Back in July, we had Joshua assessed by a Speech Pathologist and an Occupational Therapist. They concluded that he need therapy in both areas, and we were put on the 6 month wait lists. When speaking with the Occupational Therapist, she brought up the possibility of having Joshua assessed for Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This came as a small surprise suggestion to us, as we had been mulling the topic of Autism over for quite a few months. So, the wheels were put in motion in September. He was assessments in November by: another Speech Pathologist, two Psychology professionals, a Pediatrician, the Occupational Therapist, and a “Proficiency Questionnaire”. It was allot of meetings and quite overwhelming. Jason and I were pretty calm through it for the most part, as we were eager for some answers to questions we had about Joshua’s developmental levels, and our parenting tactics with him. On November 27th, we got the diagnosis. Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. What does that mean? Basically, he has some Autistic attributes/ sensitivities/development delays, but is on the mild end of the spectrum. He hasn’t the usual characteristics of an Autistic person, like social awkwardness, but the developmental areas, like communication (verbal and non) and personal regulation.
We have chosen a Behaviour Intervention Team, and have started to build a Behaviour Plan. We’ve already been assigned a Speech Pathologist, which is unheard of that we would get one so quickly as there are so many other kids on the list ahead of Joshua. God’s favour has definitely been on us during all of this. Joshua will receive 15 hours of Intervention (Therapy Sessions) per week, in 3 hour blocks, in our home. The Behavioural Interventionist is here to help him in many areas of life: the home environment, in the community, and to get him up to Kindergarten standards. These two people will start mid-February. He has these services until he’s 6. They adjust once he’s 6+.
Our life will be more regulated once this all starts. I’m learning how to live within a schedule more. Ironically, schedules are what children like Joshua thrive in.
Having our Nanny (Jana) through all of this has truly been a God-send. I’m glad He knows what we need, before we know it. Paige has been a little angel through all of this too. No extra work there.
Please pray for understanding for Gabrielle, as she could easily feel left-out through all of this, and peace and grace for us all. We have allot of learning ahead of us.
