Hi folks,
It has been about a month since I last posted and I thought it would be worth an update. I can see this forum becoming more valuable as I navigate the next little bit of life.
I ended up taking my son to the assessment. My husband coincidentally had an appointment scheduled with his health care provider (for himself) which I think may have included some of his frustrations. He never mentioned any further word about it to me. So at least it was not stressful.
My son did amazing at the ADOS. His imaginative play is exceptional. He can communicate well, though is significantly speech impaired. He can make choices clearly. Most importantly, I can confirm that the boy who showed up to engage in the assessment was a fair and accurate representation of my son. He did not behave any differently than he does on a day to day basis.
Despite his engagement in the assessment, he does meet the DSM-5 criteria for ASD.
I know the label does not change who my son is, and I love him dearly. He is the most loving and affectionate little guy. I would not change him for the world, but I am worried about how the world will see him and treat him. I am worried about making friends and having invitations to birthday parties. I am worried about his happiness and how he will care for himself when I am gone. I know I am underestimating his ability and his strengths, of which he has many. I am just scared for the future, which I know will be hard for him and I hope to be able to lessen the challenges he will have to endure growing up in a world that is not built for beautiful brains like his.
Anyway, I thought I owed it to you to update as this was a very helpful place for me leading up to the assessment. I am in the process of adding more supports to his care team to try and prepare him as best I can for full time school next fall.
Thank you to all you kind folks.
It has been about a month since I last posted and I thought it would be worth an update. I can see this forum becoming more valuable as I navigate the next little bit of life.
I ended up taking my son to the assessment. My husband coincidentally had an appointment scheduled with his health care provider (for himself) which I think may have included some of his frustrations. He never mentioned any further word about it to me. So at least it was not stressful.
My son did amazing at the ADOS. His imaginative play is exceptional. He can communicate well, though is significantly speech impaired. He can make choices clearly. Most importantly, I can confirm that the boy who showed up to engage in the assessment was a fair and accurate representation of my son. He did not behave any differently than he does on a day to day basis.
Despite his engagement in the assessment, he does meet the DSM-5 criteria for ASD.
I know the label does not change who my son is, and I love him dearly. He is the most loving and affectionate little guy. I would not change him for the world, but I am worried about how the world will see him and treat him. I am worried about making friends and having invitations to birthday parties. I am worried about his happiness and how he will care for himself when I am gone. I know I am underestimating his ability and his strengths, of which he has many. I am just scared for the future, which I know will be hard for him and I hope to be able to lessen the challenges he will have to endure growing up in a world that is not built for beautiful brains like his.
Anyway, I thought I owed it to you to update as this was a very helpful place for me leading up to the assessment. I am in the process of adding more supports to his care team to try and prepare him as best I can for full time school next fall.
Thank you to all you kind folks.