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| This is what awesome looks like. |
Today I took Skeletor to our long awaited appointment with a doctor at Vanderbilt specializing in pediatric developmental disorders. Young Master Skeletor was assessed and evaluated and observed and lots of other watch-y, look-y type things. At the end of our hour or so with the doctor, we left with a diagnosis. My son is autistic.
That seems so scary and final to say. It's no longer, "He might be autistic." It's now a fact. Granted, we've strongly suspected this for the last two and a half years. But it's still kind of shocking to hear it. Kind of feels like when you fell off the swingset at school and got the breath knocked out of you. But I'm okay. Captain Gingerbeard and the other kids are okay. Skeletor is okay. We're all okay. I'm not even sad or angry. I went through my brief "mourning" period six months ago when our pediatrician gave us a probable autism diagnosis. I grieved for some imaginary child who is supposedly perfect and definitely doesn't exist. Things aren't how I thought they would be for my child, but are they ever? Sure, I have my pity parties more often than I would care to admit, but my son is healthy and he's happy. And that's a whole lot more than a lot of parents can say. (Not that I won't be griping on here. That's what blogs are for!)
Nothing changed today with this diagnosis. Skeletor is still the same kid he was yesterday. He is still a sweet, kind, funny, smart, loving little boy. He still has the same unique set of challenges that he has always had. The only thing that happened today is that we now have the information we need to provide every single thing that we can so our child can live a happy, healthy life. This diagnosis almost feels freeing. I no longer have to worry about what may or may not be wrong. Now I can just focus on what's right for him.
Your boy is adorable!
ReplyDeleteAnother good thing about an official diagnosis is school will offer more services for your child. My boy has ADD and they are more willing to help now that he has been officially diagnosed.
I hope you and your family can find all the help you need.
Thank you for the kind words. They really do mean a lot!
DeleteHe is an amazing kid and I can tell that by his smile.
ReplyDeleteIt took so long for my nephew to get a diagnosis that when we finally found out it was true, we all had a sigh of relief...because we knew how to go about treating it.
My nephew is an awesome kid with a heart of gold. Sure he has difficulties but I'll tell you, once you start working on helping him it gets better.
I know that he'll be loved on no matter what.
PS...the title of your blog makes me giggle. My son is anti-pants.
Thanks! :) We are so glad to finally have confirmation of what we've been thinking for so long now. Now we can get referrals to the places and professionals that can help him. And you're right, he gets no shortage of love!
DeleteYour son is ah-dorable. I hope this diagnosis does make things easier in terms of making more resources available and narrowing the plan of action; I know often the worst part is not *knowing.* :)
ReplyDeleteIt really is. We knew, but we were scared we would "mess him up" if we started different therapies and didn't have a correct diagnosis. And, thanks, he really is a cutie patootie, right?
ReplyDeleteThe diagnosis is super scary I know, but you have exactly the right attitude - your super cute son is still the same boy he was before the diagnosis. The diagnosis is what will help you get your son the therapies and resources he needs to succeed.
ReplyDeleteAnd he really is super cute.
Now that we've got an official diagnosis, we're working with Vanderbilt. It just feels good to be able to actually do something, anything! And, thanks, I'm partial to his cuteness myself.
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