Well, the evaluation process for my son has been going on since July 2007, and it looks as if the saga will continue for awhile. As stated before, my son's diagnoses from the renowned children's hospital was "cognitively gifted"; socially immature; articulation disorder; needing help with stimulation and overstimulation; and needing help with managing an intense temperament. Although I brought him in stating that I thought he had ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome, after a lengthy evaluation, the physician stated he could not have Asperger's, because he was too socially connected.
She recommended a full global evalaution which was done through our neighborhood school. My boy is now receiving 30 minutes of speech therapy per week through the school for articulation; the therapy is not addressing pragmatics or prosody; in between sessions, I work with him at home. I was also given 60 minutes each month to consult with an occupational therapist regarding his sensory processing challenges. He needs so much more, and I have been asking the Father to provide a way for him to get one-on-one occupational therapy for sensory integration dysfunction.
We returned to the renowned children's hospital on Monday, February 11. Initially, the developmental pediatrician had said my son did not have Asperger's syndrome, but on Monday, she said she had misjudged some symptoms manifested in his speech and pragmatics, the severity of his sensory issues, his inability to connect with other children socially, although he has a strong desire to do so. She consulted with a senior developmental pediatrician who spent some time evaluating my son and later speaking with me. They both said my son is very complicated, as he did not fit neatly into the box of a typical child with Asperger's Syndrome--yet his symptoms and characteristics are best described as Asperger's Syndrome. One of the pediatricians talked about the incredible strengths my son has and how well he will do with the right therapies. This developmental pediatrician has a daughter with Asperger's, so he understood much from firsthand experience and was wonderful in answering my questions and sharing his wisdom and insight. Also, they referred me to some other resources that will provide more speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills classes, and other services my son needs.
I praise God's holy name, and every time I start to feel sad because of my son's diagnosis, I think about other children on the autistic spectrum who cannot speak, who are mentally retarded, who are cognitively impaired, and it helps me to put things into their proper perspective. I have been concerned about whether or not my son will be able to function in the world when he grows up, and the answer is a resounding "yes" in my spirit. With God, all things are possible. He is a healer, He is a deliverer, He is a sustainer, and I will allow Him to be all those things to me and so much more. He will minister to me, as I minister to my boy and teach my boy to trust in God, as God is teaching me to trust in Him for all things.
Ms. Phyllis
Comments
Feb. 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by LittleEblingsAcademy
Praise God for all of the positive information you received! Just think about all of the wonderful new things you and your son will experience, just knowing what you now know.
You have such a wonderful attitude about the whole thing. May God continue to touch your family.
Blessings, Beckie :o)
Mar. 28, 2008 - Standing with you
Posted by homeschoolboutique
Hello,
I stopped by to read your blog and I was so blessed by it. Know that I am praying for your family.
Blessings,
Tracy