So, for those who have been kept out of the loop; Preston was diagnosed with Asperger's Autism last week. (Along with Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Auditory Processing Disorder!) In other words: Preston is Special!
Gary and I noticed that Preston wasn't speaking to us after we took his pacifier away when he was 2 1/2yrs old. That was December 2007. We also noticed that he couldn't hear us most of the time. After months of tests we were told he needed tubes because of continued fluid in his ears and that he would be delayed in speech because of this loss of hearing since his birth. Well, Preston was enrolled in a special program through our school district to get him the help he needed. We thought he might be socially behind because of the hearing loss. Last August the Pediatric Neurologist informed us of the possibility of Asperger's Autism. So we scheduled a follow up appointment for this April to track his progress. Preston would have opportunities to help him through his preschool and then we would evaluate the situation again.
This is where we have ended up: Preston will now go see the Autistic Pediatrician in Tucson for a defined Autistic therapy plan. This means he will get the therapy needed to help him progress in his life socially and academically. We are not necessarily surprised with the diagnosis. Preston has always been different from our other children. But we still love and accept him. He is so sweet and so lovable. He gives the best hugs and we're just happy to know that he has a mild case of Autism. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't have a hug or smile from my little boy. He lights up my life in many, many ways.
And that is what's happening this week in the Affleck household. It has made us stronger as a family. We are more tolerant for each others feelings. More kind in our thoughts and prayers for each other. And we give our love more freely. I think it's a win - win situation if you ask me! We are blessed with an eternal family and we're happy too. Trials are to be expected, but the blessings that come from them make us a better family. God Bless your families too! (Not that I think any of you should have or get Asperger's...hehehe.)
That is what we went through with Leia. She got the tubes but it didn't help her with her screaming and not talking. Signing Time was the big break through with us. Now she is in 1st grade and I'm freaking out that she won't progress and have to go back to Kindergarten. It does help once you know why they act they way they do. And she is progressing in speech and social situations, it's just slow.
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