I don't think I will ever forget that moment--it wasn't exactly what I had expected to hear. Jared and I were both leaning towards Asperger's Syndrome--that is an Autism Spectrum Disorder--differing with it's symptoms and neurological causes. Caden is HFA (high functioning), his academics and motor skills are stellar, but the speech delay, sensory issues--that's a big one for him, and his social set backs are clear indicators of Autism. Who would think that his fascination with fans, twirling my hair, watching a square of toilet paper float down and spontanious recitations would be Autistic qualties? So now what--you might ask? Sensory Integration Therapy, more intensive speech therapy, occupational therapy and social play groups are the directives from the child pshycologist. Several doors have already opened; our heads are just swimming with information and our hearts are flooded with emotion. Jared & I have always known that Caden is a very special spirit that was sent to us for a very special reason. We are so excited and relieved to not be lost in the "GRAY" anymore! We are anxious to get him the help he needs. Now when I look at his sweet face I hope he feels this lyric to a new favorite song of mine: "You know you're perfect to me".
Friday, November 7, 2008
We FINALLY have a diagnosis for Caden!!!
It's been a long 3&1/2 years of questions and concerns for our oldest son Caden. We've been referred to different specialists througout this journey and we have found one who (in my humble opinion) knew what he was doing and more importantly what Caden was doing and why. Yesterday at 3:00p.m. after hundreds (literally) of insightful questions on Caden's behavior, Dr. Herrera concluded, "He is definetly Autistic".
I don't think I will ever forget that moment--it wasn't exactly what I had expected to hear. Jared and I were both leaning towards Asperger's Syndrome--that is an Autism Spectrum Disorder--differing with it's symptoms and neurological causes. Caden is HFA (high functioning), his academics and motor skills are stellar, but the speech delay, sensory issues--that's a big one for him, and his social set backs are clear indicators of Autism. Who would think that his fascination with fans, twirling my hair, watching a square of toilet paper float down and spontanious recitations would be Autistic qualties? So now what--you might ask? Sensory Integration Therapy, more intensive speech therapy, occupational therapy and social play groups are the directives from the child pshycologist. Several doors have already opened; our heads are just swimming with information and our hearts are flooded with emotion. Jared & I have always known that Caden is a very special spirit that was sent to us for a very special reason. We are so excited and relieved to not be lost in the "GRAY" anymore! We are anxious to get him the help he needs. Now when I look at his sweet face I hope he feels this lyric to a new favorite song of mine: "You know you're perfect to me".
I don't think I will ever forget that moment--it wasn't exactly what I had expected to hear. Jared and I were both leaning towards Asperger's Syndrome--that is an Autism Spectrum Disorder--differing with it's symptoms and neurological causes. Caden is HFA (high functioning), his academics and motor skills are stellar, but the speech delay, sensory issues--that's a big one for him, and his social set backs are clear indicators of Autism. Who would think that his fascination with fans, twirling my hair, watching a square of toilet paper float down and spontanious recitations would be Autistic qualties? So now what--you might ask? Sensory Integration Therapy, more intensive speech therapy, occupational therapy and social play groups are the directives from the child pshycologist. Several doors have already opened; our heads are just swimming with information and our hearts are flooded with emotion. Jared & I have always known that Caden is a very special spirit that was sent to us for a very special reason. We are so excited and relieved to not be lost in the "GRAY" anymore! We are anxious to get him the help he needs. Now when I look at his sweet face I hope he feels this lyric to a new favorite song of mine: "You know you're perfect to me".
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8 comments:
whoa laurie. a relief on one hand to know what you are dealing with, but huge also in finding out how to deal with it. like one journey ending and another one beginning. i will be thinking of you and your family :)
How great to have a diagnosis. I hope the doors continue to open for you and Caden.
oh laurie! my eyes just flooded with tears as i read this. i'm so glad you know!
i need to call you. . .
What a blessing to know. If anyone can get passed this you guys can
!!
That must feel so great to finally have some sure answers. It sounds like you're doing all the right things for him. What a cute kid!
I'm happy that you finally have an answer. What a cutie he is (they all are). Now the adventure begins.... bless you.
about the whole tagging thing. . .
do you have your pictures in files on your computer? just open up your pictures and go to the fourth folder and post the fourth picture in there.
i'm here to help you out . . .
sorry we missed each others' calls on sunday. it's really hard for me to ever find a time to call anyone. but i'll try again . . . probably when i'm driving somewhere. that's always the best time. when everyone's strapped in.
Our prayers are with you guys. I know this is a hard thing to deal with, but you guys are so capable. I have a friend that works at a private school for autistic children, and they are all so special (I know all kids are, but they are extra special)!! Give yourselves and Caden hugs from the Power fam.
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