Fast forward five months (and LOTS of speculating/worrying/hand wringing/reading of developmental horror stories on the internet) later, to the long-awaited appointment on March 20. The director of the program evaluated H and diagnosed him with high functioning autism (HFA). This shed some light on things that have seemed a little unusual, like how H flaps his hands and wiggles his fingers when he's excited, or how he sometimes repeats a question back instead of answering. And it gave us a starting point from which we are moving forward.
Our doctor is recommending speech therapy
that will focus primarily on the social use of language. We hope to
combine that with the therapy services offered at H's preschool to maximize his treatment. Once
school is out for the summer, I'm hoping we can utilize other services for at-home therapy sessions. With
such an intensive regimen, our doctor feels confident that H will
be off the autism spectrum by the time he's 5.
It's very encouraging! He also commented on what an exceptionally
bright child H is, for which I take full credit (just don't tell the hubs).
As we've shared the diagnosis with our family and friends, we've been asked a lot of questions...
As we've shared the diagnosis with our family and friends, we've been asked a lot of questions...
What is the autism spectrum, and what is high functioning autism (HFA)?
'Autism spectrum' is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals who are 'on the spectrum' have varying degrees of difficulty with social interaction and verbal/nonverbal communication, and may or may not exhibit repetitive behaviors and/or narrowly focused interests. Umm, yeah. Try to wrap your head around all that. At one end of the spectrum is high functioning autism (HFA). Individuals with HFA have average or above average intelligence, but may struggle with issues related to social interaction and communication.
Do you believe vaccinations triggered H's autism?
No, but in absolutely no way am I discounting the many families who maintain their children's autism was triggered by a vaccine. With H, there was no sudden regression in speech or motor skills following any of his vaccinations that would suggest a correlation. Rather, as he has grown and developed, a few skills haven't progressed as others have. Every family has their own approach to treating autism, because every autistic individual is unique. I have nothing but respect for anyone who is working in the way they deem best to help their child.
Can H be cured?
As a neurodevelopmental disorder, autism cannot be cured in the way that a disease can be cured. But because we've identified it so early and H will be hitting therapy hard from the get-go, we believe he will acquire the communication skills he needs to overcome his challenges with social interaction. Our hope is that he can be re-evaluated in a couple of years and he won't register on the spectrum.
What will his therapy be like?
We're still learning what H will be doing in therapy. Mostly, from what the doctors have explained to us, it will be a lot of playing to encourage social engagement--games that require a call-and-response type interaction, role playing, or even actual board games. At home, we are following the Greenspan Floortime Approach to foster an interest in conversation through play.
Just last week, the CDC released a report with startling numbers: one in 68 children in the US is on the autism spectrum--a 133% increase since 2000. The good news is that many government officials, both state and federal, have responded to the data by calling for an increase in funding for research AND assistance for those affected by autism. In my opinion, both are necessary for progress. And that's as soap-boxy as I'm willing to get right now.
April is Autism Awareness Month. And I'm sharing this with you all today, specifically, because April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. And because I am a magpie, after all, I thought I'd share two sparkly finds that raise money for autism awareness.
'Autism spectrum' is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals who are 'on the spectrum' have varying degrees of difficulty with social interaction and verbal/nonverbal communication, and may or may not exhibit repetitive behaviors and/or narrowly focused interests. Umm, yeah. Try to wrap your head around all that. At one end of the spectrum is high functioning autism (HFA). Individuals with HFA have average or above average intelligence, but may struggle with issues related to social interaction and communication.
Do you believe vaccinations triggered H's autism?
No, but in absolutely no way am I discounting the many families who maintain their children's autism was triggered by a vaccine. With H, there was no sudden regression in speech or motor skills following any of his vaccinations that would suggest a correlation. Rather, as he has grown and developed, a few skills haven't progressed as others have. Every family has their own approach to treating autism, because every autistic individual is unique. I have nothing but respect for anyone who is working in the way they deem best to help their child.
Can H be cured?
As a neurodevelopmental disorder, autism cannot be cured in the way that a disease can be cured. But because we've identified it so early and H will be hitting therapy hard from the get-go, we believe he will acquire the communication skills he needs to overcome his challenges with social interaction. Our hope is that he can be re-evaluated in a couple of years and he won't register on the spectrum.
What will his therapy be like?
We're still learning what H will be doing in therapy. Mostly, from what the doctors have explained to us, it will be a lot of playing to encourage social engagement--games that require a call-and-response type interaction, role playing, or even actual board games. At home, we are following the Greenspan Floortime Approach to foster an interest in conversation through play.
Just last week, the CDC released a report with startling numbers: one in 68 children in the US is on the autism spectrum--a 133% increase since 2000. The good news is that many government officials, both state and federal, have responded to the data by calling for an increase in funding for research AND assistance for those affected by autism. In my opinion, both are necessary for progress. And that's as soap-boxy as I'm willing to get right now.
April is Autism Awareness Month. And I'm sharing this with you all today, specifically, because April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. And because I am a magpie, after all, I thought I'd share two sparkly finds that raise money for autism awareness.
 |
| Stella & Dot Visionary Bracelet (All net proceeds benefit the HollyRod Foundation) |
 | |||
| Alex and Ani Piece of the Puzzle Charm Bangle (20% of sales go to the National Autism Association) |
 |
| My Arm Party |
After putting H to bed a few nights after the diagnosis, my husband and I were talking about the journey we've started, and he said something that I've held in my heart since. "He's the same boy," he said. "He's the same sweet, smart, funny kid. The diagnosis didn't change him." And that is so true. The diagnosis didn't change him. It just gives us a better understanding of the incredible little boy we are blessed to raise, and a new direction in our adventures together.
XOXO
XOXO
so glad you guys were able to get such a positive prognosis for H. he's lucky to have such a proactive mama!
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