Hi everyone,

I'm feeling soo sad..... and crying at the thought of dd's life and how it will be.

Yesterday I brought dd(7) to child psychologist for consult.
I've been homeschooling her for 7 months now.

At first we thought she had add or non-verbal learning disability.
She has HUGE meltdowns at the least little thing.
She gets violent with me, throws things and bringing her shopping is a nightmare.

She has been put on ritalin which there is s little difference but not much.

Well, she was fine for about 20 minutes and then she started saying she was hungry,
It progressed to an all out meltdown.... she sobbed for remainder of the appt.

The psychologist said that she is REGRESSING!!!!!...she will just go down...down..down...
Her toddler years were difficult, her milestones were only reached when she wanted to.

Her whole change in behaviour and academically happened at the beginning of last year.
It seems like someone flippped a switch and she is not the same little girl anymore... she's withdrawn, clingy, fearful, afraid of crowds...etc.

He said that she needs alot of testing...
I really like him, his honest, compasionate, and finally someone will help our daughter.

He said her behaviour is not that of a 7 year old.

It really isn't a surprise to us.... it's just that when someone else sees what you've been denying it's like a kick in the teeth.

We thought maybe add etc, get her tested... get her help then send her back to school so she can be with her friends.

Now we're looking at possibly autism.....
All i want to do is cry for her.... i know she will get help eventually but it will be a LONG ROAD.....

Hubby has been denying it for so long, at first he thought okay give her a pill get some help with her schooling and send her on her way.

We are faced with tremendous challenges, finally this doc will show us what we should be doing for her...

I just feel so sad......

Thanks for letting me vent

If i have posted this in the wrong section feel free to move it.

Im so sorry you are feeling so bad. Noone wants their children to struggle.
and we often feel helpless as we watch them. I hope you can find some
peace in that you are a great mom who has been advocating for her
girl for a long time. Now you have someone in your corner.

Im hopeful your dd will get the help she needs now that there is someone
]who wants to help you do that.

Your family will be in my prayers.

Peace,

Sox

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please keep us posted and feel free to vent anytime.

Cindy, I know you've been struggling with this for a long time, it is hard to come up against such a challenge. I am glad that you are finally getting some solid help and answers for Miss Haylee and can now more directly address ways to help her.

The new doc sounds like a Godsend and I hope you will find all the support and information you need to help your little one go forward.

I am sorry that your DD is having such difficulties but want to offer you hope if she is in fact autistic. There is help out there for autism. I know, because my niece is autistic, and today at 13 years old is doing very well. She now attends a wonderful school that is devoted to special needs children and young adults. There are many different forms of autism and many advances in tx it.

Although she will never be quite like other children, we believe that she will be able to grow up functional enough to be a contributing member of society. This is something that could not be accomplished in the regular public schools.

Check in your area for any special needs schools or programs that deal with autism. Her doctor may be able to guide you. Start checking around now as the earlier she gets into a program, the better. If you want to PM me to talk, please do. I am happy to share information I may have to help you.

Hugs,
Carolyn

(((((((((misshayleesmom))))))))))))

there is a wonderful book called Angel Behind The Rocking Chair written by a mom of an autistic child it is a greatly encouraging book about finding hope in unexpected places for those of us with kids who have illness and neuro disorders. I read it shortly after my son was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome.

praying you will find much care and support to get you through this
our autism and child health forums are also here if you need to talk to others there. they arent as active as some of the boards here, but there is info up and members who understand and care

It is so hard when we see our little ones go through things like this.

Don't give up hope. So much can be done. DDs went to a school where they integrated kids with disabilities with others (a lot of deaf kids and kids with autism). There were many breakthrough autistic children who went on to live normal lives.

One of my best friends ds has Aspergers (sp) Syndrome. The kind of autism that Bill Gates has. It has been a struggle for them but he is now a sophomore in high school and is doing much better. He is extremely intelligent - able to do algebra in 2nd grade, 5th grade+ reading level in kindergarten, etc. However, he has had to struggle with many deficits. There is a national program for children like this. He is part of that and gets some type of assistance to help with his education. I will try to find out the name of the program and PM you.

In the meantime, I am wishing you the best and will keep you in my prayers.

Hi there:

I was so sad to read your post. Your daughter's symptoms mimic so many disorders, that it's very hard to just say "she has this, or she has that".

You have a lot of evaluating to do.

May I suggest that you have her evaluated for Aspergers. The meltdowns that she has been experiencing, well, that is highly indicative of aspergers.

Believe me, I could write a book on that subject.

But let's not go there, not just yet. Autism is a spectrum. Kind of like a lot of lovely rainbows, and you never know where a child might just fall on that rainbow.

Also, there might be other things going on.

The evaluation process takes a long time. There is no blood test or medical test for autism spectrum disorders.

It takes a very knowledgable person (who specializes in this sort of thing), who can watch and observe your child.

I'd try and hook up with an child aspergers specialist first.

Hope you don't mind this suggestion. I feel that you are reaching out and you really don't know what to do.

Been there, done that.

Think about it, okay??

Best of luck.

Thanks everyone for your kind words.

I'm done with the tears, now i need to focus my attention to her needs and finally get to the bottom of her difficulties.

She is the most important thing right now.....
she is a special girl who deserves some happiness at least now we're heading in the right direction.

I'm scheduled to go back to the specialist on the 14 of april so we'll see what is our next step.

Thanks for all your encouragement.

Family doesn't undestand, they haven't walked in my shoes...not to ,mention that they are five hours away from me.

But i knew you all would understand.
Thanks so much.
Cindy

I'm glad you updated us on what's going on w/Haylee, Cindy!

I really hope this Dr is the ticket to getting her on the best track possible. It's so confusing and frustrating as a parent watching our children go through hard life issues like this, but poor Haylee is living it.

I have a nephew w/Autism, so understand a small bit of your fear and frustration, but like the Dr said~~ time to go forward and do what's best for Haylee. You come back here as much as you need to and Vent. We are here for you....