Long Story Short
The past couple of months India’s been through several evaluations as we tried to figure out the reason(s) for her speech delay. Behavorial, psychiatric, hearing, second opinions — the works. All of that has resulted in a diagnosis of mild autism. Mild enough, apparently, that with therapy, she should be back “on track” within a couple of years.
Now that we’re satisfied with the diagnosis, we’re trying to figure out what our options are w/r/t to therapy and schooling, etc. We’re still processing it ourselves, but since it’s the reason we killed our house search and are staying put for another year, it’s not something we wanted to be all secretive about now that we know for sure.
For all those that know us, do me a BIG favor and try not to act like this is the end of the world. It’s really not. She’ll be okay and so will we, and overdoing the sympathy – or even worse, debating the diagnosis – simply puts us in the awkward position of wanting to punch you in the mouth. Seriously.
Sorry if that sounds rude or whatever, but it’s true. Under normal circumstances, most parents despise unsolicited advice (especially from those without children of their own), but in a case like this, where people who KNOW about autism still don’t know much about it, you’re taking a chance of crossing a line you might not be able to pull back from. A simple “Let me know if you need anything.” is cool and would be most appreciated.
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Let me know if you need anything. My old roommie Ron used to be a ‘shadow’ (aid) for a kid with Asbergers Disease which is a mild form of autism – it mainly deals with social issues for a child but I’m pretty sure he’s got tons of books and information on autism. 🙂
Let me know if you need anything.
And now, to re-send the email I sent to the loudpoet address. (grumble)
Lemme know if you need anything. Feel free to punch me in the face next time you see me…but…
It is my sincerest hope that as India holds your hand through her journey, you will open your eyes, hands, heart and mind to her valuable and unique way of processing this consenual reality we call life.
Putting myself forward for another punch in the face… but…
I used to work with some very cool children in a place with the most politically incorrect name imaginable – the Home For Crippled Children. Of all the children there, the ones who had autism were by far the most exciting, wonderous, God/dess blessed souls to ever pass through my life. Ask me now – 23 years later – and I can still tell you each of their names, how their autism manifested and as much of their later outcome as I could find out.
In conclusion – I am spending an inordinate amount of time now being present for my son as how unravels this great mystery called growing up. The only phrase I can think to describe the manner by which I am embracing this process is Adrienne Rich’s “a wild patience…”
Peace bro
(PS – I have a lot of quality, tactile, wooden, sensory toys. Winston will be growing out of a lot of his shortly. If there are any items you discover in therapy that you need – just drop me an e. Chances are I have it. If you want/need any of them I’d be happy to ship them to you at our own expense.)
guy-
let me know if you need anything.
-bowerbird
Let me know if you need anything.
And, hey, glad you’re journaling again.