What's been goin' on...

For those of you that don't know, Alexander is going through some extra observations right now to see if he has a sensory disorder/autism.  We have been blessed with a HUGE family and a lot of friends that are all invested in our lives.  Since we have so many people in our lives, it would be much easier on me and my sanity if I could share here instead of having to make 17,328  phone calls after each appointment.  I would never want anyone to feel left out if I don't call or forget something.  Also, it is very emotional and difficult for me to talk about this over and over.  I feel like that's all I've been talking about!  However, just because I'm using this blog as a tool of communication, please don't feel like you can never call!  Brad and I would both love to hear from you. 

So here is what we know so far.  (If you are up to date on all that has happened so far you can skip to the next paragraph!)  Alexander has been getting speech therapy since January.  He sees two people.  Heather is a developmental specialist who comes to our house and works on speech here.  Danielle is a speech and language pathologist who has her own private practice and we go there.  When he see's Heather here he is pretty attentive, pays attention to her, and will do the activities (up until recently.)  When we go to Danielle's, he is a completely different kid.  He won't look at her, let her touch him very much, throws tantrums, doesn't want to play with the toys or do the acitivites, but when he does play he is extremely focused and tunes everyone else out, crashes into walls, doors, floors, me etc and is an all around crazy mess.  At first we all just thought it was because she was new, but after 4 months it was still going on.  We also started seeing a lot of the crashing, extremely focused play, and intense energy starting at home as well.  For Mother's Day weekend we traveled up to my mom's house and it was very...I'll use the word challenging (!) with Alexander.  We experienced a lot of similar behavior at my mom's that I see at Danielle's.  So, Heather came and talked with me about some ideas that they had and what both Heather and Danielle had observed.  Basically, they said that they see a lot of red flags for a sensory disorder and/or autism.  That was 3 weeks ago.  Since then we have met with an occupational therapist (OT), Arice, who is coming back on June 6th (Happy Birthday Abby!!!) and a woman who helps to diagnose disorders/autism, Tracy, who is coming back on June 1st.  When we met with both of them they both said, yes, we see why there is cause for concern. 

Ok, now that you are caught up, Heather came today and evaluated him to be able to continue services with the agency and he scored at 20 months for receptive language and at 21 months for expressive.  So, based on that he will be able to continue.  He also scored at 23 months for social skills which is a significant delay.  He wll be able to receive speech therapy twice a week (once with Heather, once with Danielle) and also be able to see the OT and diagnosis lady.  (I have to find out her title because I don't think "diagnosis lady" is on her diploma!  hee hee)  We also filled out a quick yes/no questionaire that many pediatricians use at 24 months to see if there are any red flags for autism.  It doesn't diagnose, but if the child has 5 or more "flags" then they'll move forward to figure it out.  Alexander had 6.  So, we know that we are on the right track.

A lot of people have asked what they can do or if we need anything.  If you want to do something...pray for us!  Pray that God will give us wisdom in how to advocate for Alexander and navigate this whole new world.  Brad and I know that God gave Alexander to US to raise because he knew that we have the tools and ability to be his parents.  Pray we continue to have strength and energy to raise our son.  Know that WE LOVE YOU!  We are so grateful to have your support and encouragement.

Love,
Steph and Brad