Friday, December 5, 2008

Dual Diagnosis

As in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Down syndrome.

Formal appointment on 12-17.

90+% confirmed with pedi autism specialist (who has a child of his own with autism) today.

A friend is telling me not to believe it and notes that Elliot is much like her daughter (who also has Down syndrome). She says she’s been there (as in an ASD diagnosis that was false) and her daughter is not autistic. She is also a highly respected medical authority.

But...

I’m sick.

That’s all.

Sick.

Let the fun begin.

Oh, and pray if you do.

I feel as if he’s gone…my special little person – the love of my life – now someone else.

So, pray if you do.

please.

13 comments:

Christina M said...

Just remember that it is only the letters on a piece of paper that changes, Elliot is still the same Elliot he always was. Cute as can be!

Super Duper Jack on my blog roll also has the same dual diagnosis, she shortened her blog up, but I am sure she would love to share feedback with you.

BIG Hug fr Austria

Michelle said...

Sending you hugs, and prayers. I was going to say like Christina said - he is still the same Elliot. And maybe Chris is right - since he sounds so much like her Nana. I know another blogger who has a daughter w/the dual diagnosis if you're interested in chatting with her.

James said...

Our prayers are with you. He is the same great little boy no matter what!

Unknown said...

I'm sending lots of hugs, thoughts and prayers your way. Call me if you need to talk.

Jess @ Raising Joey

The Mom said...

Michelle - sending you lots of prayers. Elliot is still the same little boy and person that you've always loved. Lots of medical conditions can cause stimming behaviors too. That being said - I've had Brady evaluated for autism too, and although the developmental pediatrician said she highly doubts it - Brady still has many autistic tendancies - so I'm not sure that he won't get the dx eventually. It's hard to think of one dx, let alone two. Sending lots of prayers and hugs your way!

Michelle said...

Michelle - lots of hugs and prayers for you and Elliot. Everyone has already said it, he is still Elliot. Keep your chin up. I'll continue to pray for him. Hugs!!

Tara Bennett said...

I found your blog through praying for parker and I'm glad I did. I am definitely going to pray for you to find strength and be able to cope with this diagnosis and all that it brings with it. Because you are looking to the right source, you will find the answers that will bring peace and even joy, someday. Until then, we'll be praying!

datri said...

{{hugs} Michelle, Kayla was diagnosed with autism at age 3, so we've been dealing with this for a while. A new label sucks, but it does change who Elliot is. What a proper diagnosis does is allow you and the teachers to approach his development differently, especially language. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Anonymous said...

As always, you & yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs all around!

Melissa @ Banana Migraine said...

Oh dear Michelle. I'm sending you so much love right now. I'm sorry you have another hurdle to deal with and get familiar with. Sweet Elliot is so lucky to have you as a mama. I love you girl - and I'm thinking of all of you.

Kari said...

Aww Hugs Hun!! Just so you know. Tristan used to have alot of Stimming (actually still does) and it turned out to be sensory. Just cause a child has sensory issues doesn't mean they have autism. With alot of work and time he has begun to improve tremendously! Mind you he still has alot of stuff happening but the more I learned about sensory Integration Disorder the more I realized it was just that and not autism. I hope you get good news and if you don't! Like everyone has already said Elliot will still be your sweet guy he was yesterday :) If you want to know more about my experience with Tristan's SID just drop me an e-mail and I can share with you. It has effected his eating habits, socialization and stimming. ((HUGS))

Kari said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mommy to those Special Ks said...

Sending lots of hugs and tons of prayers!!!