Bad News :(
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| Mon, 01-11-2010 - 1:19pm |
Some of you might remember that I had concerns about Ry's speech development and had resolved to take action if he wasn't speaking by January. Well, he's still not talking and he is lagging a bit behind in other areas as well.
We had Ry's 15 month appt. today and we brought up our concerns about Ry's speech with the doctor. He talked with us for about an hour about what Ry does and doesn't do. Ry scored 11 months on his PDQ which is exactly what he scored at his 12 month appt., so his development has basically flat-lined. He's still doing fine on his gross motor development but speech and fine motor are lagging behind. The doctor gently led us to the possibility that we are looking at either autism, another form of developmental delay disorder, or a neurological disorder.
He referred us to a neurologist to get testing for neurological disorders set up, he encouraged us to set up an eval with TEIS (EI here), which DH is actually on the phone doing right now, and is having us repeat Ry's hearing exam to rule out hearing problems. He thinks we shouldn't have a problem getting approved for therapy through EI and that Ry will really benefit from speech and occupational therapy there. He was very encouraging about the prognosis when therapy begins this early, and I really appreciated his gentle and sensitive approach.
That being said, I am, of course, scared and really sad. It seems that if he does have autism, he's on the milder end of the spectrum since he does things like smile, laugh, and make eye contact, so I'm trying to remind myself that with the proper therapy, he could live a close to normal life, but this is definitely not the vision I had in mind for my son; who does have this in mind for their children?
Anyway, I know I'm not around much, but you ladies have been very supportive when I am, so I'd like to ask for your P&PT once again. Thank you!
-Megan
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Megan - I'm really sorry to hear about the apparent delay in Rylan's development. I can only imagine how
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Megan,
I am so sorry to hear this. I really hope that they figure out that this is something they can fix. I know a friend of mine stopped growing for a few years because she was allergic to something and didn't know it--I don't know if there is anything that could cause it at his age . . .
If it is something like autism, I can tell you that I babysat for a family with an autistic son. He was high functioning, very intelligent, and had savant like-gifts. He did have trouble with social interactions, but he could talk perfectly fine--but he did not learn until he was almost 4 or 5 . . . now he is about to graduate high school, he is going to college, etc. And at Ry's age, he DIDN'T really make eye contact or interact much. So, it's possible that Ry could be really fine, even if he is on the far end of the autism spectrum. Autism therapies have come so far that I even have a friend who says that she used to have autism, but was cured through intensive therapies as a child . . .
Sigh, I can only imagine how you must be feeling right now. But I really, really, hope that it ends up being not too bad--but just the fact that you are having to go through this really sucks. I will be thinking of your family. (((HUGS)))
First off (((((BIG BIG HUGS)))))
Of course no one plans anything like this for their children and whatever you are feeling right now is so OK.
I think the fact that Rylan does smile and make eye contact and all that wonderful stuff is so important to remember- clearly he is making and forming relationships and bonds and whenever I think about a disease like autism I know that is what I would have the hardest part dealing with- emotional bonding issues, and it doesn't sound like that is an issue with Rylan at all.
Of course I don't know anything about how important it is to be caught up in speech and fine motor development at
I'm sorry to hear about all that is going on.
FWIW my nephew is going through the same thing right now, but a little older, so a little further along in the process (he'll be 2 in Feb). He started OT for his fine motor skills and speech. He went from being non-verbal this summer to saying around 10 words now, with new words added each week.
Hang in there. I hope you you are able to get the services you need easily and quickly.
Oh, Megan, I'm so sorry to hear this. It sounds like you're on the right track though, with getting help for Rylan as soon as possible. I don't know much about autism, but I understand how you would be scared and saddened right now.
Hang in there, and lots of (((hugs))) and positive thoughts to you.
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Hi Megan
I'm so sorry you got this news about little Rylan...I dont think any parent ever imagines the negative things that our children may go through in life.
Megan - I am so sorry that you got news like this. I know it's not what you were expecting to hear. I am sure as time goes on and he starts his therapy things will get better and like you said if it is autism at least he is doing those other things, smiling etc.
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way!!
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Megan, I am so sorry to read this about sweet little Ry :( You are a such a wonderful mommy, you are doing everything right and Ry is lucky to have parents like you and DH to help him jump this hurdle. I think the fact that he is social with you and DH and he smiles, makes eye contact, etc. is such a great sign. I know that with the Autism spectrum, early intervention makes an incredible difference - it is so great that you guys are seeking that out for him right now.
I will keep you, Dylan and Ry in my thoughts and prayers.
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