Eli is 4 years old & his speech development is delayed. Last year he got diagnosed with PDD-NOS. But unfortunately, I blew it off. I felt for sure that Eli was an "average Joe"--who would be spitting out sentences any day. But after some little events & then having Parent Teacher Conference with his current preschool teacher--she let me know that Eli is autistic. Not that you should always trust a teacher--but I already had the diagnose from a psychiatrist & this teacher has worked with kids like Eli that her words sunk in deep & they felt right. (We will still get another diagnose for Eli soon to get more official second opinions/advice, etc.)
Luckily, I already had him in Early Intervention for his speech development since he was 2 1/2 years old. And all the help from that program has been amazing! He enjoys going to preschool 4 days a week & meets with a speech therapist once a week at the school. Right now his speech capability is limited to easy words. Words that have 2 syllables are harder to say. Most of his vocabulary includes the things he loves & needs. Such as cars, books, watch, milk, water, apple, & carrots. He hardly ever speaks in sentences and definitely never paragraphs. None of his speech is creative or pretend. He still does "jar-jar" talk--when he wants to tell you something besides the regular needs/wants.
Right now I am in the transition of a gluten-free & dairy-free diet. Occupational Therapy to start in January. Thanks to those who have given me names & advice to help me on this journey. I love my little boy--and love his sweet spirit. If anyone has recommendations or knowledge in this area-please drop a comment.
I have more thoughts--But I have been enjoying going to bed early & rising early. So night world!
Good for you in starting a blog. I end up just venting on facebook about our struggles. My opinion is that it can't be reversed but can be overcome. Tavin, if you remember was diagnosed with Aspergers & Anxiety disorder when he was 3. He is 6 today and in kindergarten, they just took him off of his IEP! There apparently are no signs of anthing as school! It is thanks to early intervention & our dedicated commitment to helping him. You can do this! It is a hard long road but every bit of help you get him, he will grow by 10 fold!
ReplyDeleteThanks Calena! That makes me SO happy for Tavin & what a relief for you. Right now they say Eli won't be going to the regular kindergarten next year--So I am willing to try anything and do anything to increase his knowledge and get him ready for school.
ReplyDeleteI have a very good friend who's son was low functioning autistic. Now he is in Jr High and unless you knew he was autistic personally, you would never know he was autistic. He is very High functioning now and even does community plays. He's a great kid. I know that somewhere in Eli lies that great amazing kid you see everyday. It may take a while, but I think you are on the right tract. If you want I can ask my friend to contact you and talk to you about her journey with her son. Good luck my friend.
ReplyDeleteKaren! That would be awesome--the more information & advice the better I am off. I appreciate you thinking of me & would love to hear from your friend. I can call or email her, whichever works best for her. Thanks so much!
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