There have been a handful of incidences over the past few years where my Mama Bear instinct has kicked in and I was willing to throw myself in front of a train to protect my little cubs. Today a new train came hurtling at us - P5 was diagnosed with autism.
I've known for awhile that he was not like other kids. A few months ago I felt an immense relief when he was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder - it helped explain so many of the odd behaviors he exhibited. I realize now that part of why I felt so relieved by the SPD diagnosis was that it wasn't autism. In the back of my mind I had a fear that he may be autistic, and the SPD diagnosis seemed easier to handle. Of course I have since learned that the two disorders frequently go hand in hand.
Autism is a complex disorder and it looks so different for each person who has it. It'll take some time to learn about what it means for P5 to have autism and how we can best help him to adapt and learn. But in the meantime, I am still letting the news sink in and deciding how we will move forward.
Laura, I'm sure you have a great support system, and like you said the news is still sinking in, but if you ever need advice, insight, just a generally great resource on autism, please email me! My closest (and oldest) friend is a very talented special education teacher, who has worked with kids all over the spectrum (as both a teacher in public schools and as a private aid earlier in her career). She's honestly one of the most talented and passionate people I know. No offense taken at all if that's not a resource you feel comfortable using, but I just felt like I wanted to offer it in case you needed someone totally neutral to talk to.
ReplyDeleteLove you. Love P5.
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