I’ll take that diagnosis

It could have been so much worse. I was sure that our appointment on Wednesday at the High Risk Follow-Up clinic was going to go so differently than it went. With all of the talk of Autism over the last month, I had let myself become consumed with the reality that I was sure was in front of me. I mean, I had this one speech therapist telling me every moment she had that my son had Autism.

I admit now, I should have listened to everyone else around me. I should have looked closer at Sam. I should have not let this one person feed my anxiety.

No, Sam didn’t get an “all-clear” on Wednesday. But, the physiologist and developmental pediatrician both agreed that Sam is N.O.T Autisic.

What they have diagnosed him with is a mild case of PDD-NOS or Pervasive Developmental Disorder No Origin Specified. Yeah. I know. Having the acronym spelled out doesn’t really help anyone understand what it is. I am sure it will take me a few months to fully understand this diagnosis, but here are the basics:

• PDD-NOS is on the spectrum, but it is not considered Autism
• Sam showed mild Autism in some areas, but nothing that was consistent or overwhelming for either of the doctors to consider him Autistic.
• Sam will need to add a third therapist to his weekly routine to hopefully help him overcome the areas he needs help in.
• There is a chance that with therapy, Sam will overcome everything, and continue on his path to world domination. There is also a chance that he will not. But at least there is hope!

For me, this means I go from having no appointments for Sam for almost the first two years of his life to having therapy at least 3 hours a week. We will continue with our occupational therapy, speech therapy (but maybe with a new therapist), and add in a therapist that does DIR/Floortime therapy. I am up for it. I would do anything for Sam.

Thank you to everyone for their words of support and encouragement the past couple of months (or, for many of you, since Sam was born). I would not have the strength to get through all of this with out you.