We have the world's BEST Pediatrician! He is wonderful and he works tirelessly to help us deal with Marshall's behaviors. As wonderful as he is, he is still only a Pediatrician, not an Autism specialist, or a mental health professional. He has officially given up on being able to help Marshall. He knows we need help, but it is beyond what our doctor is capable of doing. We have been referred to an Autism Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah (about an hour north of here). While I understand the doctor's referral, I am nervous. I have had WAY too many mental health professionals tell me there is nothing wrong with my child. Oh, how I wish they were right!! I wish I didn't have to deal with all the sleepless nights, rage, and sensory issues. But they are real, and my husband and I have to learn how to help him. We have tried EVERYTHING we know how to do. We've read many books, and tried so hard. We are not the experts, but it seems the experts fail us time after time. What will be different this time? Will our insurance even allow us to take Marshall to this clinic? Will they be fooled by our charming little boy too, or will they take the time to get to know him and see what happens when you make him do things that are challenging to him? Will his intelligence fool them into thinking that he doesn't have problems? Will the therapists and doctors there see his fine motor delays and sensory issues? Will we go away frustrated and defeated once again, with all hope of getting any help for this child crushed? Isn't there anyone out there who really understands how broad the Autism Spectrum is and how each child on the Spectrum is different? These are questions I am afraid to ask. It is painful to try again but I know that my boy needs help. He is almost 5 yrs old and my hope is that he will be able to learn how to manage the anger inside of him, as well as the other issues he has, and be able to function better.
I will be calling the Autism clinic tomorrow. Once I get an appointment, we will be starting a special fast. We would like to ask all family and friends who would like to participate, to combine their faith with ours. We need the Lord's help desperately. I will update as soon as I know anything.
4 comments:
Aprilyn,
Hang in there! I know how hard it is. I think the autism clinic will be so good for you. It takes getting into a place where people specialize in autism and how different each child is, to get someone to believe you. My son was labeled as 'not right' before his daignosis by the Northern Utah Autism Program. It wasn't until then that it all came together. I hope it all comes together for you as well. I will definantely keep you and Marshall in my prayers. Best of luck to you!!!
Good luck Aprilyn!!! I know you guys are working hard to help him all that you can! Heavenly Father will help you know what to do. You'll all be blessed for being so brave and unconditionally loving!
Praying for you. things will get better and I never thought I would say that, but they will :)
Let us know when the fast will be. Count us IN! I know how difficult it is to be in limbo for so many years..knowing somethings wrong but not being able to put a finger on the EXACT cause. Ben was 5 when we were fed up with it and took him to a place that specialized in his area of problems (lungs). I hope you get the same good help where you're going!
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