Ben's parent-teacher conference:(

Purrrfect433

I've mentioned in the past that his preschool teacher thinks he has some sensory-processing issues. She told me yesterday, that after further observing, she wonders if he might be on the Autistic Spectrum, too. I've brought this up with our pediatrician more than once and he always gives me the same 'ol, same 'ol "here's a list of pediatric OT's if you're really concerned, but I'm not concerned". I'm going to make him an appointment with a developmental pediatrician and see what happens from there.

In good news, Ben has made leaps and bounds in all areas of previous concern. He struggles with social-cognitive things, furstration/dissapointment tolerance and has some issues w/ language-processing and language-delays and he's doing great! 

We're really optimistic that if he IS on the spectrum, he is very highly functioning and could benefit from some specialized treatments and therapy, but should do great in mainstream school with the right tools:) He might always need to work on the social-cognitive stuff but his teacher likens it to driving cars: some people can socialize really easily and the gears switch automatically for them like in an automatic vehicle. Others are more like a stick-shift and need to consciously switch the gears and focus on the social stuff more intently to get it right. She gave us lots of ideas on how to help him right now, which is fab. I love his preschool and teacher. She's amazing.

EMT

Aw, Purrf, while I am sure that is difficult to hear, it's great that you are taking steps to get him checked out.

It's so awesome that you are so comfortable with his preschool and his teacher and really great that you've seen a lot of growth in him!

femmegem

Well, boo to your pedi for not listening to you, but it sounds like you have a great resource in his teacher. I hope you're able to get him the help he needs, purrrf.

AnneUCSB

Sorry to hear of the ongoing concerns of ASD.  I think you're smart to seek the opinion of a developmental pediatrician.  Sadly, most regular pediatricians are not that educated on autism and miss a lot during their typical 15 minute visits.  You might want to try contacting the Children's Health Council in Palo Alto (near Stanford).  They are experts in developmental delays, especially when autism is suspected.  Good luck to you and I am glad to hear he has made some nice strides!

luluroo

Another idea is to contact your local school district.  They can do testing and determine if he can begin receiving services now (OT, speech-for the lang processing, etc This is sometimes easier to obtain in preschool then it is once he starts kinder, not always, but sometimes)  It is fantastic that he is already made so many gains!  That is the best about this age....they truly grow leaps and bounds overnight.  This is even more so a reason to push for what you feel he may need.  Early intervention is KEY! 

But he is very lucky to have you for a mommy....you will make sure he gets the best.  Oh, and it helps that he is so stinkin CUTE!

Andrewsgal

luluroo:

Another idea is to contact your local school district.  They can do testing and determine if he can begin receiving services now (OT, speech-for the lang processing, etc This is sometimes easier to obtain in preschool then it is once he starts kinder, not always, but sometimes)  It is fantastic that he is already made so many gains!  That is the best about this age....they truly grow leaps and bounds overnight.  This is even more so a reason to push for what you feel he may need.  Early intervention is KEY! 

But he is very lucky to have you for a mommy....you will make sure he gets the best.  Oh, and it helps that he is so stinkin CUTE!

I agree 100% call your local district, he might even qualify for free preschool through them with a certified teacher.

It is sad but true that peds just don't have training in developmental disorders. I have a great friend who is a ped and she will actually have our friends that call her for advice on developmental disorders call me instead because she is so uninformed on the topic.