FINALLY...the diagnosis...

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Had a call from the doctor's office this morning to confirm our appointment next week. She let us know that the written report was in and that the doctor would go over everything at our appointment next week. I asked about the diagnosis and was told: Pervasive Developmental Disorder; primarily Asperger's Syndrome, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, expressive language delay and several other things that I can't remember now.
So, an overwhelming feeling of relief has come over me; along with some grief. I mean, I have known for months that this is what he has, but I guess there was always a little feeling of doubt, a small part of me saying mayne not! Also, while I have been coming to terms with it for a while, this just makes it real...and official...there is no going back now.
I guess mixed emotions are normal at this point right? We go on Wednesday and will go over the complete report with the doctor. Hopefully he will also make recommendations for further treatments/therapies. He is already receiving OT, but I would like to know what else is recommended.
We have an IEP meeting with the school on September 9th, so having this diagnosis in hand will help tremendously with that, and any recommendations for school.
Just wanted to share...thanks for listening.

Laura Mom to Remy - age 9 - now officially diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

Mixed emotions are perfectly normal. You now have keys, which is a wonderful thing, but there probably also are visions that you now know must be let go, and that isn't so easy.

Do be careful about medication alternatives that may be offered to you; we've managed this far without ANY for my son, and it takes a lot more work on our part as parents (finding and mitigating all the sensory issues) but I really believe its worth it. There are so many scary stories about AS and medications. Just be very, very cautious.

Otherwise, however, best of luck to you. Keys are useful. Time to open a few doors

I too have just gone through what you are about to go through-the diagnosis. It is always a long time coming and usually not a surprise but to have it there in black and white so final and so official was very daunting to me. There is a certain amount of grieving that is done and also a sense of relief that you're not "crazy", that something very real was going on all along. Especially for me because of so many diagnoses along the way-complete alphabet soup.

The diagnosis was eventually very helpful for my mental state and the way that I view and expect things from my dd. Now I don't try to force the round peg into the square hole. I celebrate her unique gifts and view her experience as interesting and insightful. I now realize the depth of her cognitive abilities and also the severity of her social, emotional, and sensory differences. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and deciphering the often cryptic puzzle that can be our childrens' issues is so helpful.

For me it became a time to stop. STOP trying to get her to do these things that have been eternal struggles in our house. Stop NEEDING her to fulfill the NT version of a child her age. That was cathartic experience for me, which has only helped my dd by taking so much of the pressure off her.

Good luck.

Well, epril, I understand how you feel. I have these two boys, 23 and 13, and I longed for one of them to play baseball like all the other boys. Do I know that's stupid? Yes. Do I know that it doesn't matter AT ALL to their potential as good men, husbands, citizens? Yes. But it doesn't stop me from yearning for this one thing, every time a friend has to take their son to a baseball game. I just think it's part of being human, knowing what you grew up with, what other girls grow up with, to feel like you would like a little taste of that experience with your girls. Yeah, you're lucky to not have to deal with the cost of makeup and clothes...but ...

I think it has less to do with wanting your girls to wear makeup, and have boyfriends, or me wanting my sons to play baseball -- it has to do with the bonding that goes on between your child and yourself with these activities.