Jacob’s second evaluation | Autism PDD

Mary, remember, like I told Kajoli ... our kids develop in LURCHES.

It is GREAT you have learned ABA.

I reread my original post and I didn't word something correctly. When I said that I thought it was too late for Brendon on the ABA. I did not mean that like it sounded. Brendon is progressing with ABA, but at a slow pace. I just think that if I had been able to do this same stuff on him when he was 2 years 10 months old, he would have been able to get things alot faster. B seems to be progressing more rapidly now. He is still at touching body parts when I tell him to, but he's up to 4 body parts now. Jacob on the other hand has mastered most of the body and can touch where I tell him to most of the time. Brendon can put stars in the shape sorter while Jacob can put any shape in if you show him which row it goes on. My boys are different and I know that. I also realize they are each going to progress at the pace that's comfortable for them. They were trying to sugar coat it and say that by getting him in school now, we can maybe overcome the delays that he's presenting. Hard truth...HFA. They aren't putting autism on his evaluation sheet yet though....more formal 60 day evaluation is the next step. After that, we'll see. The speech therapist walked us to the car and said, "I've been doing this for 16 years and I've seen alot of kids. I see him presenting as having high functioning autism/aspergers." I really appreciated her candidness. Usually they can't tell parents this news during the short evaluation, but she thought I'd be able to handle it without a "meltdown". She even did finger quotes around meltdown lol. You know what...nada...no negative emotions today. My mom asked me how did it go...I said with a big smile on my face, "He failed it with flying colors". The things he was able to do in this evaluation, he's learned in our ABA sessions at home. I made sure to write that down and sign it for them to put in his folder. I'm so happy now that I learned how to do ABA myself. I knew it was probably too late for B when I started, but he's progressing. That's what's important to me, that he progresses in some way each day. Jacob on the other hand has started flying with this stuff. If I'd only known how to do ABA when Brendon was 2 years and 9 months old, things might be alot different now. Wow...thinking back now, Brendon was 2 years and 10 months when we got his initial diagnosis of PDD from the pediatrician. Amazing how close in age. Also amazing at the difference in my reaction. Rhosyn39343.4547569444

Glad to hear you're getting some answers Rhosyn. DH and I had the same reaction (or lack of reaction) as you when our youngest was diagnosed. We were actually relieved that we were on point with our concerns. We were also eager to move forward.

Your boys are lucky to have you for a mother.

Sending you LOTS of

!! [QUOTE=Rhosyn]My mom asked me how did it go...I said with a big smile on my face, "He failed it with flying colors". The things he was able to do in this evaluation, he's learned in our ABA sessions at home. I made sure to write that down and sign it for them to put in his folder. [/QUOTE]

I don't think it's failing when he does things he's learned at ABA sessions. I think that's adapting. He'll be able to take those learning blocks and build on them. You are a great mom, very dedicated, and both your boys will go far.

((Mary))

I can understand how a 2nd diagnosis would be handled easier than the first. But, it's still hard. I am sorry you are facing it.

Keep up the great work that you are doing. And here is a big

just for you! Jacob looks so young in the photo in your siggy! He must have got an early diagnosis like my son did. I am so sorry. I know if my NT daughter would have been a boy I would be in the same boat (sometimes I wish she was as well behaved and QUIET as my son ROTFL). I WAS the parent who had a meltdown (and bitched out everyone in the special ed department when my DS was diagnosed, told them all they didn't know what they were doing and they were just glorified "horoscope readers" LOOKING for things wrong with kids to keep them in a job!

OMGoodness I had to go back later on and apologize, but man the things they must see! I was a MEGA BITCH to them, I felt so bad. I even tried to get my son's daycare teacher FIRED because she kept saying there was something "different about him". Turns out, there was.
So I AM one of the meltdown moms, I hate to say. I am sure the second time around would have been much easier publicly, but not internally/ emotionally. I am so amazed at how well you are taking it, but I know the battle is a long one and what you feel from one day to the next changes so much in those first few years. Hang in there! PM me if you ever need to talk!

You're doing a great job. "Keep on keeping on..."

Good luck with everything.

Sending lots of hugs your way.

I am in the same boat... looking at an eval for #2 and feeling totally different about it. I don't know if its that the last 2 years have warn me down and desensatized me or if its that I know what's in store this time so the unknown is gone?? Either way I am just not as "excited" this time around.