Five years ago we welcomed our second son into this world. Gavin was in such a hurry to get here, and I am truly grateful that he did. I posted his story on my other blog Mommy Can We Read. The post Five Years in the Making gives a brief introduction to my Bubba (that is what I often call him).
He is now finishing his second year of preschool in preparation for Kindergarten. I have to admit that my heart quakes with a bit of trepidation at this new adventure. Gavin has been diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder - Not otherwise Specified (which is a sub-threshold form of Autism). Next year all this definition, as well as Asperger's, will be disappearing and there will just be Autism Spectrum Disorder. If a child doesn't fit the social requirements then they will lose the resources that they are currently getting under the current definition.
My child struggles with many social situations. He doesn't quite understand boundaries, he often misunderstands facial expressions and their subsequent meanings. He ends up frustrating his classmates, especially when he laughs at their angry faces. He thinks their reactions are funny! However, and this is a big one, he makes eye contact. He express emotions, and is an incredibly loving child. He gives and takes hugs, on his terms. Last year we had a formal assessment done at the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center. He did not meet their requirements for Autism because he turned his head when the psychologist called his name. He looked up at a blue balloon when she held it above his head. He clapped his hands and congratulated himself when he did something correctly. On this basis, and not considering any other information, they told us he wasn't autistic. I was relieved, but frustrated too. What could we do to help him if we didn't know what he struggled with!
He then went to a Neurologist. This doctor looked over the information gleaned from Knights of Columbus, and said that he felt Gavin fit in the PDD-NOS category. After our visit as we read over the confusing notes sent us by the doctors (She felt that the kids were too rambunctious and would just give us her notes instead of going over them with us - really wish we had another option of diagnosis!!). I discovered that he did appear to have characteristics of a child with Autism(I think the doctors were not in agreement on the diagnosis, and one of them trumped them all), and he received a diagnosis of Receptive and Expressive Language Disorder. Now I had a diagnosis, what did that mean? I'm still trying to figure it all out!
Thankfully he attends a wonderful Preschool program in our school district. He receives physical therapy, occupational therapy, language therapy, and other services. BUT, next year this could all change!
Gavin learns at his own pace! He is often in his own world. What happens next year if he is placed in a classroom with thirty other kids? He struggles with a classroom of fourteen, a regular education teacher, teachers aide, and a special education teacher! He is going to be a hot mess! OR am I underestimating my son????? Time will tell!
No comments:
Post a Comment