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OT~ Diagnosis.

Chel Bell's picture

Submitted by Chel Bell on Wed, 03/11/2009 - 8:21am

Well on Monday, my son's test results came in. He is diagnosed with Autistic Disorder. I knew this was coming, and was not surprised, but I'll tell you....to hear it from the doctor, was heartbreaking. I tried to hold back the tears but could not. You are never really prepared for that moment. He is still the same kid that he was a few days ago, but now things just feel different. The bright spot, if any in this situation, is now we can start services for him besides just Early Intervention. The doc. recommends speech therapy, occupational therapy for his sensory issues, continue with sign language/along with speech, Genetic testing for me and DH, and ABA services through Children Making Strides. We have a lot to do at home with him to, the doc. recommended all kinds of different "play/work" activities for us to do with him. I have so much on my mind right now, the past couple of days have been a bit of a blur. I don't know how often I will be writing on here, with everything that is going on, but I will pop on from time to time to update, and post anything new about skids (so far so good there, nothing crazy yet.)but, that is not my main focus right now either. DH has been so great , and so strong through these past few days. I don't know what I would do without him. We have realized through all this, just how important it is for us (he & I ) to have a healthy and close relationship. Caring for a child w/ special needs can do funny things to people....it can bring you closer together, or in most cases, pull you apart. My DH said that putting us first (me, him, and Elijah) has been long overdue, and that is the way things need to be now. Our son needs us to be strong, and work together. His success in life depends on us! Thank you, to all of you here, for your kind words, and wonderful advice you have given me. I will miss being on here everyday with you wise women and men. You have helped me more than you know. I will not be gone forever, I just have so much to do. Love you all. Chel

Comments

StepG's picture

Submitted by StepG on Wed, 03/11/2009 - 8:28am

my heart is with your right now! I will pray for you everyday as I know the emotions you are having. You have a great positive attitude and you are right his success in life depends on you and his dad and he has such a great chance at leading as close to normal life for a child since ya'll have gotten on this so young in his life! Autism is really becoming an issue that almost everybody knows somebody who has a child with autism or knows them personally. As stated I have a nephew who just turned 5 couple days ago who has autism and I attend church with a couple who has a 16 year old son with autism. Be strong and I will pray for you daily. Lots of hugs, prayers and love coming your way!

sparky's picture

Submitted by sparky on Wed, 03/11/2009 - 11:51am

I'm sorry that you and your child have to go through this

bewitched's picture

Submitted by bewitched on Wed, 03/11/2009 - 10:31pm

"To Thine Own Self Be True" William Shakesphere

This is so very sad. I know what you mean-he's the same boy he was the day before, but now you've been told-it's a diagnosis.

I pray for you that your husband will stand strong beside you, and lift you up when you're down. I know you will do everything in your power to help your son; I have no doubt you will succeed.

Most Evil's picture

Submitted by Most Evil on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 5:55am

Oh I am so sad for you honey. But it sounds like you have good advice and caregivers and great support in your DH. I think we are learning more about autism all the time, and many are able to get much further than in the past.

My niece is 17 with aspergers and was once thought to be autistic but did improve with my sis working with her and is now I would say almost like anyone else, except for some social issues that may still improve. She does have a little boyfriend though! We are thinking of you and hoping for the best! let us know!!

"A lie told often enough becomes the truth." - Vladimir Lenin

The Principlist's picture

Submitted by The Principlist on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 10:44am

I am sorry that I have been caught up in my own drama lately that I haven't been up on everyone else's blogs. I am saddened to hear this. I know you were expecting it. I think it is a good thing that you caught it and have a diagnosis early on. I think that though BS life will not be what you've wanted for him, it can still by a joyful and meaningful one. I know this sounds cliche, but I know that you and DH will be better people for having to love and raise a special needs kid. I sometimes substitute teach in a program with special needs kids although they are older kids and I have to say that out of all of the classrooms that I have worked in, they are my favorites. I get the most joy and fulfillment from working with them. It will be tiring and exhausting but once you start seeing the results of your efforts and labour it will be worth every heartache. Hugs to you and your family.

Just because one opens her legs twice, does not a mother make! ~ ME ~ }:-P