![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
celticdragonflyMaggie's just been given a provisional autism diagnosis.
I mentioned that I was looking into having Maggie tested at the Regional Center, despite various people pooh-poohing me for it. Here
Well, got a call this morning. They've been talking to me about testing her - normally at this age they'd just do a developmental test. But with her brother already diagnosed, the lady ended up talking to a psychiatrist who's worked with kids this age, and they decided they'd like to do her level of analysis. Sounded like it was unlikely to get any definite diagnosis at this age, but at least it would give us info to work with. Her schedule is tricky, but they got a cancellation today, and arranged to have me bring Maggie in.
Well. That was interesting. Val was nice enough to keep quietly telling me throughout what she'd expected to see at various bits when Maggie was deviating from it. Which was...a lot.
At the end she told me she was vacillating between giving her a "rule-out" (I asked what that means - she said it's 'this kid doesn't have all the symptoms, but enough that we're worried') and a provisional diagnosis (which means 'if nothing changes, yep, that's it'). She said she could feel okay about going either way with it. I told her we're looking at a move soon. She said in that case she's going to write it up as a provisional diagnosis, to help make sure we can get the services she needs after the move.
Apparently she needs speech and language therapy, and should be in some sort of "center-based program" for the autism by about 18 months. She recommended sensory integration testing at about 20 months. She talked about two modes of treatment, "floor time" or "ABA", and it sounds like the first is what she's recommending for us. The other lady, Valerie who set things up, mentioned they have a book on that in the library there - then I got distracted at the end when she had to leave, and forgot to try to get the book. Must go back later and do that.
Some of the things Val was noting - vocalizations were not where they should be for her age. She fell off the chair once, and didn't get physically hurt - but Dr. Val was shocked that she didn't cry at all, expected to see a fear reaction. When Maggie didn't like something she was trying to make her do, she'd protest and pull away - but did NOT look at the doctor. When she got something new, she did not show it to me. She didn't mind me leaving the room, and didn't greet me on my return. When she couldn't figure out how to work something, she didn't turn and try to hand it to me. (My dad said I never did that either.) Most of these things I wouldn't have known to expect. She's doing some toewalking, and it was recommended I put her in less flexible shoes to discourage that. She's too fearless on climbing things, doesn't show the level of caution about danger she should for her age.
I'm dealing with this on a very intellectual level right now. Sometime soon the numbness is going to wear off and it's going to hit me on the emotional level. I've got 2 autistic kids, and the odds for Thumper
just got a lot worse.
I mentioned that I was looking into having Maggie tested at the Regional Center, despite various people pooh-poohing me for it. Here
Well, got a call this morning. They've been talking to me about testing her - normally at this age they'd just do a developmental test. But with her brother already diagnosed, the lady ended up talking to a psychiatrist who's worked with kids this age, and they decided they'd like to do her level of analysis. Sounded like it was unlikely to get any definite diagnosis at this age, but at least it would give us info to work with. Her schedule is tricky, but they got a cancellation today, and arranged to have me bring Maggie in.
Well. That was interesting. Val was nice enough to keep quietly telling me throughout what she'd expected to see at various bits when Maggie was deviating from it. Which was...a lot.
At the end she told me she was vacillating between giving her a "rule-out" (I asked what that means - she said it's 'this kid doesn't have all the symptoms, but enough that we're worried') and a provisional diagnosis (which means 'if nothing changes, yep, that's it'). She said she could feel okay about going either way with it. I told her we're looking at a move soon. She said in that case she's going to write it up as a provisional diagnosis, to help make sure we can get the services she needs after the move.
Apparently she needs speech and language therapy, and should be in some sort of "center-based program" for the autism by about 18 months. She recommended sensory integration testing at about 20 months. She talked about two modes of treatment, "floor time" or "ABA", and it sounds like the first is what she's recommending for us. The other lady, Valerie who set things up, mentioned they have a book on that in the library there - then I got distracted at the end when she had to leave, and forgot to try to get the book. Must go back later and do that.
Some of the things Val was noting - vocalizations were not where they should be for her age. She fell off the chair once, and didn't get physically hurt - but Dr. Val was shocked that she didn't cry at all, expected to see a fear reaction. When Maggie didn't like something she was trying to make her do, she'd protest and pull away - but did NOT look at the doctor. When she got something new, she did not show it to me. She didn't mind me leaving the room, and didn't greet me on my return. When she couldn't figure out how to work something, she didn't turn and try to hand it to me. (My dad said I never did that either.) Most of these things I wouldn't have known to expect. She's doing some toewalking, and it was recommended I put her in less flexible shoes to discourage that. She's too fearless on climbing things, doesn't show the level of caution about danger she should for her age.
I'm dealing with this on a very intellectual level right now. Sometime soon the numbness is going to wear off and it's going to hit me on the emotional level. I've got 2 autistic kids, and the odds for Thumper
just got a lot worse.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
Diagnoses, perceptions and behaviors
Date: 2003-09-09 06:10 pm (UTC)I have to agree with your Mom; many of the behaviors these people seem to recognize as potentially autistic strike me more as those of a self-reliant individual who's already beginning the individuation of the personality from the infantile mindset. Maggie's far more social than Brendan was at that age, but I -do- wonder if her exposure to Brendan's behaviors is affecting her own. I studied autistic kids back in the 70's at college, and certainly things have changed since then, but as you've so often pointed out, the autistic spectrum is very broad.
Personally, I suspect, knowing -you- that had you been similarly tested at the same age, you'd have gotten the same diagnosis. You show similar social responses, abilities to focus and verbal patterns. I love you, my sister, but please don't let 'provisional' diagnoses dismay you. Please instead focus on what can be done to channel Maggie's mind appropriately. That's all -any- parent can do for -any- child, whether "gifted," "normal," or "autistic."
Much love,
Jim
Re: Diagnoses, perceptions and behaviors
Date: 2003-09-09 06:35 pm (UTC)And I suspect I would have been the better for some help. I had a hard time with a lot of these things during childhood. (Still do with some)
One of the big differences is that I was a chatterbox by her age. I really want to get her the speech therapy she needs to help get her access to the big wonderful world out there. I'm pleased at the possibility. Occasionally a bit overwhelmed about the task of finding it for her on top of a move and a birth, but I think it will be great for her.
Yes, a lot of what they're looking at may overlap with "introverted geek". I don't intend to go along with any treatment that I think is bad for her. I just want her to be able to be a happy, successful introverted geek girl. I hope her case will never be as serious as Brendan's, and she'll learn to talk and toilet train and all that fun stuff soon. I'm going to get the help to make *sure*.