Diagnosis of autism is a shock for every Parent, but also a relief - finally they know how to help their child, they can start therapy. Emilia, mother of twins with autism, Amelka and Paulinka, tells the story. 

Read how the lives of the girls and their mom changed after the diagnosis and the start of therapy at JiM!

- When did the first alarming symptoms appear?

Emilia Zieba, mother of twin girls: The first symptoms appeared very early. The girls were different from their peers. Neither Amelka nor Paulinka reacted to their name. In general, I had the impression that they could not hear what I was saying to them. I even began to suspect that they might have a hearing problem, but the ENT doctor said everything was fine. On the one hand, I had the impression that the girls couldn't hear me, and on the other hand, I could see that certain sounds made them anxious. Intuitively, I felt that something was wrong. But everyone assured me that I had no reason to worry,because premature babies develop more slowly than other children, that surely in time the twins would "catch up" with their peers.

- And what happened next? Did the symptoms pass over time?

E.Z.: No, as time went on, more and more disturbing behaviors appeared. The girls were doing everything more slowly. They still didn't respond to what I was saying to them. Sometimes I had difficulty making contact with them at all, as if they were in their own world. They could stack blocks or crayons in a row for hours. They liked to watch cartoons, but I had the impression that they didn't understand them, just looked mindlessly at the flashing pictures. Every change made them irritable. For example, when I wanted to go to the store by a different route, the girls became very annoyed.

- And then you started looking for help?

E.Z.: Yes, but to no avail. The doctors spread their hands. I started looking for information on the Internet. And that's when I first came across AUTISM. All the symptoms indicated that the girls were disturbed. However, until the diagnosis, I didn't want to believe it. Until the very end, I hoped it wasn't that....

- Where were the girls finally diagnosed?

E.Z.: A friend, to whom I told about my suspicions, recommended the JiM Foundation. Here the girls underwent a specialized diagnosis. Specialists at the Foundation confirmed my worst fears - autism. At first I couldn't come to terms with my daughters' disabilities. I had to accept the fact that autism would always be a part of our lives again. On the other hand, however, I felt immense relief. I finally learned what was wrong with my children and how I could help them.

- And what happened already after the diagnosis at the Foundation?

E.Z.: The girls went to JiM Preschool and started therapy. Changes for the better could be seen after just a few months. I'll never forget the first time, at the age of 4, they said "mom" to me. That was when I believed that we would somehow be able to tame this autism.

- The girls have been under the Foundation's care for three years now. What has been achieved during this time?

E.Z.: The girls have learned to put sentences together, they can introduce themselves and sign their names. They are beginning to read their first words. They say rhymes and sing songs. They have begun to respond to what is said to them and follow the nursery teachers' instructions. I have also noticed that they play together more often, and their games are no longer what they used to be. Now they can, like other children, play store or doctor or act out scenes from a favorite fairy tale. What pleases me most is that they have learned to understand and read emotions. Recently, Amelka noticed that I was sad, came up to me and said "mom, don't cry."

- And what do you see as the biggest success of the therapy?

E.Z.: I think it's that the girls are becoming more independent every day. They know how to make their own sandwiches or pour a drink. They can also dress themselves. Paulinka recently learned to ride a bike. The most important thing for me is that my children are cheerful, almost always smiling. I can see how they are developing and how happy they are despite their disabilities.

- And what would you say to other parents of children with autism today?

E.Z.: Don't break down and seek help. Therapy really brings tangible results. You have to be patient, because progress doesn't come overnight, but it really is possible to tame autism. And although there are still days when I feel helpless and want to cry, today I can say that I am a happy mom of twins with autism.