- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Success after IF
DS scored borderline on the M-CHAT test (autism screening test) - long
I don't even know what to think at this point. It's been a crazy day. DS has been getting EI since 4 months old. In the back of my head I've always had a fear of autism and voiced the concern a lot when he was younger. He's so social and outgoing that I had kind of given up on the idea that he might have an issue. The EI PT obviously thought there was reason enough to bring in someone who evaluates kids for social, verbal skills.
Due to his lack of responsive verbal skills (he speaks well, but we're not sure he understands what we are saying much of the time, some repetitive speech and motion issues, they say he is borderline. So I freaked as soon as they left and DH freaked out b/c I always react emotionally before really thinking about what was going on (but that's another issue). He was angry that someone who spent an hour with DS could say this. I understand that, but I also told DH it was just an evaluation and not a diagnosis. He said he didn't think there was any issue. I don't know if there is, but I also know DH is no expert and it's our job as parents to be our kids best advocate. So I spent the day talking to people and seeing what we can do.
I first called a friend who's son has autism. And she made me feel much better. Her son was diagnosed at about the same age as DS and his case was dismissed last week and he is completely mainstreamed and functioning on a very high level. Her recc was to take it one day at a time and get him tested for autism at an accredited facility. We are very lucky that we're close to Kennedy Kreiger in Baltimore, which is one of the best facilities in the country for diagnosis and treatment.
So I called KK and did a phone intake with them. It will take 2-3 weeks to get a letter out to us with our appointment date which will be 4-6 months from now. It's a long time, but there's not much I can do about that. I also called the pedi and spoke with two people, one our regular pedi and a personal friend also in the practice. Both didn't see any cause why he would get the borderline 'score' but understood my need to go for further testing. Our friend said that both DS and DD will get the M-CHAT again at their 18 month appt in July. IF DS fails the test, we can get an an expedited appt at KK. Obviously, I hope he passes, but either way we are going to move forward with further testing.
Right now, we wait until their 18 month appt and the next M-CHAT test in July. Please forgive me if this email is all over the place, I'm a bit upset and don't even know what to think. Autism has always been a big fear of mine for DS. Obviously we'll deal with whatever we are dealt. The pedi asked me if I honestly thought he had an issue and to be honest, I can't answer. My head and my heart and not working in conjunction with one another right now. My hope is that he's delayed and he'll eventually catch up, but right now, I just don't know.
If you've made it this far, thank you. I would appreciate and advice, words of wisdom, experience that anyone else has had.
TIA
This discussion has been closed.
Re: DS scored borderline on the M-CHAT test (autism screening test) - long
Jen - Talk to me on Friday about this. I used to work at KKI and still have a lot of contacts there. I can probably get him in there for an initial eval earlier than 4-6 months.
I'm really sorry you're going through this. I know you've been struggling/worrying about DS for a long time. I hope that you're able to get some answers soon.
Hugs - A
Allison - That would be unbelievable! Looking forward to seeing you on Friday.
Thanks,
jenn
I'm sorry today caught you off guard. I look at it this way, your DS is still really young, there is a lot that can change in a short amount of time. In saying that I don't want you to think at all that I'm say your concerns are not valid because they very much are. I started having concerns about my DD when she was 9 months (maybe even a little younger than that) not really making eye contact (she did but, it was rare), DD not answering to her name (ever, she still does not most of the time), she started lining up all of her toys, she did not talk and it just went on from there.
You are already doing a kick butt job advocating for your DS! Your wait time to get an evaluation is not uncommon in many areas (which sucks) so it great that you are already on top of that! It's also good you are willing to hear what people have to say about your DS. A lot of people are too scared to hear it so they don't do anything about it which only hurts the kids (I feel their pain but....).
I hear you on your heart and head not being on the same page. Give your DH time. I know for me, my heart told me DD had Autism but, my head kept saying, she's still young, a lot can change, maybe shes just a year behind on everything and she will catch up soon but, at some point I got over all of the ideas I had in my head about the "easy fix" things that could be wrong with DD. I don't think I was wrong but, I felt like my DH was putting all of his eggs in the Autism basket and I wanted to shop around first. I don't believe either way was wrong (I was always open to a professional giving their input). It was DDs SLP who suggested we make an appointment with a Developmental Pedi. At that point DD had been seeing her for 2 months and she turned 2 during that time.
If your gut tells you something go with it. We had several people think we were way too worried about DD having Autism and her reg pedi did not get it either (every time she sees my DD she is screaming her head off the whole time, really, like from the time the nurse/pedi walk into room). I knew there were not in our home and did not see everything we/I was dealing with. As it turned out not only did my DD get an Autsim dx but, to our shock, she scored in the sever range. Her SLP is also starting to think she has Apraxia as well.
I really truly hope your DS catches up and he passes his next evaluation. You are doing everything you can so pat yourself on the back for that, you are a great mommy. Your DS will be in my thoughts and prayers. I'm here if you ever want to talk. ((hugs))
I'm so sorry. I am fairly clueless about this sort of stuff but it really does sound to me like there is still a good chance this could simply be a delay issue. (isn't it pretty early to even think about Dx?) But in any event, earlier intervention is always best and even if you do eventually get the Dx, it does sound like he's got a lot going for him that would put him in a higher functioning category.
Hang in there!!