The A Word

Thanks for your patience as I have processed things over the weekend.  We met with two doctors last Thursday to discuss their evaluation of Parker.  While it was not a surprise, it was still very hard to hear.

Autism

To be marginally more specific, Autistic Disorder is his official diagnosis.  I know, still kinda vague.  But, it's not Aspergers or PDD-NOS, I think, since we weren't given that specification.  I apologize for not being able to give more information, but I am still learning.  I have found there is a LOT to learn...

He was also diagnosed with hypotonia, or low muscle mass.  This is apparently common with Autism.  They was concern about his head growth (or lack there of) over the last year or so.  We were not expecting these last two diagnoses so that was surprising.  

So, what is next?  Therapy, lots of therapy.  We have a game plan and hierarchy of treatments.  Speech therapy is the foremost priority.  Currently Parker has no words.  We were told his language skills are mostly at a 6-9 month level.  We will be started speech therapy this week, which is very promising.  We also have occupational and physical therapy scheduled to start within a few weeks.  We have also scheduled a neurological consult and may need to have an MRI done to check on his brain growth.  The wait for that is 3 months...YIKES!  We will also be doing blood work and genetic profiling.  There are several weak genetic correlations that don't have visible indicators now due to his age.  Knowing these can help us understand the best way to treat him now and in the future.  Less important, but still on the list is an eye exam to get his base visual status.  We have no reason to believe he has sight issues, but it is standard practice to rule out any physical barriers to treatment.  Whew, it is tough to get a list of "recommendations" a page and a half long.

I am dealing with this as well as you could expect a mom to.  Thursday was tough.  I was a trooper during the meeting with the doctors, but broke down on the way home.  I had a work function that evening so I had to pull myself together again, but lost it by the time I was home again.  I pulled in to the garage and just wept.  For a good 10 minutes, I wept, uncontrollably.  When I finally walked in, I went straight to Parker's room.  I had just missed bedtime so he was still awake.  I went in and kissed and snuggled him.  And he ran around his crib and smiled and squealed.  And I cried.  This is a beautiful picture of this moment in our life.  It is tearing me up inside, but nothing is different for Parker.  He is the same happy, energetic, loving boy.   I expect there to be a few more fits of weeping, but my emotions are starting to level and reality of this new journey is setting in.  I am hopeful and optimistic, all while trying to remain realistic.  I have been wanting to reach out for support for a while, but didn't know (for sure) what I needed it for.  I have already spoken with a co-worker who has been on this journey for 12 years.  I have been reading this amazing blog for a few months.  Chrissy inspires me every day to never give up.  I can't give up on this beautiful boy.

If you chose to stay with me on this long road, thanks for your support.  This is one of those "I don't know what to say" situations and that is ok.  Just knowing you are here means the world.