My daughter has autism

Out of nowhere- she had a speech delay
We did the right things - no TV until after two years old- no junk food (never had mc donalds and she was 2 1/2) our pediatrician though she might need speech therapy becasue when she turned two she didn't have a vocabluary of 50 words (sounds like a lot right?). Anyway I love this doc so I let Sophie get special services and today she had to go to a neurologist as part of the services she's been getting for 5 months and my poor hubby took her alone because I didn't think it was a big deal. Well it was. At 4pm I called him and asked him what was going on and he said he would talk to me about it at home. He sounded very strange so I said, do I need to come home and he said "yes". I called him from the subway and he said the doc told him not to tell me until I got home and I said is it autism?????? He said yes and I started crying on the subway and he cried in the car.

We are going to get a 2nd opinion and the phone hasn't stopped ringing (and boy the message from my dad was really a zinger because he got my letter today and didn't know about the autism- he was soooo mean, boy is he gonna feel bad).

Anyway I took the day off tomorow to get my head together and do some research and find a 2nd opinion doc. Please wish my baby luck. |I

Patty,

Best of luck finding out all you can find out! There is so much information out there now. Glad to hear you are going for a second opinion. I'll be thinking of you!

Donna

Thoughts and prayers, Patty. You'll be learning lots and there's lots to learn. Having faced some serious health challenges with my own kiddo, I know how frightening it is to first get the news. You'll get through this, I promise. Hang in there. Many are wishing you well this night.

RJ

(And no, it's not your fault.)

Patty, Just wanted to let you know, you're in my thoughts and prayers. Like RJ says you will get thru this. I don't know much about autism but I think there are different levels of it. I think it's good that you're getting a second opinion too.
My God girl, you've been thru so much. They say we're never given more than we can handle... but sometimes, I gotta wonder, about who's holdin the scales?
I know it might not feel words of comfort right now... but that which doesn't kill us, DOES MAKE US STRONGER. I'm livin proof of that one. :rolleyes I guess most of us here are. Take Care Sweetie, Our thoughts are with you, and your family.... Judie & critters

Haven't been there thank god, but siblings have. Just be aware that autism is a really broad term for a whole range of syndromes, OK? And? The earlier you get it diagnosed the earlier you can start the therapy and the better the prognosis.

Hang in there girl ... :D (need a hug emoticon, I think)

I am thinking of you. Autism does include a wide spectrum of symptons.There is a lot of info out there.Try to find a specialist(if you haven,t already).At this point just want you to know that you and your daughter are in our prayers.
Janet

Patty,
You and your family are in my thoughts.

be strong!
Marcie

Thinking of you.....

Hey Patty,
I'm thinking of you and want to agree.. the term 'autism' is very broad, particularly at such a young age.. and you are definitely not at fault!!

You just take good care of each other now and don't let them scare you. Give it plenty of time and get other opinions.

My mum was told I was retarded when I was four. It turned out to be rubbish, but only after they put us through 6 months of tests.

I'm not saying your daughter has been wrongly diagnosed, only that you should try to stay strong and keep her close until you're sure.

Trust your own instincts and look around for other alternative kinds of diagnosis & treatment.

Sending you love & prayers,
MFM

Patty,
Just keep doing what you are doing. Seeking out more opinions, further testing, further therapy. She sounds like one of those "borderline" cases perhaps? And caught so young. Being an O.T. myself, I know there is a HUGE focus on pediatrics, autism especially. Lots of research and development going on to help her reach her highest potential possible!
You are helping yourself, you are helping her, STAY STRONG! We are thinking of you and please let me know if there is anything I can look up for you...anything info or questions you have. I do not work in peds, but I can do my damndest to find out!
Love,
Rebecca