About a two months ago I was told "we should have noticed this a few months ago" he really needs to start speech and get testing for AUSTISM. Keep in mind, I just got him out of the hospital for dehydration and strep throat. I took a deep breath and got focused on what we were going to do to help him. We had our thoughts that things were going on a year. We had several tests done. The one thing being he would never come to us, hug us, kiss us, or look at us. It was easy to chalk it up or categorize it as he is a loner like his parents. However, it became more noticeable. In addition, to some very repetitive behaviors and sensory issues, he would not stop banging his head. It was not the typical head banging that I received literature on from the doctor. This was distress......
The next logical step would be to get the referral to UMC, in my humble knowledge the only place here you can go for developtmental pediatrician. Yes, my doctor told me I had to get him there because this is the important age for speech, especially before he is three. At the time of the doctor appointment, he may have mumbled 7-10 words. That was stretching it. I was thinking no big deal, I have the referral just call and get the appointment. I was very wrong. After spending half a day on the phone, in total disgust due to no results, I was informed it would be at least December 2009. Yes, you hear me right 6 months from now.
HELLO! He needs help now and needs to learn to talk and in my mind it is just pure neglect to let him go six month and keep my fingers crossed that he grows into his voice. Yes, that was suggested to me. Luckily, Brian got on facebook, called friends, and we were able to locate a Pediatric Neurologist in Baton Rouge, LA who was able to see him in two weeks. We packed up the car and headed that way. One hurdle. down.....
Second Hurdle..........I am told he needs intense therapy in several areas. I was thinking who in the world can afford this 3-4 days a week. I was reading everything I could find and came across a program in Rankin County called First Steps. They take children who qualify until they are 3. Of course, he had to be tested and be at certain level before he could be accepted in the program. Not only did he qualify, he was assigned three therapists from the same non-profit organization. On top of everything, they come to the house and work with him in his environment. I was so excited............of course, easier on me.
At least we have one thing left in MS that has not been cut out. Most programs I call about have been discontinued due to lack of funding. This is our children and their future, I was never faced with this challenge personally or through friends but from what I can tell, as a parent you are limited in resources.
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