Embracing autism: Desiree Kaur’s journey with her son, Hans
Updated March 31, 2025
Having a child diagnosed with autism can be a profound and life-changing experience for any parent. Desiree Kaur, mother to 4-year-old Hans, shares her journey with honesty and resilience. “He was born; most of his milestones were concerning. However, around 18 months, I noticed he didn't quite like socializing with other kids. He was flapping, spinning in circles, and preferred staying indoors. My instinct told me it was autism,” she reveals.
Desiree is not only a devoted mother but also the organizer of Project Haans for Autism Awareness, dedicated to shedding light on autism and supporting families navigating similar paths. The path to diagnosis Desiree's first step was to seek a diagnosis for Hans. “My husband and I didn’t experience the denial that some parents face. There’s nothing wrong with being in denial, but for us, it was a shock since neither of us had autism in our families. We chose to focus on the next steps: what should we do?” The couple began researching various centers and interventions. “The doctor informed us that Hans needed occupational therapy (OT) and possibly an early intervention program like speech therapy.” The search for support The journey to find suitable therapy was challenging. “It was very expensive, and there were only two centers available. We started with OT for a year, and by the time he turned three, he was ready for an early intervention program. Now, he has been in school for seven months.” Desiree reflects on the progress they’ve made: “We see improvements, but he is still speech delayed and faces numerous challenges beyond autism. Our primary concern now is speech therapy—both its cost and availability in Malaysia, which is crucial for autistic children.” The need for specialized care Desiree highlights the complexities within speech therapy: “There aren’t many therapists available who specialize in working with children. The field itself encompasses various specializations. Some therapists focus on adults, while others cater to specific issues like swallowing or sensory processing.” Despite these challenges, Desiree feels fortunate to have a supportive family. “My family has been incredibly encouraging. One of my aunts once told me, ‘God only gives special children to special parents,’ which helped my husband and me realize that we are Hans’ advocates, and we need to do what’s right for him. My parents live with us and are very accepting, and even my sister’s children, who are older, often help out.” Understanding autism levels Hans has been categorized with a moderate level of autism, specifically Level 2 according to the DSM-5, the manual released by the American Psychological Association. The DSM-5 categorizes autism into three levels based on the support needed:
Hans faces challenges primarily with social skills, which is characteristic of Level 2. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for autism The DSM-5 outlines specific criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which include: Persistent deficits in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts:
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities:
Symptoms must be present in the early developmental period, although they may not fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities. Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. These disturbances are not better explained by intellectual disability or global developmental delay. Desiree's journey with Hans is a testament to the strength and resilience of families navigating autism. With the right support, advocacy, and understanding, children like Hans can thrive and reach their full potential. |
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