The "A" Word

Sumner's results from testing and my meeting with the psychologist were surprising and yet not on Friday. Sumner took the ADOS and his score was a 1, with 7-8 being the diagnosis level for him to be considered autistic. She just kept commenting on how delightful he was one on one, and he was really excited about an abstract book she showed him that is geared for older children. She did note some issues with facial expression, and saw more behaviors when she observed him at daycare, but it is very clear he is not autistic.

That being said, she confirmed in a very strong way what we already knew: his sensory scores remain off the charts. She said "he has sensory processing disorder, and generalized anxiety secondary to the sensory issues." SPD is not yet recognized in the DSM, which makes things more difficult from a school-standpoint. Luckily, he has qualified and is on an IEP for the next few years, so for now we don't need to worry. Sumner is proof positive that a child can have sensory processing disorder and not be autistic. As for attention issues, she saw them, but is hesitant to diagnose ADHD at this age. We'll revisit it down the line if need be.

In some ways I was surprised, in others not. I felt in my heart Summy is not autistic. It would have been easy to get an Aspergers dignosis because it would have made the school-side easy. But in other ways I am deeply thankful that we can truly know what exactly is going on with him to better tailor therapy.

Summy has autistic-like traits. The psychologist said that they come out when he is sensory overwhelmed. We will continue to try to make sure his sensory needs are met at school so that he can learn and thrive.

can I have your attention, please?

We just got back from Jack's neuropsych appointment. After a lot of testing, Jack was diagnosed with:

Developmental Coordination Disorder
ADHD (inattentive subtype) with sluggish cognitive tempo
Hypertonia (low muscle tone)

Along with his previous diagnosis of SPD. Jack is an alphabet soup.

We discussed medication. I will not lie, it scares the crap out of me. I have seen children on meds who look like zombies. They obsess. Plus, he explained that a side effect can be loss of appetite. Jack doesn't have any weight to lose. So I am still digesting, and I am hoping that I will know what to do about medicating or not medicating. I just love Jack and I want to help him to be able to be the best kid he can be. I also want him to be able to focus and learn in school. Medication scares me.

Anyone out there have advice or thoughts about meds?

On a side note, he felt much of this was from the traumatic birth.

5 Year check up

Today was also the 5 year appointment for Sumner and Jackson. I was dreading it because now that they are 5, they pretty much know that this appointment involved shots. Sumner spent most of the morning trying to rationalize why he didn't need shots, ("how about instead of 4, zero!") and flat throwing his brother under the bus. ("How about none for me, just Jackson!")

It wasn't pretty...the shot part. It took both of us to restrain them. Sumner went first, and we held him down, shaking and sobbing. Sumner once removed a syringe from his leg mid-shot and has a huge scar to show for it, so we pretty much have to hold him down for fear of him doing it again. After he went (they made Truman go first) Jack climbed up, seemingly subdued. Unfortunately he had more trouble than Sumner and even bit me while I was holding him. (Totally out of character and I believe unintentional.)

Thank God the next round isn't until age 11.

Jack was also diagnosed with dysfunctional voiding. He's been having increasing accidents over the last 6 months or so, mostly bladder, and mostly when he is napping. (He still naps 2 hours every day.) Because of this, we have to start him on daily Miralax, like his brother, and remind him to pee every hour. Heavens. That is a lot.

The pediatrician also diagnosed him with Dyspraxia/Developmental Coordination Disorder. We're still actively pursing a psych eval for both kids, but in the meantime I feel like we might have a step toward understanding some of Jack's motor issues. His OT completed a BOT for him and the results were somewhat shocking in how poorly he did. The pediatrician would like him to go to a neurologist as well.

Sometimes I feel like I am swimming in alphabet soup. I keep telling myself to remember that the boys are healthy, happy kids. Well, except for when they are getting shots.