Back on the Roller Coaster

Not that we ever really got off it. I had a frustrating conversation with Morgan's speech therapist on Friday that completely threw me for a loop. As I have included in this blog, we took Morgan to see a child psychologist last May because one of her therapists recommended it. She said she saw something in the way Morgan "processes" things and that it was "subtle," but we should have her evaluated. Immediately my mind went to Autism. Admittedly, Morgan is a quirky kid, but some kids just are.

Anyway, we were relieved when the psychologist ruled out any "Pervasive Developmental Disorders" such as Autism, Asperger Syndrome, etc. For whatever reason, Morgan is delayed in her speech development and is behind socially. We are continuing to work on these areas with therapists and she starts a preschool program in September.

So, on Friday at the end of Morgan's appointment, I asked the speech therapist some questions on Morgan's progress and how she's doing. I am puzzled by the fact that Morgan does not learn a lot of basic language skills socially (i.e. she doesn't pick up on a use pronouns like "my" and "your"). We are having to teach this to her more directly. I've asked the speech therapist about this before and she said "I don't know why." This time I brought it up again and she said, "well, Amanda (the physical therapist) and I were talking yesterday and we think when Morgan's older she'll be diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome or something like that." HUH?!! A cold chill went down my spine. I thought "what is she saying?"

It's kind of a blur to me what she said next, a few things that were positive on how once we are able to teach Morgan directly, she gets it. But then (as she's walking out the door) she says, "everybody has stuff with their kids, I had it with mine." Well, I know none of her kids were diagnosed with life-long, life-changing developmental disorders. When she left I think I was in shock for a bit. And let's just say this weekend just SUCKED! Sorry to those who don't like that word, but it's all I can say. David and I argued about this a lot. We went from being upset with the therapist to just feeling lost again to what is going on with our daughter and could the psychologist's opinion be wrong?! I feel like we are right back where we were the last time a therapist made a comment.

One decision we've made is getting another opinion. I've put calls into two other people that I was referred to last time, one other psychologist and a developmental pediatrician. They probably have long waiting lists, but I'll make an appointment anyway. It can't hurt to do this. It will be great if they agree with the first doctor, but if not we can make sure we have Morgan in the best therapy possible for whatever the situation might be.

Not that it changes Morgan's diagnosis (or non-diagnosis), I also felt it was important to speak with someone at the therapy clinic about this. I thought it was inappropriate and really somewhat careless to say something like this to a parent. Someone made a comment to me that possibly these therapists get a little desensitized to how this might emotionally impact the family. Yes, but it's still not OK. The owner was out this week, but I spoke with the office manager. She was surprised that the therapist said this to me and said she would speak with both therapists and get back to me. I'm supposed to hear from her in a few days.

Up and down we go on the roller coaster...trying to hang on tight.

My Sweet Morgan

I had a disconcerting conversation with Morgan's "teacher" yesterday. As I've mentioned, she's been participating in some speech therapy and "special instruction" with a teacher. It had been a few weeks since we'd seen her with Morgan and Piper's colds. During our session yesterday I asked the teacher about whether she thought Morgan would catch up with the other kids her age. I hoped she would say yes, but instead she recommended that we have Morgan evaluated by a child psychologist. Huh?!

She explained that she was concerned about the gap in development levels Morgan has. She shows high levels (3-4 years old) in the fact that she can recognize all letters and numbers, but she functions at levels lower than her age in language and cognitive/emotional areas. She said it was "subtle", but there were some concerns.

I asked her what she though the problem was and she said she "didn't know," but it may have something to do with the way she "processes" information. This frustrated me because someone with her experience must have an idea...I think she didn't want to scare me with putting a name to it.

Truthfully, I.am.terrified. When you have a child, you want the absolute best for them...of what you can give them as well as hoping they can live the best, most full life. I am so scared that my Morgan will not be able to be fully independent or won't be able to develop friendships, relationships or...my mind goes to the worst places. My poor baby. I just want to fix this for her.

So sad right now. I'm waiting to hear back from the Pediatrican for a referral. Will post more as we learn what might be going on.

Rolling and Talking

Piper rolled over for the first time on Tuesday and has done it several times since! It was especially nice when she rolled over for the Physical Therapist who was here yesterday (for Morgan). Nice performance!

So, Wednesday a Speech Therapist, Physical Therapist and Teacher came to our house to do an evaluation of Morgan for Early Intervention. To bring everyone up to speed, at Morgan's 15 month well baby appointment the pediatrician was concerned about her verbal communication development. She fell in a borderline area, not way behind, but a little behind. Basically she's supposed to be putting together some phrases (maybe not full sentences) and really use her words to express her wants and needs. She uses some words ("please" and "down" most often), but when she gets upset she just yells instead of trying to communicate what exactly she wants.

We decided to wait until closer to her 2 year appointment to do any further evaluation. At one of Piper's early appointments I obtained the questionnaire that they use at Morgan's 2-year appointment so I could determine where she was at...and she still fell in a borderline area. I decided it wouldn't hurt to contact Early Intervention to have a full evaluation. Early Intervention is a program that is run (in our area) by the Spokane Regional Health District. They provide services for children with "special needs" from birth to 3 years old. Not that I think of Morgan as a child with "special needs," but they provide some helpful services if your child is either slightly or more severely behind developmentally.

The therapists put Morgan though some exercises and asked me a lot of questions. The speech therapist called me later in the day at let me know that Morgan "just" qualified for speech therapy (apparently 25% behind), so we will start some weekly sessions in January. I'm pretty sure Morgan will catch up to her age group soon and especially when she starts her first preschool class next fall, but I will appreciate any help the therapist can give us and so we can learn how to help her along with her communication.

I haven't heard back from the other therapists yet, but they are moving offices next week. They said if she qualifies in one area she can get therapy in all areas, so we will wait and see what they say.