Autism

I KNEW IT! but I didn't want to be right. We were able to be seen by the Director, Dr Gabriels and she was able to evaluate Madison using what is called ADOS, "Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, which allows them to accurately assess and diagnose autism and pervasive development disorder across ages, developmental levels, and language skills". It consisted of "Make-Believe Play, Joint Interactive Play, Demonstration Task, Description of a Picture, Telling a Story from a Book, Cartoons, Reporting a Non-Routine Event/ Conversation, Emotions, Social Difficulties/ Annoyance, Friend/ Loneliness/ Marriage, and Creating a Story". At another appointment she asked Lance and I a lot of questions and at the end we were told that Madison falls into the Autism Spectrum - high functioning. She gave us pamphlets and phone numbers of Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Social Skills Groups, Psychiatrists, etc. We left her office in a daze. So much information; where do we start? Who do we call?

The next morning Dr Gabriels left a message and knew she had bombarded us with information and suggested that we put Madison in a Day Treatment. It's a more intense evaluation with all the therapists there working with her and us. It will give us a better idea on what she needs from us, what she'll need from the school and if she'll need therapy at Children's Hospital. We are on a waiting list but we are hoping for an opening in the next few weeks.

Have you ever watched the new series, Parenthood? Well, if not go to www.nbc.com and watch the first pilot episode. An 8 year old boy is diagnosed with Asperger's and when you watch Max you will see Madison. It was very emotional for both of us. I've also read All Cats have Asperger's which Madison loved knowing she's just like her cat, Callie, 10 Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, watched the movie Adam, and have Temple Grandin's book on hold at the library.

Lance and I are both relieved and overwhelmed. It's been a difficult time.

Last month I had a sinus infection and now I've been battling pneumonia for the past two weeks. Caused by stressed? Hmmm.

Ethan has finished Roller Hockey until next month. One more season and then on to Baseball. I'm looking forward to Spring. I have had enough of this cold winter. We didn't get a lot of snow but it sure was frigid this year.

Things are Looking Up

I am so excited! Thank God that I work at Children's Hospital. Having such great insurance has allowed me to get the necessary help for Madison. A few months ago we started using their Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for Madison and I to help us communicate better. Well, it turns out they believe that she has Aspberger's or Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD) both in the Autism spectrum. Three years ago we had her tested after a suggestion was made by her Kindergarten teacher but Children's Hospital diagnosed her with ADHD & Sensory Integration Disorder. We even made reference to Aspergers at that time so it would really piss me off if they misdiagnosed her with ADHD and we medicated her for 2 years (see Medicate or Not to Medicate in my archive). Anyway, her therapist told us we need to get her tested again by a child psychologist. Well, that has been a challenge. We found out from The Children's Hospital that they do not evaluate kids over the age of 6 and other places we looked did not take insurance or were out-of-network. Well, in having a one-on-one meeting with the VP of Finance discussing Accounts Payable I happened to mention this dilemma. He made a phone call and now I have been put in touch with the psychologist in charge of the Autism clinic at Children's. She is going to evaluate Madison. Her assistant is going to call me within the week to set up an appointment. The weight has been lifted off my shoulders. To have a diagnosis will help her tremendously at school and get her the therapy that she needs and also how we can help her and understand.

We are moving March 1st. We have decided to downsize and move nearby. There will be some changes & challenges that we will face this year but we are looking forward to what the future holds. I am still loving my job at The Children's Hospital and have bypassed the 6 month mark. Lance is going to sell his Fitness Together territory in Northern California and make a career change.

Ethan's broken wrist has healed and he is once again enjoying roller hockey until summer baseball begins. Once we get settled, we hope to have Madison back into horseback riding lessons.

Thanks for reading my blog.