Just need a pep talk | Autism PDD

Sallys,

I had alot of fears when Takoda was being Dx. I saw the symptoms and had read up but I was afraid I would be told it's another behavior disorder. I was even afraid the Drs. might blame my parenting skills or lack of them. Takoda has a brother that's ODD.

I worried myself sick. It turned out to be Autism but mild to moderate. He now has additional services from the school and it's really helping. I had family members who didn't want me to even have Takoda tested but I'm so glad I did, it's so much better when you know exactly what your dealing with and can take the next steps.

Goodluck today!

Nelle

Thanks everyone. It just feels good to have a place I can come to to be "weak" and let all my fears out....so that I can be strong and brave when I need to be. That obviously is a big relief in itself. And I do feel better knowing that they don't automatically just start in with a bunch of testing (which I somehow got the impression that they did). Don't know why exactly that was freaking me out but it was - just the fear of the unknown I guess. I can see how actually having the dx would be better than all this wondering and going back and forth and worrying, but does the worrying ever really stop (for ANY parent??) I'm still totally stressing out over the appointment, but at least it is almost over. Thanks for all the help and support. I'll keep you posted!
I know this is very silly but I'm extremely nervous about going to the ped. neuro tomorrow. On the one hand, I'm pretty sure nothing definite is going to be decided tomorrow (my dd is in that high-functioning/gray zone, with a language disorder already dxed) and on the other, I'm scared he's going to come out with a definite diagnosis.

It's one thing to do research and go through the process of admitting to yourself your child has it, it's entirely something else when a specialist in the field does it. I know there is no way to prepare. I'm scared of BOTH outcomes (getting a definite yes and getting a "could be, let's do more testing to see where" type answer. I could definitely handle the getting laughed out of the office answer, but don't really think there's much hope for that!)

I'm also nervous about "losing control" of the situation. That he's going to want run a bunch of tests like bloodwork, eegs, etc. etc. and I'll lose my judgement on what's the best thing to do out of fear. I guess I'm worried about being the best advocate possible - relaying accurate info, non-biased, etc. because so much is based on what the parent says. I'm also scared a little that dd will be screaming or having a fit. Stupid, I know.

But I need to get these fears out so I can focus on getting the answers my dd needs and not let my own neurosis interfere. Bascially, just need a pep talk!!! Thanks! I'll definitley post afterwards. It's tomorrow afternoon. I know you've all stood in these shoes and know how wobbly they feel!!
See my knees wobble but my feet sure do sweat !!!! i know it's scary going to these appts, i knew for along time what we were dealing with but it still stung to see it on paper. if they want to do further testing, let them, it wont hurt anything and it will help rule anything else out ( seizures ect) I'll tell you honestly, most of our kids tantrum or throw fits at the drs ( mine thru his shoe at the dev. ped ) it's ok. as the dr told me "he's not the first and he DEFINATELY won't be the last to throw something at me" Go to the appt, be confident, pleasant but most of all, be HONEST. tell the dr your concerns, answer the questions to the best of your ability and bring a list of questions that you'd like answered. you already are the best advocate for your child. you know her best and your doing the best thing for her. it's better to be safe than sorry. godd luck tomorrow and let us know how you make out -
First, no matter what label the neuro does or doesn't put on your daughter, she will still be the same wonderful little girl she was before you walked into his office. Nothing will change who she is.

Second, I doubt that the neuro will push you to do medical testing. Unless, your daughter's having symptoms of seizures, I don't think they'd do an EEG. I can't really think of any reason they'd do blood work at this point either, unless the neuro feels there's some reason to do chromosome testing, which I doubt they would. And if you don't want to come right out and say "No, I don't want that.", just say "I'd like to wait and discuss that with my husband."

I agree you should bring a list of questions, and don't be afraid to pull it out and get them all answered. (It may be your only opportunity.) Also, bring a list of all your daughter's developmental milestones on it, unless you know them by heart.

Remember that the neuro is there to serve the needs of your daughter, and you as her parent. That is what they are paid to do!
My son was not diagnosed by a Neur doc and to this day has not seen one yet. I am currently waiting for an authorization through our insurance so that he can be seen by one off of the military post. I think regardless of who you have an appt with though we all probably felt the same as you do right now...NERVOUS. I don't think that any one of us wanted our suspicions confirmed but I can tell you that once my son WAS diagnosed.......Things became easier to deal with. Mainly because I had something to look at in the face and take head on. The NOT KNOWING was by far worse!! Take Care, and let us know what happens tomorrow!!!

Karrie
hey sallys, it's perfactly normal to be nervous. but i agree with karrie it's the unknown that's far more crazy.just try and hang in there and you and dd will be in my thoughts and prayers for tomm.if it helps write up a list of? that you have for the doc. so that u won't forget anything.

my son sees a ped neruo he has a seizure disorder along with everything else that's going on. just try and be strong for both of you. and please let us know how it went.mom2carlo

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