Can A Mother's Heart Bleed?

The simple answer is YES. Emotionally, a mother's heart has been wounded this week. We've come so far with Leah. The gains that she has made with all of the therapies, the work with Riley, and all of the socialization she (and we) can stand...the new team of therapists are still (YES, STILL...we've encountered this before) throwing around the buzz word "autism".

We were told over a year ago that if she were evaluated by a neurodevelopmental psych, that she may be placed on the spectrum. But about 4 months ago, I asked several of our therapists that we've been working with for so long for their professional opinion and they said...NO!!! (A relief to mom!) Then, as evaluations begin here in Clinton, many of the therapists stated that they see red flags for autism. My heart bleeds, my eyes tear and my stomach knots.

I again talked to our OT that we've been with for so very long, Miss Leah (Coincidence), and she stated that she really feels that Leah's red flag behaviors are simply her motor planning delays mimicking autism like traits. So, she says no to an autism label too! But, that's without an evaluation, naturally. Knowing a child usually tells you so much more than a silly old evaluation!!! (Special ed teacher talking here!!!)

Nevertheless, Josh and I have talked and we decided that knowing and then moving on from there is the best medicine. So we have an appointment with the guru in Michigan, Dr. Rick Solomon. He's in Ann Arbor and he can tell us if he thinks it's a global motor planning delay or the A word! It's hard to say it...you try...it just might make your heart bleed too! He's in such demand around the state that we're scheduled for an October appointment!

So, we ask for lots of prayers for Leah and her therapists as we work so very hard. We also ask for prayers for another very special family that we are becoming very close to who just received word that their child has a mild form of autism. May they have the strength and will to persevere through such a powerful force...but overcome and win...for the sake of their child!!!

(Okay, I needed to let it all out...it gets all bottled up!!! HRUMPH!)

PS - Riley has passed his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Test as well as his Therapy Dogs International Test...He's an official therapy dog. He'll test on the Assistance Dogs test soon...just a lot happening for both our family and the evaluator!!! He's doing fantastic!