We met with a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, psychologist and another therapist/caseworker. The case worker interviewed me in a separate room while the other three worked with Charlie for about 2 hours. Afterwards, they all met privately and compared notes from my interview, his teacher's interview, and their observations, then met back with me. The good news is that we are very much all on the same page. The things we are seeing, they saw glimpses of and there were things we never realized that they pointed out. The psychologist explained that based on their evaluations, Charlie has moderate/significant delays in three areas: cognition, language, and sensory self regulation (?). He qualifies for services in these three areas and we will build an IEP once they can have a coordination meeting. She wants to evaluate him further for a possible spectrum diagnosis, so we're going back on December 18th for the ADOS. I'm thankful we don't need to wait too long for that.
Their main concern is that he's not fully understanding and processing what is going on around him, making for inconsistent communication and use of language. He is also delayed in play and where he should be socially. Most of his communication is rote memorization being spit back out, which is why our "conversations" don't make sense. He's not really processing what I'm saying to form a response. All of his obsession with letters and numbers is because it's constant, concrete, and comforting to him. They're also concerned with his lack of eye contact when he's conversing (or listening) and that he does not seem to respond to emotion being expressed to him. Something I never realized is that he doesn't seek attention from us in a "Mom! Mom! Look at what I'm doing!" way. You know, when they're doing something and they look back at you to see if you're looking. He doesn't share experiences or seek feedback from adults around him in that way.
They also saw a good bit of anxiety in him and serious problems transitioning from one activity to another - even from one part of the room to another. He doesn't melt down for long, but every step of the way is a struggle and that is definitely something we see at home.
Honestly, there was a lot more they said, but I couldn't remember it all. I tried taking notes, but it was so. much. information. I'm going to get a full write up mailed to me soon. I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around all of this. What could be causing these delays? Is it temporary? Is this a permanent thing he will always need therapy and specialized instruction for? I know we'll know more after the next evaluation, but I feel so lost in the meantime. Like, I know something is going on with him, but have no direction yet.
Re: Had his initial eval. A little overwhelmed.
As much as I (and any parent) would love it, I know there's no telling what will happen. My own anxieties just need to get over themselves and go with the flow, which will hopefully happen eventually.
Ginny DX 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Charlie DX Specific Antibody Deficiency & ASD
Ginny DX 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Charlie DX Specific Antibody Deficiency & ASD
Ginny DX 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Charlie DX Specific Antibody Deficiency & ASD
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