BiographyMaxwell had a traumatic start in life. He was born 2 weeks early via emergency Caesarean section due to difficulties and lack of oxygen during labour. Maxwell had to be resuscitated twice and then spent some time on the special care baby unit. During his time spent there he received anti biotics and received help breathing and feeding.
We first started to notice a few differences with Maxwell but being first time parent we initially thought we were over reacting. By 9 months his behaviours became more apparent. His development began regressing - he never slept (he sleeps a few hours now) and Maxwell spent no time interacting with anyone, but would line cars in perfect rows and spin their wheels and hold them upto his eyes. Maxwell was the happiest baby and never cried unless there was noise, or I left the room for a second. This behaviour continued throughout toddlerhood and with no speech developing we were referred to speech and language therapy - who in turn referred us to a paediatrician as it was apparent Maxwell was showing distinct signs of delay and Autism. He also began to seem a bit vacant at times so was also being investigated for absence seizures.
At this time Maxwell attended a main stream nursery but they were struggling to meet his needs and we then applied to a SEN nursery.
Maxwell did not spend time with other children and would sit under a table. If he was in an uncomfortable situation he would bang his head off the walls or floor. Maxwell does best in a 1: 1 situation with adults.
Maxwell has not sense of danger and will run towards moving vehicles so he can watch their wheels.
Maxwell has an extremely limited diet and is under a dietician for this along with several allergies and intolerances.
Maxwell works to a strict routine and his very regimented with the way his day runs. This helps reduce his anxiety which controls everything he does at home and at school .
Maxwell was diagnosed with Hypermobility and hypotonia, he has piedros and inserts to help this.
Just before his 4th birthday, Maxwell was diagnosed with ASD and GDD and was also being investigated for sleep apnoea, as he would stop breathing at night. Following his diagnosis for autism, genetic testing showed he had a triple chromosome duplication and we have been told that he is the only one in the world with this particular duplication, as a result we don’t know the full impact this will have on him as he grows up.
Maxwell now attends the SEN school and loves it. He really is quite the comedian and I love his quirky ways. He is always so happy and is always laughing or smiling. Maxwell is never still - he runs, flaps and jumps most the day.
Maxwell now uses some words when he is relaxed and also signs to communicate. Maxwell is most relaxed around animals - at at one time would only interact with them, we got him a dog and they are inseparable. He also attends horse therapy sessions and these really relax him and aid his communication.
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