I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

I posted yesterday asking about the EI evaluation because DS is having his first one next week.

The response was very helpful and terrifying all at once. I got a ton of FM's telling me their children's stories and almost all of them sound like DS. The hand flapping, the selective hearing/almost seeming deaf, the tendancy to take off running with no ability to be 'reeled in'......

Just for kicks I took the "does my child have Autism" test online and he fit something like 16 out of 20 of the 'classic' symptoms.

I feel like for the past 2 and a half years, I have been expressing concerns for DS to everyone in our inner circle (my parents, DH, friends) and I have put off evaluating him because everyone, and I mean EVERYONE kept telling me to wait - he's a boy - he's just doing it a little later. I'm really kicking myself now. I feel like I've totally failed him already..

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

First off, you are NOT failing him. You are getting the evaluation, so you are off to a GREAT start. I know it is so tough. We went back and forth, and my son was diagnosed at 18 months, and that is NOT one word you want to hear is Autism. But he is still young, so you have alot of time to work with him.
Who is evaulating him? I wish you the best of luck, and keep us updated. If you need to talk...Im only an FM away.
Please dont feel bad at all

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

I am a professional in the field, feel free to FM me with any questions. You are doing the right thing by moving forward and helping your child.

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

you are doing the right thing for him.. whether he be 6 months or 6 years...



there are wonderful people on this board.

and if he is ASD/PDD-NOS or anything, most of us have been through it and are still going through it.

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

This part of the process that you're in right now is the absolute hardest...so please let me offer you some

My inner circle was the exact same way. To an extent they still are...over a year after the diagnosis. Honestly, sometimes I think maybe to an extent I am too. I don't talk about it too much to many people. It's life now as I know it. The label doesn't change anything. If anything it offered up a whole lot of opportunities and options for therapy and treatments that I wasn't getting before the diagnosis. It took a diagnosis to take me seriously which still really makes me angry.

You'll see once you have all of your evaluations done and therapy has started what a world of difference it is going to make.

And don't think you failed him. He's two and a half. He's young...you're a very good mother for doing something about it now.

If your inner circle doesn't offer much support please come here, FM any of us and know that we are here for you. There are so many of us and each of our stories are different yet we are all here for each other.

Message edited 12/28/2010 11:10:41 AM.

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

You are going through the hardest part. You don't know where it is heading and the fear of what it could be.

It is a difficult process but you know in your heart that you and DC need to go through it.

Whether you evaluated 6 months ago or later, you took the hardest step. Don't beat yourself up. There is never going to be a right time to find out what is going on.

Remember than only a PED/Doctor or psychologist can officially diagnose your child. Those tests are just potential flags to look for. Many children exhibit some symptoms of autism but are not. I don't want you to look for the worst yet and at the same time you cannot be disillusioned either.

Whatever you will read/hear right now, is going to be overwhelming.

DS got a diagnostic at 18 months. I had no idea DS was autistic and I did not even call EI for that. I originally called them for feeding and speech issue. As we went through the evals (about 1 month period), DS' symptoms took a turn I did not expect. It came out full force. Hand flapping, rocking, etc...

Hang in there! DS was diagnosed 2 years ago now. I still think going through the evals and finally hearing a diagnostic was the hardest part for me. That's when our lives changed forever.

A lot of us on this board have children with a PDD diagnostic.

We will be here to give you all the support we can by answering your questions or just listening if you need an ear.

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

Posted by smdl

You are going through the hardest part. You don't know where it is heading and the fear of what it could be.

It is a difficult process but you know in your heart that you and DC need to go through it.

Whether you evaluated 6 months ago or later, you took the hardest step. Don't beat yourself up. There is never going to be a right time to find out what is going on.

Remember than only a PED/Doctor or psychologist can officially diagnose your child. Those tests are just potential flags to look for. Many children exhibit some symptoms of autism but are not. I don't want you to look for the worst yet and at the same time you cannot be disillusioned either.

Whatever you will read/hear right now, is going to be overwhelming.

DS got a diagnostic at 18 months. I had no idea DS was autistic and I did not even call EI for that. I originally called them for feeding and speech issue. As we went through the evals (about 1 month period), DS' symptoms took a turn I did not expect. It came out full force. Hand flapping, rocking, etc...

Hang in there! DS was diagnosed 2 years ago now. I still think going through the evals and finally hearing a diagnostic was the hardest part for me. That's when our lives changed forever.

A lot of us on this board have children with a PDD diagnostic.

We will be here to give you all the support we can by answering your questions or just listening if you need an ear.

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

Thought I could give you a little inspiration too -

This is my first post about Coles diagnosis

This is when my social little man charmed a LI Press reporter

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

I've been through this as well. It's hard to make that step and to hear the word "autism". Every time I look at my daughter's IEP, it's like getting hit in the stomach with a ton of bricks.
You're not failing him-you're doing the right thing!!

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

Thank you, everyone, for your kind words and support. It means the world to me. This part is definitely isolating and frustrating but I think I'm almost glad to have an idea of what kind of territory we're heading into.

I will keep everyone updated on what the outcomes are and I'm sure i'll be back with questions. Thanks again!

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

You have not failed him! You are not alone!
I held off calling EI for a bit.
DS was a late crawler, walker, cruiser.
When he hit about 16/17 months, I called for PT.
Then the stimming began. We brushed it off as "he's excited", "He's young" etc.
When he was a little over 2.5, really, almost 3 he was diagnosed with PDD-NOS.

He is now in school, FT (A developmental Pre-K) and LOVES it! He's been going for about a year and a half now (started out at 27 months in a seperation class). It does wonders!

EI is fantastic! You are doing a great thing by having them come in! I promise!

Any questions, please do NOT hesitate to FM me.

On a "side note" (nothing to do with Autism), my DD has Down Syndrome. I am still dealing with EI. We have so many therapists in and out and I've seen nothing but amazing things come out of it!

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

I know a lot of people are reaching out to help you.... Feel free to fm me anytime....

Re: I think we're heading towards an autism diagnosis..

As others have said you are not failing him. I first had my ds evaluated at 18 months. At that time he had no receptive or expressive language. They saw his inconsistant eye contact but were not concerned about it at that time. By the time he was turning 2 I was seeing so many more things that were concerning me. I had him reevaluated at 26 months. We were then giving a diagnoses of PDD-NOS. The hardest part was waiting for answers. Once we found out for sure we jumped on what we had to do for him and have not stopped. DS didn't start school until he was 28 months. He is doing amazing. He has been in his program for 6 months now. I can't believe the progress he has made.