A few have asked how the visit with the neuropsychologist went.
I am willing to share because I feel like my son's story is a story worth sharing.
Before the neuropsychologist, none of his therapists used the word autism or asperger's.
Because of his age they were not really allowed to do so.
They just put him in the PDD-NOS group.
PDD-NOS stands for pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
Many children stay in this group because their symptoms cannot be classified as classic autism or asperger's.
The neuropsychologist was "allowed" to use one of the BIG (kinda scary) terms if she had determined that he definitely fit into one of those categories.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to hear when we went into her office.
Did I want to know that his symptoms did not qualify him for a "scary" term?
Or, did I want to have a definitive diagnosis that I could tell those who work with him?
We sat down with her and talked a little about how he behaved in testing and what a sweet boy he was.
Then she said it. The sentence that I knew was true, but that we hadn't heard out of any of the doctor's mouths. "Your son has Asperger's Syndrome."
She then began to talk about the problems we are and will be facing and they just came flowing out of her.
She talked about social problems, problems in school, problems with getting a job, driving a car, having a long lasting relationship, going to college, the fact that people with asperger's syndrome automatically have ADD issues (oh goody).
For an hour!
I know just about everything about asperger's syndrome. I've read article after article and we LIVE with it every day.
But, it NEVER get's easier to hear it pouring out of a professionals mouth.
I left feeling so tired.
Yet, I felt somewhat relieved.
I now know the diagnosis. ASPERGER'S is our word.
I have him in the right therapies.
I feel like we are finally packed and in the car for our journey.
Here we go.
I have to say that I am so grateful to live in this time in earth's history.
There is so much more known about autism then there was even 10 years ago.
People are learning to be accepting and understanding.
I am THANKFUL for that.
Information about it is showing up everywhere!
Do you or your kids ever watch Arthur?
I love this show.
They talk about so many important issues in such a fun way.
Guess what they devoted a whole episode to!!
Yep. Asperger's.
You can watch a clip of it HERE.
Thanks for everyone's support and love. We feel it everyday.
Before the neuropsychologist, none of his therapists used the word autism or asperger's.
Because of his age they were not really allowed to do so.
They just put him in the PDD-NOS group.
PDD-NOS stands for pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
Many children stay in this group because their symptoms cannot be classified as classic autism or asperger's.
The neuropsychologist was "allowed" to use one of the BIG (kinda scary) terms if she had determined that he definitely fit into one of those categories.
I wasn't sure what I wanted to hear when we went into her office.
Did I want to know that his symptoms did not qualify him for a "scary" term?
Or, did I want to have a definitive diagnosis that I could tell those who work with him?
We sat down with her and talked a little about how he behaved in testing and what a sweet boy he was.
Then she said it. The sentence that I knew was true, but that we hadn't heard out of any of the doctor's mouths. "Your son has Asperger's Syndrome."
She then began to talk about the problems we are and will be facing and they just came flowing out of her.
She talked about social problems, problems in school, problems with getting a job, driving a car, having a long lasting relationship, going to college, the fact that people with asperger's syndrome automatically have ADD issues (oh goody).
For an hour!
I know just about everything about asperger's syndrome. I've read article after article and we LIVE with it every day.
But, it NEVER get's easier to hear it pouring out of a professionals mouth.
I left feeling so tired.
Yet, I felt somewhat relieved.
I now know the diagnosis. ASPERGER'S is our word.
I have him in the right therapies.
I feel like we are finally packed and in the car for our journey.
Here we go.
I have to say that I am so grateful to live in this time in earth's history.
There is so much more known about autism then there was even 10 years ago.
People are learning to be accepting and understanding.
I am THANKFUL for that.
Information about it is showing up everywhere!
Do you or your kids ever watch Arthur?
I love this show.
They talk about so many important issues in such a fun way.
Guess what they devoted a whole episode to!!
Yep. Asperger's.
You can watch a clip of it HERE.
Thanks for everyone's support and love. We feel it everyday.
4 comments:
I'm sure it was good to finally hear someone say the word than beating around the bush. You are a great Mom and Christopher is so lucky to have you. You are such a strong person and such a great example to me of a person with courage, love, and faith. You can do this... Love you!!
Kristin, I came across your blog and was catching up (you might remember me from Aloha 2nd Ward). You are an outstanding writer. I have a cousin who's daughter-who is now 12/13 has asberger's. You may already have a huge support system/group, but if you wanted someone else to talk you I would be happy to get you guys in contact with eachother. They live in Seattle and are SUPER nice and she is pretty proactive with Maren's life/support/educating others. Email me heidi.koberlein (at) gmail.com I would say I wish you lots of luck, but from the sound of it, you've got the best handle on things. Christopher is so lucky to have parents like you guys.
Hello, there, Kristin! This is "Heidi's Kristin," and I just wanted to say hello and welcome to the wide and wacky world of Aspies. ;) Our daughter is 12 and in 7th grade and if you'd have told me when she was 5 that we'd be where we are today, I'd have never believed it (in a good way). I would be happy to chat any ol' time, and offer you whatever resources or empathy I possibly can. My email is 3curlygirls@comcast.net (my blog, which I rarely update -shame- is 3curlygirls.blogspot.com, but you might want to check out the post I wrote on Maren's bday in Aug) I'm on facebook as kristin.j.robison, if you want to track me down there, too. All my best to you & your cute family!
at least you know now! You're amazing and I miss your face.
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