This is Lyla. She is just shy of 3 years old (I can't believe it's been almost 3 years since we welcomed these little miracles into our life). Today is a bittersweet day. Lyla was given the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Why is this bittersweet? Why aren't you sad, devastated, angry, scared? Well I am all those things, but I am also relieved, anxious, ready and content. We've known for several months that Lyla was a little behind her brothers. She and Noah both started Early Intervention services back in October of last year and we were so ready for both of them to start communicating with us in real words! Noah within a few months was making huge strides, and we were finally understanding each other, whereas Lyla was making no progress and even made some regression, which was discouraging. After a few more months and suggestions from her speech therapist (ST) we decided to pursue the opinion of a Development Pediatrician who specializes in, well, development and specifically Autism Disorders. When I called to request an appointment I was terrified, and when they called me to interview me about Lyla, I was worried I'd say the wrong things and they wouldn't see her and we'd be stuck. But they wanted to see Lyla, and today was that visit.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
At { http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism } it says:
"Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.
ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.
Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age."
So what now? I'm asking this myself. With the support of her therapists and team of teacher/service coordinators etc we will put into place the right plan for therapies to help Lyla learn to communicate and develop behaviors she doesn't have hard-wired like we do. Over the next several weeks this plan will be developed and executed and as a family we will figure this all out. Because Lyla has the diagnosis there will be more doors open for her than if she did not, so for that I am relieved and content. I knew there was something going on, but didn't know what it was. Sure, I suspected Autism, but I hoped I'd be wrong. No one wants this for their child, but with this diagnosis, opportunities for growth and development are so much greater now than if we were to leave her to catch up at her own pace.
Lyla is such a loving and affectionate individual and I believe with all we have in store for her she will succeed! I'm still anxious and scared, but I'm ready for whatever this roller coaster will put in our path. As long as our Lyla is getting what she needs, we can do anything and long as we never give up.
Like you, I struggled with a child who wasn't "average". Feeling and knowing something was wrong, or different with my child took a huge toll on me, as a person, a mother, a wife - I was often left feeling like I couldn't just love her for her. It took nearly 2 years before I was given confirmation that indeed there was a need to seek help. My marriage suffered greatly as I constantly pondered the problem and was left completely alone in the problem solving process as well as the acceptance of her not being "normal". I'll never forget the day it was confirmed to me. We had started a new day care for our daughter, about 2 weeks into it, the sitter shared her thoughts about my daughters lack of communication and sensory issues. Sensory issues? Hadn't ever heard of it before. She explained further and I couldn't help but cry. Ok, I sobbed, and smiled and thanked our sitter! Finally, someone else was able to confirm my suspicion, I wasn't going crazy. To make a long story short, she did 2 full years of intensive Speech and Occupational Therapy giving us the tools to help her push through. I am happy to say I have a thriving, happy and very successful 6 year old daughter.
ReplyDeleteIt takes great courage to realize and accept a child as "imperfect", it takes even greater courage to seek help. Enlisting professional guidance for you as parents and for a recommended plan for the child, truly is bittersweet. This is a great story, I thank you for sharing and I applaud you for your efforts to help your family but more importantly your daughter, in every way possible! Don't get discouraged, be a sponge - soak up all the information you can - find ways to make it fun for everyone, and be thankful, you have a perfect daughter, who IS normal, its just her normal. She's beautiful and so very lucky to have you!!
Thank you Molly, for such sweet words and sharing your story as well. :) It really means a lot!!
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