Leland

Leland was diagnosed with ASD and ADHD in December 2022, when he was 5. It was suggested we get genetic testing done because some tests have shown that some genetic variations can cause autism. Throughout Leland's life, there were signs and symptoms of things, particularly ASD. I was not prepared for the final diagnosis, which was kind of anticlimactic and answered so many questions but gave way to more unanswered questions. Leland's official list of diagnoses: ASD, ADHD, Anxiety, Developmental Delay, Vision Processing Disorder, Disruptive Behavior Disorder, Spina Bifida Occulta, Chronic Constipation, and Sensory Processing Disorder. He has a lack of oral awareness which makes eating dangerous at times, as well as being limited with dietary choices. He is also very far-sighted. In July 2023 we were told that he had NRXN1 Related Disorder, where he had a deletion in the region of 2p16.3. It made so much sense! However, there were more questions we had, which I think we've all had after a conversation like that. After some testing, it was found that Leland's father had the same deletion, everything made even more sense! But it also shows how having a similar deletion can vastly affect people differently was eye-opening. We are just going to take it day by day and be happy with the information we do know while participating in research to help more people understand in the future. He is amazing despite everything that has happened in almost 7 years of life. His favorite holiday of the year is Valentine's Day because he can "spread his love to everyone". He always has the best hugs and cuddles waiting for anyone who needs them, and that's what everyone in life needs. He is aware he has a "missing" piece of a chromosome that gives him different abilities and that it causes his ASD, and his ability to love everyone and want love for everyone in the world is one of his "superpowers" that comes along with this ability. He also feels that everyone needs to love rainbows because it makes everyone smile to see one, so he wears rainbow glasses to be happy and make everyone else happy as well. We are in the process of testing for seizures as well.