So I mentioned in a previous post that we had decided to hold of on getting Miss 1 formally diagnosed until she is older. Reason one was that she is not currently in need of immediate therapy or psychiatric assistance. Reason two was that I already have my hands full with the mountains of paper work required for the boys and Miss 3.
Over the last few weeks we have had a lot of appointments, as I don’t have anyone readily available for babysitting I have been taking them all with me to every appointment and therapy session the boys have had.
This has given the medical team treating the boys time to get to know Miss 1 and on several of these recent visits they have asked me about when I was going to proceed with a diagnostic assessment for her.
I explained my reasons for holding of, she was not experiencing the problems that the boys had and so I figured it was fine to wait. Even our GP had agreed at Miss 1’s health check that it was not a necessity at this stage. Miss 3 only received a diagnosis due to her behaviours being picked up by our psychologist.
However this week at an appointment for Master 5 and Master 7 with their psychologist, Miss 1 in attendance. The doctor made an interesting point I had not yet considered.
What if she was to have a regression or begin a behaviour that I need immediate assistance with? I considered that for a moment and it occurred to me that she was absolutely correct.
If Miss 1 had a problem suddenly arrise what would I do? I would have to start at the beginning with GP appointments and referral letters and then move on to paediatricians and OT assessments. All of which I know can take months. We are still in the final stages of Miss 3’s paperwork.
So for all the time I would be spending, running around in circles to get through all the red tape that you have to handle in order to get a diagnosis, is time that could be spent assisting Miss 1 if and when she needs it.
I am very much aware that an early diagnosis is essential when it comes to ASD as in Queensland funding finishes once your child turns 7. After that you are on your own so to speak. But she is only 1 (soon to be 2) so I though I had time.
I was wrong, looking at the situation after thinking on what the doctor had said I realised I was absolutely crazy for waiting. I guess it was the hope holding me back.
The hope that maybe, just maybe, we were all wrong and she wouldn’t be on the spectrum. However I know that she is, and I know it’s not the end of the world. I know how fortunate I am, despite all of my children (except Miss 13) being Autistic, I know that they are extremely blessed.
While they all have their challenges, the boys definitely more so than the girls. They are all high functioning and verbal, Master 7’s selective mutism not included.
So I know how lucky I am when I get to hear my children say I love you, I know how lucky I am that they all go to mainstream school and function for the most part, very well. I know that it could be so much worse.
So with all that in mind we are going ahead with her diagnosis. I feel a sense of responsibility to my child and being prepared for the worst is always the best option. If you think it might rain, you take an umbrella!
I am not looking forward to the process as it takes so much time and energy, but the idea of being protected if the rain does start to fall is somewhat comforting. I know if she does have any issues, I will be ready, I will be able to seek assistance immediately and not have to pay hundreds of dollars for it.
So on that note, if you think your child may be on the spectrum, or if you know they are but haven’t done anything about it yet, I urge you to reconsider. If that tie comes and they need help, in whatever form, at least you will be ready!
As always, thanks for reading!
Missy is just so sweet and cute. Fully agreed to be prepared to give her a head start. The earlier the intervention, the better she is equipped and progress much faster. Do let us know how she is and as usual stay positive, take care and kisses for the children. God Bless you and family.
@jackpot
Thank you,
I will absolutely keep you all updated as time goes on.
Many blessings to you and your lovely children. Miss 1 is absolutely adorable! 😊 You are definitely right, despite the difficulties your children are blessed. They have a mother that loves them dearly and wants the best for them. Hang in there and continue to be strong as they really need you. I’m so glad you get to hear them say they love you! 😊 Thank you for spreading awareness and educating on these matters. ❤️
Thank you,
I’m very lucky my children are where they are. I can’t imagine the heartbreak some parents face with ASD. It could be a lot more difficult than it is and I am blessed.
You are so welcome~ You are an inspiration for many, keep up the great hard work Mama!! I love that you are still counting your blessings inspite of. ❤️
Great work for picking it up! You are right - it pays to be prepared. We don't know what lies in the future and that diagnosis letter can sort a lot of things out!!
I look at it like my golden ticket. It takes a lot of time to get it but once you do it opens so many doors!
Stay healthy miss 1 haha, God bless youWell it's good choice to wait to get diagnosed. Miss 1 is cute and she is very little now. Your concern about your kids is great @mumofmany. We can just hope for a better future, I hope it will be all good for your family.
Thank you.
She's such a beautiful little girl with such a great smile. She's lucky to have a mom like you who knows her so well and who is willing to do what it takes to get her the help and support she needs as she gets older. I wish you luck and strength as you take your next steps in getting a diagnosis.
Thank you,
I’m very lucky to have her!
What a beautiful princess, God take care of her and fill her with health. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and educational article. God bless you and fill you and your family with successes.
Regards...
Thank you,
Everything I share is in the hope that it will help someone else in a similar situation.
Oh dear i love her smile i love how your experience keeps me informed about children, i hope you always blossom in strength and happiness. Take care ma
Thank you,
Must admit, that smile is pretty cute!
Every kids are blessing kids in disguise regardless what the condition or situation is
Plenty of loves for you and your littles ❤️❤️❤️❤️
So true, all children are a blessing.
Thank you.
miss 1 is absolutely gorgeous. you are a super mom. we hope for all the best for miss 1. Regardless of the diagnosis outcome, she is and will always be a source of joy and happiness. lots of love to u @mumofmany
Thank you,
You are absolutely right, she is pure joy and nothing could ever change that.
Life is the biggest school for us
We have to take advantage of our experiences and take the course from failure to success
Autism has become very widespread
Life is indeed one giant school and we are the students. However I don’t think that autism has become more widespread, I just think we have gained knowledge and now have better tools to diagnose those who suffer from it, that why it’s more prevalent these days.
Thanks for your comment.
It is better now than before with education and awareness. Parents are more knowledgeable and can educate their relatives and family as well. They just need to understand and don't judge them for their behaviour. Love them without physically touching them, they can sense your love best.
Wow very cute baby ummmaahh😚😚😚
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