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Washington Babies
update on my boys (for those following our challenges) LONG
got some result reports back today so thought I would update the ongoing saga
Eli - still on the waiting list for a eval at the Autism clinic in Seattle. I am starting to worry about this however. I wonder if they will diagnose him and how that could affect him in his future. I hate to have him labeled but then again if he is on the spectrum I want to know so that I can offer him what assistance he needs.
he had his fine motor skills assessed and the findings were a bit disheartening. In areas reguarding his grasping (cutting, writing, coloring, picking up small object, buttons etc. ) he was accessed at a 20 month olds level
They also feel that his need for constant redirection and his limited attention and engagement significantly inhibit his learning. they are recommending therapy to address these issues. Goals for this would be to improve self regualtion, self help skills ( I still have to assist him in getting dressed) improve his transitions for one task to another, and increase his attetnion to tasks on hand.
We also had him evaluated for sensory issues. He constantly has to touch things. He also needs to be constantly crawling on you. Almost like he is trying to burrow himself into you. its like having a thrid appendage sometimes and its really hard cause eventually it feels like he is in my personal space and I can breath. Its really smothering. He is always in constant motion and does not sit still, more so than average children, with Eli there is no downtime unless he falls asleep! So they are also going to start therapy to help him learn self coping measures to get that need for constant need for touch without actually having to constantly be touching.
Kai - we got his speach evaluated and he was evaluated as 18 months for expressive speech, 24 for comprehensive and 18 months for gesturing. they are going to start therapy for him to get him to start talking. he has more than 50 words but doesnt put 2 words together and still babbles and baby talks for most things. he gestures when wanting things and doesnt ask whats that questions. also the words he does use are very hard to understand even for Brian and I. we mostly know what he is saying only through process of elimination. they want to work with him to start indentifying pictures when pointed to and body parts as well. get him using 2 word sentances as well. he also plays by himself and its really hard to get him to interact with you so we are going to work on that as well.
there are some other things that we want to look into with kai but at this time we are just going to start with the speech and see what happens in 4 - 6 months.
he had his fine motor skills assessed and the findings were a bit disheartening. In areas reguarding his grasping (cutting, writing, coloring, picking up small object, buttons etc. ) he was accessed at a 20 month olds level
They also feel that his need for constant redirection and his limited attention and engagement significantly inhibit his learning. they are recommending therapy to address these issues. Goals for this would be to improve self regualtion, self help skills ( I still have to assist him in getting dressed) improve his transitions for one task to another, and increase his attetnion to tasks on hand.
We also had him evaluated for sensory issues. He constantly has to touch things. He also needs to be constantly crawling on you. Almost like he is trying to burrow himself into you. its like having a thrid appendage sometimes and its really hard cause eventually it feels like he is in my personal space and I can breath. Its really smothering. He is always in constant motion and does not sit still, more so than average children, with Eli there is no downtime unless he falls asleep! So they are also going to start therapy to help him learn self coping measures to get that need for constant need for touch without actually having to constantly be touching.
Kai - we got his speach evaluated and he was evaluated as 18 months for expressive speech, 24 for comprehensive and 18 months for gesturing. they are going to start therapy for him to get him to start talking. he has more than 50 words but doesnt put 2 words together and still babbles and baby talks for most things. he gestures when wanting things and doesnt ask whats that questions. also the words he does use are very hard to understand even for Brian and I. we mostly know what he is saying only through process of elimination. they want to work with him to start indentifying pictures when pointed to and body parts as well. get him using 2 word sentances as well. he also plays by himself and its really hard to get him to interact with you so we are going to work on that as well.
there are some other things that we want to look into with kai but at this time we are just going to start with the speech and see what happens in 4 - 6 months.
Dawn - Wife of Brian 09/25/2005 - Mother of Eli Jace 03/12/2007 and Kai Evan 10/17/08
This discussion has been closed.
Re: update on my boys (for those following our challenges) LONG
Good for you for being so proactive. I know it's hard, but you're doing so many good things for your boys. There is so much research out there about how effective early intervention can be, and there is no question that the earlier you start, the better the outcomes.
Are you on the waiting list at the Children's Hospital Autism Center?? The waiting lists are long there, and at many of the other big clinics. I have some recommendations of developmental psychologists who work in private practice who are really great and have a lot of experience evaluating young kids for ASD's. It might not be as long of a wait to have an eval at one of these places. If you want any info, just let me know.
I know how difficult and confusing this process can be. It sounds like you've got some great support through your preschool program, but if you ever would like more info, want to ask questions, or just want to talk, please don't hesitate to ask me. I'd be happy to meet up with you, chat on the phone, or e-mail. jschleif@uw.edu
Hang in there.
I'm going to make an AWESOME big brother.
Hi Dawn! Sorry to hear your news, but also wanted to say that you are such a wonderful mom! My friend's son was diagnosed as autistic sometime around 2 1/2 or so. If you want, I can send her your email and use her as a resource. She found a wonderful therapist on craigslist. I do know that his therapy is expensive and they are actually having a garage sale this weekend to raise money for it. Anyway, she has been throuh the gammut (sp?) and I know would be more than happy to talk to you.
Gavin just started speech therapy last week. Like Kai, a lot of his areas were assessed at an 18 month level. I don't think he has even 20 words. And it's also hard to understand him if you don't already have an idea of what he's saying. He was evaluated through The Little Red Schoolhouse. Is that who you have gone to? I've had a really good experience with them. He also has some sensory issues (Doesn't like to get his hands in "wet" things (baths excluded)).
Can't say it any better than the Doctor. You are amazing and strong, Dawn. You and your boys stay in my thoughts. Thanks for the update!
The only Easter Bunny I can get behind.
Maxwell Joseph 4/09 Lucy Violet 10/12
Baby website / My blog
First off Dawn, you are an amazing mom and are handling this so well. Those boys have the best person to help them and that's YOU!
((hugs)) I hope everything you have in place helps your boys, and you. I know I'm not near you anymore but if ever you need to vent you can always call me...or email me or whatever!
This! I love that you are your sons advocate! Those are some very lucky boys!