I was going to write about my ill fated visit from my mother, but something else has come up that I want to write about.
 |
| Grayson and the tree's latest deposit of leaves |
"Mrs. Lynch, we think your son has a form of autism". What??? How could this be? Considering the sheer amount of parenting magazines available, I consider myself pretty well versed on the signs. How could I miss this? His pediatrician conducted a few tests and asked questions regarding his motor skills and whatnot. Apparently he was a prime candidate for Early Intervention. The doctor gave me the number, told me to call, and left. I was shell shocked! (Grayson on the other hand, smiled away).
Now here's the dilemma: given that I live in New Jersey, the state with one of the highest rates of childhood autism, could it be possible that its the latest over diagnosis, and that at any little sign a doctor is willing to just slap a label on him? Here are the things the doctor listed as reasons for his thinking:
1. Grayson does not stand on his own, nor does he try really. He also doesn't crawl. He only started sitting on his own at a little over 8 months.
2. He won't hold his bottle, feed himself, or do pincer grasp.
3. He only says "dada" (which I think is pretty great!)
4. There are certain reflexes babies are supposed to have by now, and Grayson does not demonstrate them. There are other "little" signs, but way too many to list.
To me, it just seems like he is being a little lazy. Am I in denial? I am really scared to call Early Intervention, for the fear of the label. I am not trying to be a bad mother, I just really think my boy is fine. Am I doing him a disservice by sitting on the fence like this? I'm giving myself until Friday to make a decision, and my husband is adamantly saying not to do it. I just want to make sure that if it IS something, even if its small, I get Grayson the help he needs.
What do you fellow mommies think?
xoxo
Hey sweetie. My names Vikki (iheartpeapods) from IG. Just reading your post about Grayson being diagnosed with Autism. Not sure if your aware but my son Marley was diagnosed the day before his 2nd birthday. It shocked me but I'd known deep down for about a year that there were some concerns with his development. Marley didn't hit his milestones from about 6 month. He didn't sit unaided until 8-9 month. I noticed changes in Marley from about 10 month. He cant feed himself and didn't hold a bottle until 15 month. Marley never suffered with separation anxiety also and wouldn't hold onto me when I carried him. Marley cant speak but is very vocal. He doesn't point or gesture for things and has very poor eye contact. He loves anything that spins, especially wheels and ceiling fans. Also when he gets excited he flaps his hands and grimaces. This has gotten worse as hes gotten older. He is always happy and smiling but the concerns were always there. I would go with your gut instinct on the care needed for Grayson. From the diagnosis you've mentioned I think you should go with the early intervention and these are the signs that Marley had. I found myself in denial quite a lot but after he was diagnosed I found that it was a way to move forward and get things moving. Marley is waiting to start his early intervention and is also going to start a nursery. Marley has always been a very happy, loving little boy and these quirky traits he has just make him that little bit more interesting. If everyone were from the same mould, this world would be a very boring place. If you need to chat I'm here, even if you want to just get things off your chest. Sending lots of love. Stay strong ��
ReplyDelete