Sarmiento explains that in order to rule out the possibility that Iñaki had an intellectual disability, it was necessary to run a test whose results had to be analyzed in the United States and then diagnosed until a month later, a month that Rafa describes as “hell.” Fortunately, the test came back negative.
“It is complicated to describe that month. Even right now and looking back, it’s hard for me to think about it and remember it. It was just Christmas and winter vacations we took as a family. In the middle of a flight, I had an uncontrollable panic attack that Jimena was able to control and control.
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For me it was unbearable and simply impossible to keep my sanity. I was terrified of what could happen, mean or define in our lives and our paths. I saw the child more and more lost in itself and completely disconnected from the environment. It hurt me, it caused me fear, anger and countless doubts, guilt, questions and anguish, ”he says.
Rafa also shares that it is not yet possible to determine with certainty what neurological spectrum his son’s condition is in and indicates that he will have to wait until he is older to receive a clearer diagnosis.
“Diagnosing Iñaki was difficult and still is today. From the outset, he presented a series of very characteristic features of the autism spectrum and many other atypical features that could contradict it. We will have to wait until he is seven years old to get a clearer picture ”.
However, Rafa saves the virtues he finds in Iñaki, whom he refers to as ‘The Great Teacher’, because he says he reminds him and his entire family of innocence and a unique way to enjoy life.
“My sister calls Iñaki“ The Great Teacher ”. The nickname comes from when we realized, even with smug envy, the way he enjoys life and the little details about it. Of a sound or a taste. A thrill, a song, someone’s arrival. Iñaki reminds us daily that there are many nice and beautiful things in life. He taught us to enjoy what seems insignificant and for me personally he has made me not only a better father, but a better person as well.
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Considering all that we have been through, it seems immense irony that a person has taught and changed me who still cannot pronounce his own name properly, but who in love and nobility has no problem whatsoever with diction and pronunciation ”.
In the text, Sarmiento regrets that conditions in Mexico did not allow them to ensure the proper development of their son, so they made the decision to move their lives as a family to Spain in search of a better quality of life for Iñaki. . Goal they reach according to his words when they see the learning that has developed in their new educational model.
Rafa Sarmiento also spoke about the severe depression he experienced as a result; the need to attend therapy and is grateful to the wonderful team he formed with his wife to move on as a family.