There are days I feel I’m “beating this” and there are days I feel like “it’s beating” me. The beating now is process of diagnosis and evaluation for services. I have to admit. It’s frustrating!

My youngest son was diagnosed at 2 ½ with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). He was diagnosed at 3 ½ with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He’s struggled since an infant with motor planning issues, speech, auditory and sensory challenges. Everything he has achieved in his life so far is amazing but it has not happened on its own. Early intervention for just about everything; physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists and great educators. He is where he is today for the great people that have taught him well and loved him for who he is. An amazing little person with a kind heart.

We have fought state services, health plan services and school districts. Some we have won and some continue to be a journey. I’ve learned a few lessons along that way I’d like to share.
• If you can afford it, pay for it and fight in parallel. Yes you may go in debt but end of the day your child’s early intervention is key to his/her long term growth.
• If someone tells you no, don’t give up appeal. Most appeals get denied so continue.
• If your child dislikes his therapist, school or environment he/she may not use the right words to tell you but notice the cues. There is something indeed inside their unhappiness for a reason and it’s not just because they are “being challenged”. Children grow when they are comfortable and feel safe particularly our special ones.
• If your child is compared to another in the context of diagnosis and weighted against a ‘severely disabled’ child do not let them make you feel guilty for asking for support. Your child is worth the fight just like any other child and inevitably may improve faster if they are “high” on the spectrum.

• Praise, thank and appreciate those individuals that work so hard for your child. They are amazing and the love they have for your child and a lot of times go without praise.

• If you get frustrated and give up so will your child. It will get better.

• Not everything is frustrating but it takes a long time so breathe, exhale and practice patience.

I have to admit we’ve been through so many psychological and developmental assessments I’ve lost count in the last couple years. However each evaluation has a little nugget and gets us a step closer to something positive. It could be a great person, facility or service that ultimately we wouldn’t have gained. Is it utopia? Absolutely not, but nothing is going to be easy so just know that and learn and share from others around so we can keep hope.

Be Sociable, Share!

•