I never thought Logan would say "I love you" again. He started losing words at such an early age, and as his speech declined, his frustration grew. He would have terrible tantrums. I can remember one day in particular when his frustration was reaching its peak. He sat on the couch, angrily screaming and pounding the cushions. His face twisted into a frown and he clenched his teeth. He punched the couch cushions and screamed, "I! Love you! Mommy!"
This would have been funny if he hadn't been so obviously upset.
Some autistic children never speak. They are completely non-verbal, from birth to the end of their lives. Some can manage a few words. What I see with my son I consider a miracle...a child who lost his speech for a while, and is slowly regaining the ability to make himself understood. I try to remember this on days when I am really frustrated...that love is shown in different ways, and sometimes, you don't have to say it. Sometimes love is just a child, trusting you to take care of them in a world that is confusing and loud.
