Christopher usually has a busy schedule, speech therapy twice a week and a teacher twice a month but this week we had added appointments. Wednesday we met with the school system to see what our options are once Christopher turns 3. The verdict is ... both of my babies will be starting school later this year, Savannah in the fall with the rest of the kindergarteners and Christopher right after his 3rd birthday. ****sigh**** It is so hard to have my babies grow up.
The other appointment for Christopher this week was with the Child Development Center at Vanderbilt. The diagnosis was ... "let's not diagnose yet" I actually appreciated this response. Christopher shows some of the signs of autism but not enough that Dr. Cooper wanted to tag him with that label. He said that he has way more positives in his behaviors than he has autistic traits. He wants us to have him in devopemental pre-school for a year and then bring him back for evaluation again. He said that he presents more as a delayed child than an autistic child. This is great news! Dr. Cooper was also very impressed with his progress since he started speech therapy.
My little man is so smart in his logic and problem solving, has a very firm grasp on cause and effect but is "significantly delayed" in his communication skills. Lakin and I joke that Christopher is going to be an engineer, brilliant but not very socially ept. That being said he's a very sweet, loveable boy and his behavior has improved greatly with his increased ability to communicate. His teacher, Ms. Christy, said that he has picked up on sign language quicker than any child she's ever worked with. He's working hard and we are very proud of him.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Christopher Update
Posted by irvy at 1:11 PM
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4 comments:
If it's any consolation, Jimmy didn't talk until he was 3 ... not comments on his social abilities, please ;-)
I'm glad things are progressing so well for the little man! He is so adorable!
Good news for Christopher then! I've really missed a LOT of his growing up! Sorry to hear that he has problems with communication, but it sounds like that very well might just be something that he'll catch up on. I KNOW that he has all the love and support that anybody could ever ask for, and that's important.
My best to all of you.
Kim - I can totally empathize with you. When I found out Julie would be going to preschool five days a week at age 3 I really struggled with it... I thought I'd have another two years with her - and it was the same year Kody started kindergarten! HOWEVER - it is the best thing we could have done for Julie. She has just blossomed and received daily the help she needed with the things that challenge her - that we don't have the tools to help her with.
Davin received the same "diagnosis" from the Vanderbilt when he was 3... it was such a blessing they didn't label him autistic... he was just an extremely intelligent child who couldn't communicate and had other autistic characteristics, but too social. Today at age 9 he still struggles with some things but I can't imagine what his life may be like if they had labeled autistic.
You guys are good parents... wish we were there to see them growing up!
Cute background! My little nephew was recently diagnosed with autism (high functioning), and it has been a big learning curve for his parents. I'm happy you've avoided that diagnosis (for now) and I hope Christopher continues to improve. It sounds like he'll be attending a sort of early-intervention program? That's great! I've seen huge improvements in my nephew since he started going. I know it will be hard to have him gone already, though. Have a good cry and know that you're doing the best thing for him!
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