Child Psychologist Assessment
So I had this really long and well thought out post that I was almost finished with which discussed at great length the visit we had today to the child psychologist. I was illustrating why the evidence was overwhelming that Max is not in the autism spectrum. It was really really good.
However, my cat Pippa who likes to step all over my computer stepped all over this laptop and all my content was erased. Not only was it erased, but I couldn't undo it because she managed, with one deft sweep of her paws, to cause this same picture to duplicate and no matter how hard I try to recover the autosaved content, the only thing that was autosaved are the changes that Pippa made to this document.
I am devastated. I do not have the time to write this all over again right now. I may not have time for a few days.
So, to keep you all out of suspense I will, in brief, tell you that Max has a diagnosis of ADD, Anxiety, and mild OCD. Getting a truly honed diagnosis takes time but these things are apparently blaringly clear to the psychologist, and in fact, are the very things I originally suspected four years ago but have just recently been rethinking in light of some information on autism. You're going to have to trust me when I say that the reasons the doctor gave for being 100% sure that Max is not in the spectrum were (when he pointed them out) not at all speculative.
The good news is that all three of these things are treatable. NOT CURABLE. But the doctor said that cognitive behavioral therapy can be very effective in helping kids overcome ADD and I already know from experience that it can be an incredibly useful tool in easing the symptoms of anxiety as well. There is much to say and no time to say it all.
I am relieved. I am actually happy to hear this diagnosis. It makes the most sense. It is also territory that I am at least, in part, personally familiar with.
I have to go now. Please convince yourself that you just read a very balanced and fascinating blog post. It really would have been. Go enjoy your Friday night now!!
However, my cat Pippa who likes to step all over my computer stepped all over this laptop and all my content was erased. Not only was it erased, but I couldn't undo it because she managed, with one deft sweep of her paws, to cause this same picture to duplicate and no matter how hard I try to recover the autosaved content, the only thing that was autosaved are the changes that Pippa made to this document.
I am devastated. I do not have the time to write this all over again right now. I may not have time for a few days.
So, to keep you all out of suspense I will, in brief, tell you that Max has a diagnosis of ADD, Anxiety, and mild OCD. Getting a truly honed diagnosis takes time but these things are apparently blaringly clear to the psychologist, and in fact, are the very things I originally suspected four years ago but have just recently been rethinking in light of some information on autism. You're going to have to trust me when I say that the reasons the doctor gave for being 100% sure that Max is not in the spectrum were (when he pointed them out) not at all speculative.
The good news is that all three of these things are treatable. NOT CURABLE. But the doctor said that cognitive behavioral therapy can be very effective in helping kids overcome ADD and I already know from experience that it can be an incredibly useful tool in easing the symptoms of anxiety as well. There is much to say and no time to say it all.
I am relieved. I am actually happy to hear this diagnosis. It makes the most sense. It is also territory that I am at least, in part, personally familiar with.
I have to go now. Please convince yourself that you just read a very balanced and fascinating blog post. It really would have been. Go enjoy your Friday night now!!
Comments (5)
Thank you for the blog post, Angelina. I'm sorry your cat completely destroyed your previous post...I'm sure it would have been insightful. Do you ever wonder if things like that happen for a very particular reason? I don't know what it would have been in this case, maybe your next post will be even better after you have time to let it sink in? Regardless, I am glad that you were able to have gained some clarification of Max's diagnosis, and the great news that he is not autistic. Have a great weekend.
Posted by Kim | February 20, 2009 6:41 PM
Posted on February 20, 2009 18:41
I'm glad to hear that his diagnosis is treatable! Phew, I think getting on this now, particularly the anxiety, will be a big help in the future. Believe me, I know.
Posted by pam | February 21, 2009 8:20 AM
Posted on February 21, 2009 08:20
That is good news. My heart is lightened for you. I know kids with Autism can be worked with and helped, but it seems so much more difficult to be treated. Max's assessment does not seem as big an obstacle.
Posted by Karmyn R | February 21, 2009 9:33 AM
Posted on February 21, 2009 09:33
well I am just thrilled to read this!! It is wonderful news and yes, they aren't curable but highly treatable with good results. My heart is very happy for you and your boy.
Posted by Kathy | February 21, 2009 3:01 PM
Posted on February 21, 2009 15:01
I've been waiting all week a bit anxiously to hear how it went with Max. Glad to know that you feel it's something tangible for which you'll be able to develop techniques to help you both manage.
It bites that your cat ate your words. Sometimes when you get something just right you know you'll never quite get the same perspective again. Have you thought about writing in a different word processor (where you can save more frequently) and then just pasting the finished piece into your blog?
Posted by mss @ Zanthan Gardens | February 21, 2009 6:47 PM
Posted on February 21, 2009 18:47