I think I've mostly shared our journey with L so far on my blog. Basically, we've struggled with behavioral issues, some developmental delays, and social problems with L since, well, as long as I can remember. I've had a nagging thought in the back of my mind that something beyond all of our control was happening with our little L. About a year and a half ago, we went ahead and did the ADOS testing for L. He tested just barely positive on the autism spectrum. The neuro-development doctor gave us a few suggestions and a follow up appointment in 6 months. One of the suggestions was a parenting program called Triple P (Positive Parenting Program). Being that we live an hour away from the doctor's office, the had a social worker call me and give me a list of two or three places in my town that offer similar programs. Well, I called all of these places countless times, left messages and talked to a ton of clueless people. Finally, I talked to our pediatrician and she suggested a therapist. So we spent 6+ months in family therapy. While some of it was helpful, I kind of felt like all we were doing was allowing L to interrupt all of our conversations with the therapist and we didn't get very far. Our six month appt. with the neurodevelopment doctor decided to give it another six months. We got busy with life and didn't continue therapy. Next six month appt, L had been in tri-county preschool for a few months with assistance and school was going fairly well. L was still showing characteristics of autism, but his imagination had finally started to develop some (he does do SOME imagination play, but it tends to still be very literal), so the doctor said he'll see us in 6 more months. Recently, things have gotten really difficult. I decided to go back to the therapist in desperation. Suddenly, I understood why doctors prefer to wait till kids are a little older to diagnose them. Now that L is more verbal and a little more mature, things have become clearer than before. He's been having tantrums that are more violent and even harder for him to settle down after. Eating has always been a big problem for L and it continues to cause us a lot of stress. We also started hearing some bad reports from his teachers at school. It seems like for L, he really WANTS desperately to have friends and get along with other kids, but he just doesn't understand how to connect. One of the bigger problems we've noticed is that he has a real difficulty with emotions. He seems to know what the social acceptable response is at times, but he doesn't really understand the meaning behind the response.
We went to L's latest neurodevelopment doctor appointment last week. We went over everything with the doctor. Let me say, Dr. Hull at Akron's Children's Hospital is really great. He takes as much time as you need with him, never rushes, and interacts very well with the kids...I've been very impressed by him. He felt that because L still has quite a bit of autistic characteristics and tested positive on the ADOS test, now would be a good time to put an official diagnosis of autism on the records. Dr Hull felt that letting L go to school without a diagnosis may put him at risk of being labelled a trouble maker when there was more going on than him just being trouble. Surprisingly, A didn't even disagree with that statement. I was completely shocked that A was completely on board. Since the last time we tried to participate in the Triple P program, Akron Children's now sends someone to Wooster once a week...which is so amazing! This makes things so much simpler on us. I was willing to drive to Akron and do the class, but being in Wooster and amazingly on A's day off is perfect. Now we both get to go and learn some new things!
So how do I feel about all of this? I'm still trying to come to terms with my feelings. I have been pushing for something....not sure exactly what, but something, ANYTHING. Be it autism, ADHD, or nothing. We just needed some direction. I am really relieved to have a plan in place. In the year and a half since we started this journey, all I've ever wanted is for us, as parents, to be able to help L become a successful, happy, healthy little boy. I am excited to start the Triple P program (the section for parents of autistic children is called Stepping Stones). I still feel a little sad that all of this is happening to L, but I am positive that he will be fine and that we are on the right path to finding some maybe a little peace.
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