So much has been happening for our little family unit recently.
On Friday Little Buddy had his 18 month check up with the Infant Sibling Study. They administered something called the ADOS, which is a diagnostic tool for autism. What they found is that currently Little Buddy "meets criteria" for autism.
I questioned the use of the phrase "meets criteria" instead of just saying "diagnosis". The explanation is that there are those that question whether a child can truly be diagnosed before the age of 2 years, so as of right now they say "meets criteria". This is only frustrating because services may be delayed if there is no formal diagnosis. Currently he is receiving 3 hours a week which I'm glad to say he is tolerating well. For now it's up in the air what exactly will happen but I'm confident we'll be able to increase his hours at some point.
All logistics aside, I wasn't surprised with the results of the ADOS. Little Buddy has slowly but surely been blossoming with autistic symptoms. Does this mean that I am any less devastated? No. I am that plus so many other emotions. It's hard to put into words that I am full of hope and sadness, gratitude and pain, relief and anxiety. I have tough moments when I want to cry at the injustice of it but I look at the faces of my little boys and they are so beautiful. They are healthy, happy and so very much loved. I can find many things to be thankful for that the brightness can dull the anguish. It will be a tough road for my husband and I but we can and will walk through the fire.
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