Maaaaan I am one tied lil Ducky! This school malarkey is hard work but all things considered its going well. He still has to be prized off mum at the door and isnt pleased when she goes but settles pretty quick and is already getting into the routines of his class. Its funny seeing him all grown up in his uniform. He looks so smart and just like all the other fresh faced primary ones! Its only when you see the mainstream kids changing their own shoes, hanging up their bags, being self sufficient that you realise just how different the boy is. I touched on diagnosis a wee while ago and mum often gets asked how did you know? As parents we all worry about our kids. No one really likes to face up to the fact that their son or daughter isnt developing like his or her peers but thats essentially what it comes down to. The referral and diagnosis process is notoriously long and drawn out (18 months in our case) Whilst this is torturous and frustrating at the time, mum now fully appreciates why it has to be that way. You see, many of the spectrum traits that typically set alarm bells ringing can also be absolutely nothing to worry about in your average toddler! Mum lost count of the number of times she would share her concerns with others who confidently assured her it was fine because their little one does that. Yes, lots of kids line up toys, the differences come when the activity is all consuming and obsessive, when the slightest change in routine or surroundings causes a melt down that leaves your average tantrum looking like a skip in the park! The boy didnt respond to his name, didnt play peekaboo or babble as babies do, nor did he sleep much, follow instructions, take part in games. On their own, these things genuinely are nothing to worry about, mostly toddlers grow out of things and progress with development in line with expectations. Together though, they are very early indicators of autism and as the child grows, the developmental delays and differences become more and more obvious. Aside from underfunded NHS departments and genuinely long waiting lists, paediatric consultants prefer to wait, to be absolutely sure their diagnosis is accurate and that children are not labeled unnecessarily. Frustrating as it is when you have little doubt as to the outcome, it is the right thing to do - an autism diagnosis is not something you want to rush into believe me! So how did mum know? She just did. In the same way you know when you meet the one and the same way I know I will be with the boy for as long as my stitching holds my stuffing!!! Always trust your instincts Honksters, they will rarely let you down xxxxx
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 13:38:37 +0000
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