Finnie’s Story
Photo by Angela Cox Photography
We noticed for over a year that Finnie wasn’t speaking as much as he should at his age, and was using pretty aggressive non-verbal cues to communicate with us (hitting, throwing, severe tantrums). A lot of people told us these kinds of delays were normal for some kids, so we were conflicted about whether or not we should have him tested.
This past May, as Finn was nearing his third birthday and hadn’t made much progress, we got approved for several state-funded programs to help him catch up developmentally. Finn started Early Intervention (a play-based therapy that helps children with delays), Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy (a treatment that works to improve fine and gross motor skills). By the Father’s good grace, Finn has been THRIVING in these therapies all summer! His language and communication skills are improving rapidly, his playtime with Crosby is much more fun, and he is starting to calm himself down a bit quicker when he’s upset.
Through the whole process, Finn has undergone several rounds of testing to see how the school system can support him as he gets older. The good news is he was just approved to join a preschool for kids with special needs! He’ll join a group of about 10 children and get regular ST and OT five days a week. I really think this class will be a game-changer for Finnie, both developmentally and socially.
The harder news is that Finn was officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We’re still processing that part since we didn’t completely see it coming. We know, certainly, that the spectrum is WIDE, and there are a ton of tools these days to help our boy and others like him flourish and have awesome, happy, and successful lives. I know in my head that he'll be okay. It’s just not the story I would’ve written for him.
But let me end on more good news: OUR GOD. He is wild about Finn Henry Furniss, and He knows every intricacy of his body and mind. He knows Finn’s giggles and love of books and silly dance moves better than I do. He knows it all and holds it all. So this diagnosis doesn’t surprise Him, nor does it limit His power.
We’ve been in tough places before as a family (too many times to count!) and, to be honest with you, we are scared and overwhelmed. But the Father keeps reminding us that 1. We never had control over his story in the first place, and 2. We are hemmed in behind and before by a trustworthy, almighty God. And as we continue to take step after step in faith, without any clue where we are going, He is already there in that future moment, carving a way through the unknown.
Our boy is loved more deeply and fiercely than I could ever comprehend. And no matter what, our Savior will be glorified through this. That’s the big, beautiful gospel story here. And, dear friends, it is just getting started.
