and unexpected milestones, as Ogor Efeturi and her husband discovered when their son began showing early signs of being different. However, with the support of speech and behavioral therapy, their son’s journey took a positive turn.
He began communicating more effectively, developing social skills, and showing empathy towards others. This family wishes their story to inspire others fighting similar battles and show them how love and persistence can help unlock the potential within every child.
Download our FREE guide on the best Autism Resources for Parents
Ogor’s story: Noticing the early signs of autism
My son is our first child. At about six months, my husband noticed that he didn’t make eye contact, and I didn’t think anything of it then.
However, when he was one year old, we realized he wasn’t responding to his name, was hyperactive, and played alone. He was fixated on blocks and would line them up in a straight line or make beautiful patterns. Then, when his blocks toppled over, he would rage and sometimes bang his head.
He started saying his colors and numbers when he was around one year old but wasn’t communicating. I wasn’t very apprehensive since I thought at least he was saying something.
We also noticed that he didn’t imitate, wave bye, or point at things he needed. Whenever we were at church, and the speakers were loud, he usually covered his ears. We didn’t know so much about autism then, but we knew something was different.
At three years old, I noticed he didn’t show much affection towards me. For example, when I was away from home for about three days due to my job, it didn’t seem as though he noticed I had been gone upon my return.
He remained fixated on his blocks, and there was no hug or welcome for Mommy. He wasn’t even saying, “Mommy.”
Ogor’s story: Seeking professional help
At that time, we visited a neurologist who placed him on an anti-epileptic drug (AED) after an electroencephalogram (EEG). We cried, prayed, and trusted God.
We noticed that playing with his blocks usually occupied him and kept him calm, so we made them readily available to him.
At a little over three years old, he started waving bye, but in the reverse, with his palm to his face. He also started saying more words but repeating exactly what others said – echolalia.
Download your FREE guide on
Ways to Better Understand Echolalia and Vocal Stereotype
He would refer to himself in the second person, using “you” instead of “I,” but we were happy that at least he was talking more. He was still very restless and throwing tantrums.
After about a year, we stopped the AED, as it was getting increasingly expensive, and he still remained very restless.
Ogor’s story: School challenges and therapy
When he was four years old, his school complained several times about him running around and moving from class to class. They could no longer manage his hyperactivity.
However, he was exceptional in coupling puzzles as his school attested that he could do some that no one else could.
He was also exceptional in mathematics and reading but did not comprehend what he read. We harnessed his strength and kept encouraging him, but at that point, we were tired and desperately needed a solution.
Finally, we contacted a speech and behavioral therapist, which was a significant turning point for us. He was assessed, and an Individualized Educational Plan was drawn up for him.
He was pulled out of mainstream school and was strictly attending therapy five days a week for about five months. My husband and I were carried along with his progress; daily tasks were given to him, and we had to participate and engage him.
Ogor’s story: Noticing a significant improvement
After two months of therapy, we noticed significant improvements.
His attention span, which was initially very short, had improved. He could sit down to carry out tasks like beading for a longer period. Our son’s expressive and receptive language improved as well, and he began to understand different emotions.
When it was time, he was more coordinated to return to mainstream school. A therapist accompanied him there daily. Gradually, it started fading out to once a week for another three months.
Of course, we discussed his challenges with his new school, and they worked closely with him and the therapist. They tried to understand his uniqueness and harnessed his strengths as well.
Like what you’re reading?
UNLOCK FULL ACCESS (50%OFF)
The time of therapy wasn’t an easy one for us financially, and it was quite demanding. However, it was worth it as we kept seeing the dividends. After eight months of therapy and seeing improvements, we stopped due to financial constraints.
He was communicating his needs better; however, he still needed to improve in initiating a conversation. Then, we noticed that his tantrums began to return after about two months without therapy, and we had to resume.
He was going once a week this time, and his tantrums reduced significantly. He had ten months of therapy and has now officially stopped.
Ogor’s story: Her son’s triumphs
My son has remarkably improved. His social skills are great. He says hello to other children and empathizes with them if they are hurt. He initiates conversations now, and his comprehension has dramatically improved.
I was so excited some days back when I asked him to pray, and he asked me, “Mommy, what should I say?” That meant so much to me.
Looking back now, with the knowledge I have gained about autism spectrum disorder, I see that my son showed us the signs from the very beginning. However, we could not identify it early due to our lack of knowledge.
We were very supportive of him, though. We found ways to work with him and, to a large extent, tried not to compare him with other children.
He could have started therapy much earlier. However, we are still very grateful for the time he started and the marked improvement we have seen. He is improving daily, and we are so grateful for our journey.
This article was featured in Issue 166: Stranger Danger: Autism Safety Spotlight.
If you have a success story you would like to share with us and our readers, you can email it to us or submit your story here.
