August 5, 2009

A Diagnosis

IMG_0001 Yesterday, we took Moe to see a developmental pediatrician. We didn't feel like the Early Start evaluators gave us a good sense of what was going on with him, and our pediatrician, Dr. G., recommended someone in her group.

Dr. S told us what I've known for quite some time in my heart. W is on the autism spectrum. Okay, she said she wants to spend some more time with just him, but she sees a number of "red flags." The writing is on the wall.

How do I feel about this? Honestly, I don't know. Scared for W and what his future holds. Scared for me and how much more my life will need to be dedicated to his care. Guilty for feeling that way. Anxious to find him the right therapies (the doc doesn't think the learning center he is in right now is the right place for him).

DH, Jeff, seems to be in a bit of a denial. He thinks Moe will catch up and be fine, and maybe he will. I want to be optimistic. Moe is only just 2, and early intervention is key. Jeff didn't talk until he was 3, and he and is clearly an intelligent, well-adjusted person who can dress himself and use a spoon. But I also want to be realistic.

So now we start working with our service coordinator at the regional center to try to get W's treatment plan updated. I'm still lost and confused in the world of IFSPs, and IEPs, and the whole thing. There are a lot of resources out there, but it is going to take some time and effort to find the right ones. Did I mention we have a newborn?

On the plus side, I now know what this blog is going to be about. It isn't a unique concept. I did one search for "autistic toddlers and nail clipping" and found a similar blog, Both Hands and a Flashlight. I'm sure there are a thousand others. But this will be our story, as beautiful and unique as Moe himself.

8 comments:

  1. Great first post! There are a lot of us out there, eh? It's been a blast meeting the other moms who blog on autism issues!

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  2. This is a great first post. I didn't start my blog until 2 months ago, almost a year after Pudding's diagnosis. In many ways I wish I'd started writing right away. Loved this.

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  3. Great first post. I hope you and Moe are travelling okay. Visiting from Blog Gems.

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  4. Good reading your first post! It is amazing how much other "specializing" info we come upon after finally getting a diagnosis to help our children (not that we ever had set out WANTING to know these things!) And so, que sera' sera. We go on to make our proverbial lemonade I guess, becoming advocates for our kiddos.

    Good to know how it all started for you!

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  5. This brings back such memories for me, it was only a month after you wrote this that my almost 2 year old was diagnosed with autism and I remember those feeling SO well. I probably won't ever forget. Moe is such a handsome little fella, I am looking forward to reading more of your blog to see how the last 16 months have gone for you:) Thanks for joining in Blog Gems and lovely to meet you:) Jen

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  6. Good reading your first post! It is amazing idea, who want to meet other moms who blog on autism issues!
    Gun Clips | Tacoma Carpet Cleaner

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  7. Hi, I just found your blog today via Kerri (undiagnosed but okay with that). We, too, have a little boy (3 1/2) who is on the autism spectrum. Well, he has "things" that are on the autism spectrum but also no diagnosis (developmental pediatrician did not diagnose him with autism because he makes eye contact and likes to be social). He's severely speech and language delayed and is currently getting ABA therapy at a preschool.
    Glad to have found your blog. Sounds like we have a lot in common.

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I love comments! Respectful disagreement always encouraged.

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