I hate the internet sometimes. Even though it's brought me some of my closest friends, it also makes me obsess like nobody's business.
Enter diagnostic tools that you can do yourself. I'm not talking about WebMD - because we all know WebMD thinks everyone and their mother is dying - but things like the M-CHAT, which stands for Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. It's a list of 23 questions, and if your answers coincide with three or more, it suggests your child is at risk for being autistic. Captain Awesome hit four.
Now, I know, I know... just shut up and quit worrying, but it makes my stomach hurt. I've been wondering about this for a while, actually. And not that it makes a difference, it's just, aw hell. I just needed to tell someone.
Thanks for the ear. I hope everyone has a great weekend, whether you're footballin' it up or just planning on shoving food down your face. xoxoxo!
I don't know what the characteristics are or how accurate that test is, but Jen has an autistic son, so she might be a resource for any questions you may have. Just FYI. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! My son is rad as shit, by the way. :)
DeleteI plan on picking your brain very soon. And yes, your kids are fantastic. As are you, so how can they not be?
DeleteKelly, my boss and I were discussing autism the other day and he pointed me towards a story about a 12 year old autistic kid getting a graduate degree. It is awesome story that you start to read about here : http://www.indystar.com/article/20110320/LOCAL01/103200369/Genius-work-12-year-old-studying-IUPUI
ReplyDeleteBTW, love the new look!
WG
http://itsmynd.com
Thanks, Scott, I really appreciate it. I just want to say for the record that I'm not "OMGICAAAANNOTHANDLEANAUTISTICCHILD!!!!", I just want to be able to give him what he needs and more, kwim? It had just been sitting on my chest for a while and I needed to get it off.
DeleteHave you taken him to the doctor? I don't have any experience with autistic kids, other than the one in my son's kindergarten class who apparently has "classic symptoms" according to his teacher. There is clearly something not right about her but her parents are living in pure denial. They are blaming the teachers for their daughter's inability to keep up with the rest of the class. I would say being concerned about the "maybes" is a much better stance than where this girl's parents are. It's only doing her a disservice to not be diagnosed and will only hurt her in the long run.
ReplyDeleteCall the doc to ease your worries or confirm your suspicions so you can attack this head on.
I've talked to my doctor and he's not concerned. We go in again for shots (oh JOY) at the end of this month, and I'm going to bring it up again.
DeleteReport back and keep us posted. You're a good momma!
DeleteGirl, PM me on Facebook, or Twitter. I diagnose kiddos for a living so maybe I can give you some ideas or just talk you down off of the ledge. I love you!
ReplyDeleteI love you too, behbeh. And I will. I've just got to get the questions I have coherent first. It's kind of a jumble up in the ol' brainage.
DeletePS - I love you guys. Thanks so much. I really can't tell you how much it means to me to have such awesome people in my world.
ReplyDelete