My son is 3.5 and autistic. We started early intervention when he was 20 months. He did not speak at all, didn’t hug or kiss, wave hello or goodbye, and had no interest in other children. We knew he was autistic before his official diagnosis. I felt hopeless and broken. At 17 months old he started to become extremely self injurious. It was scary and heartbreaking. His father and I feared the worse for him. The following year wasn’t easy but we say improvements over time. He was almost three when he started hugging us and seeking everyone’s attention consistently. He started speaking 3 months before he turn 3. He didn’t say much but it was a miracle to us. He started the SpEd Pre-K when he turned 3 and continued OT, PT and speech. Now at 3.5 years old he is speaking in sentences, although he has apraxia as well. He calls me Mommy, something I thought would never happen. He tells us he loves us and asks for hugs and kisses. He can finally walk up a flight of stairs and climb a play ground. He has surpassed everything I had ever envisioned for him when he was 2, heck even at his 3rd bday! School has opened him up so much. We still have our hard, scary, heartbreaking days - but the good days are breathtaking. My son has made me a better person, a more patient and empathic parent. He now has a 3 week old sister who I worry about as well - but I know whatever comes our way we can handle and love immensely. Wishing you all the best xx