While doing all this research into Autism Spectrum Disorders, I started to notice little things with my younger son, who had just turned 1. And I came across a website, firstsigns.org, that had a video library comparing typical children at different ages with children who had autism. I just cried and cried after watching those. At his 15 month check up, I asked about different signs, and his paediatrician seemed unconcerned.
Shortly after, my husband lost his job, and our state insurance changed because our income decreased, and we had to switch doctors (for the 2nd time for my youngest). I found a copy of the MCHAT test (the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) and brought it to the new paediatrician. He referred us to the Developmental Clinic to make appointments for testing, and agreed that it was something to look at.
Shortly after, my husband lost his job, and our state insurance changed because our income decreased, and we had to switch doctors (for the 2nd time for my youngest). I found a copy of the MCHAT test (the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) and brought it to the new paediatrician. He referred us to the Developmental Clinic to make appointments for testing, and agreed that it was something to look at.
At 18 months, my son developed a thyro-glossal duct cyst, and spent most of the summer in and out of the hospital, finally having two surgeries to remove the cyst.Yes it was a nightmare. And as a result, he stopped eating most solid foods, but not because he was having throat issues.
This whole ordeal could have delayed our process. But it didn't at all. An appointment was available 6 months out. And we were immediately referred to Early Intervention, which took place in our home even while we dealt with the hospital issues, and did not require a diagnosis. My younger son received his PDD-NOS diagnosis just before his 2nd birthday, about a month after his brother received his.
I'm happy that we had our diagnoses so quickly, although I had known sooner. But I am also very sympathetic to the extreme length of time it seems to take in BC, and how many hoops there are to jump through. Keep strong, BC moms.
~ Adrienne
This whole ordeal could have delayed our process. But it didn't at all. An appointment was available 6 months out. And we were immediately referred to Early Intervention, which took place in our home even while we dealt with the hospital issues, and did not require a diagnosis. My younger son received his PDD-NOS diagnosis just before his 2nd birthday, about a month after his brother received his.
I'm happy that we had our diagnoses so quickly, although I had known sooner. But I am also very sympathetic to the extreme length of time it seems to take in BC, and how many hoops there are to jump through. Keep strong, BC moms.
~ Adrienne