It's been a really, REALLY busy week for us.
I'll start back at Wednesday, our appointment at the Children's Medical Center for the Autism evaluation (ADOS). It was basically the same test that the group of therapists did for us a few weeks ago in our home. But this time it was a certified speech pathologist and an actual doctor. They told us it could take up to 3 hours, but the actual evaluation lasted an hour, and we were there for less than two whole hours. I felt like they didn't do it thoroughly, the doctor scoffed at any of my comments of biomedical interventions -- like they're not good enough for her "medical world." I don't have her report in writing yet, but I do have the speech pathologists, if anyone is interested in reading the actual diagnosis, i'm going to put it here (and for me to have it here, mostly).
-Deficits noted in use of language and social interaction (social-pragmatic skills): Poor integration of eye contact with communication; pragmatic functions limited to requesting and labeling; initiates interactions only to have needs met; responds appropriately to joint attention, but no shared enjoyment and overall under-responsive to social interactions. -Deficits noted in understanding language (receptive language skills): Receptive language skills were not formally assessed, although the following observations were made: inconsistent response to name; inconsistently identifies age-appropriate vocabulary; follows one step commands with visual cues as needed; inconsistent response to yes/no questions. Overall, receptive language skills are judged to be a relative strength to expressive language. -Deficits noted in using words and putting them together (expressive language skills): Primarily communicates in single words and occasional two word phrases; limited gesture use to enhance communicative message; demonstrates immediate echolalia, but also uses spontaneous language. -Deficits noted in play skills: Primarily engaged with cause and effect toys in a repetitive manner; limited functional play observed; no symbolic play noted spontaneously or in imitation. Restricted interests/behaviors: Sensory deficits observed (hypersensitive to tactile input); repetitive object play. Other: Signs of a motor speech impairment, characterized by limited phonemic repertoire and vowel distortions. Overall prosody was flat, which may be characteristic of Autism but also impacted by motor sequencing deficits.
Diagnosis: Autism.
That's my child, in a nutshell. What they DIDN'T see what the extreme sensory and behavioral side, because he's shy and quiet and well behaved in a public setting. But, now we have our official medical diagnosis, which is basically our ticket to services, and other things offered out there to help families dealing with Autism (and other disorders). There is no direct diagnosis of SPD, though, if I were to personally diagnose, I would include it.
They don't see him as "severe" and think that early intervention will really help him progress. We will continue on with Behavioral Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and therapy with the Special Ed Teacher. We're up to about 4-5 hours of in-home therapy each week.
I've been calling all day trying to make an appointment with the DAN!/Naturopath that our BT recommended to us. Haven't been able to get through all day so far :/ Excited that our Occupational Therapist comes back on Monday so we can further discuss the emerging sensory issues. That's a whole other entry, seriously. If you haven't experienced Sensory issues to the extreme... it's HARD.
My friend is supposed to drop by with some more supplies today for salve-making, I am REALLY hoping i'll be able to sell enough of them to put some money aside, we're thinking we're going to invest in a weighted blanket for Joshua -- they cost about $80 for his size/weight.
Side note: all the stress on myself, my marriage, my weight (I've gained TEN pounds, my pants don't fit) is really wearing on me. I need a damn break. I begged Josh that if anyone wants to give me anything for Christmas, i'd kill for a Starbucks giftcard, a craft store giftcard, and someone to watch the kids for a few hours so I can do something for MYSELF. I feel like i'm drowning, here. I've had a TERRIBLE mom day so far, I've yelled and screamed and stressed out over STUPID things. Now Liam's napping and Joshua's watching Mickey Mouse and I need to pull myself together and actually spend QUALITY time with them this afternoon. The house is also totally neglected this week because between the evaluation and all the therapy sessions, we've been BUSY. Geez.
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