Developmental Ped Eval ?

Re: Developmental Ped Eval ?

• houndbaby member

  February 2013

  When we did the dev ped eval, it was basically confirming what we already knew and had already been told was most likely going to be the outcome, I think it was much better to be prepared knowing what the outcome would most likely be than to go in and be completely blindsided. That being said, I still cried at the appt.

  At ours the Dr. tried to interact with ds some and they wanted to see us interact with ds, he asked us a lot of questions mostly.

  We had hearing tests done previous to the appt by an audiologist when my ds got tubes. My ds had lead test done at one of his pedi appt, maybe 15 or 18 months? Neither were part of the assessment by the dev pedi, if they wanted any additional testing done, they just told you and then it was up to you to get it done through the regular pedi.

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• pastalady member

  February 2013

  Prior to DD's dev pedi appointment we had a speech assessment done where the SPL wrote ASD should be investigated and we ourselves knew that would be our diagnosis but it was still emotionally draining.

  The doctor confirmed yes, she has ASD. She arranged for a hearing test which we will have at the end of the month (here in Canada everything takes longer). We were given blood recs and sent to the hospital for bloodwork. That is when they tested for lead (also thyroid stuff, etc).

  When we left the appointment, even though the hearing test and blood tests were not done yet, the doctor said that 100% DD had ASD. So that was actually a blessing we weren't sitting around going "well maybe her thyroid is causing these issues" etc.

  Good luck! It's a hard appointment but good to know what the next step is.

  [IMG]http://i50.tinypic.com/30xit04.jpg[/IMG]
  Olivia Kate is almost 4!
  Diagnosed with autism this year and doing great!

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• mightmom13 member

  February 2013

  
  

  Don't. DS's dev pedi won't even schedule an appointment unless both parents can be there. If you DH can't take the time off because he's deployed or off-shore, bring another trusted adult. But it really should be the child's father. For a lot of reasons. Probably the most important is that if you do get a dx, you'll get to the same page faster if you both get the news from the same source. One of the biggest complaints on my forums comes from moms whose husbands are blissfully sailing the well known rive in Egypt while they're comsumed by a sense of urgency. It's not good for you relationship.

  
  

  You not only need the moral support and the second pair of hands to wrangle your child while the team talks to you, you need a second set of ears to listen and take mental notes. If they drop the A bomb on you, there's no way you will be an effective listener.

  
  
  I am a single mom and DDs father has not been around a lot for her and not at all for medical issues including the birth by choice. My peds office knows all this, so maybe that is why we got an appointment paperwork even asks about two households. So a no there unfortunately.
  
  My mom sees puppies and rainbows even though I get in her reports "oh you know she just took her inventory; she has just been handing me her animals and putting them in their spots; "S look at me, look at grandma, S"" etc....she just does not know the signs after all "she is very affectionate and it's not like she just sits in the corner." So no support there. She also just told me "don't let anyone label her." I had motor issues and 30 years ago if you saw a kid with motor issues I guess you were labeled "special."
  
  My dad who is more open/laid back is out of town he did tell me to share that with him DD just does her thing, he has seen the behaviors I talked about though, and "explores."
  
  So I don't have too much of a choice. I am going to try and record voice on my phone as much as possible for later and for others. Luckily her SLP is very supportive and we see her Thursday along with PT who is bringing me the out of sync child book. They have both noted sensory issues during sessions.
  
  If we do get a dx then I will ask for a report copy to show everyone because besides EI it looks like I will be the educator as well.

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• mightmom13 member

  February 2013

  -auntie-:

  I'm sorry you're in such an unsupported place. Even a friend or clergy person could be an option. I just hate to think of you out there alone.

  Your mom sounds a bit like my dad. He carried on about me "making DS special ed" by allowing him to be labeled. he played devils' advocate so much that I cut him out of my life for a couple years. I was at a point where if you aren't on Team Auntie I didn't have the bandwidth to deal. 

  First off - today is the day DD starts biting again at her new daycare...really?!

  Thanks. I just tested the voice memo on my phone and it has a really good amount of time on it - I stopped it myself at 40 minutes, I am sure the doctor won't mind hopefully. I also am bringing my smaller notebook in order to easily have it on my lap.

  I tried to think of someone on short notice but no one who I would want there is available. I am looking forward to some answers and although I don't think anyone can prep enough for any diagnosis for their child - I think I know that I have to pay enough attention to know what the next steps are. It will be a long ride home, so plenty of time for crying there if need be. I also have a lot of phone a friends and my dad.

  I am going to not even think about dealing with family until after the appointment - we live with my folks right now. But I do have a Team S - and am prepared to take whatever steps I need for her and myself to keep it on the up and up.

  Wish us the answers to help make DD the best DD she can be

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• MirandaHobbes member

  February 2013

  I'm so sorry you're doing this on your own. Perhaps I'm in the minority, but it sounds like if you can't find someone supportive to come with you, you might be better off on your own. I would have a really tough time being told a diagnosis with my Mom in the room. My mom did (and still does) live in denial re: DS and will constantly point out all the "typical" things he does and "defend" DS when I try to talk to her about his IEP or whatnot. She makes me feel like I'm the rotten Mom because I'm pointing out the "flaws" DS has. It has taken me a long time to get to the point where I realize that I'm not pointing out flaws- I'm advocating for him! And that's the best kind of Mom! When I filled out all those questionaires I wrote a book in the margins. Maybe it would be okay to record the conversation with the pedi? Or just schedule a follow-up later if you have more questions. It sounds like you're a pretty strong Mama! 

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