I wasn't expecting an Autism Diagnosis

Cora had her OT and psych eval today. I was expecting they would say that she needs a bit of extra help and send an OT therapist to my house to help her

But she is so smart and everything that she passed thier "tests" either at the normal or above average range.

Then the psychiatrist said it. "I think she has an autism spectrum disorder and needs further testing"

I kinda blanked out for a few minutes after that

He went on to stress that Cora is doing amazing and how smart she is. But that she has lots of red flags for a spectrum disorder.

I have to call on monday to set up further testing at the local childrens hospital.

I'm just in shock. I never expected him to say Autism. I kinda don't even know what to do.

This weekend will be spent researching and looking at the different options and therapies.

I'm sorry mama. Just remember that its only a word, it doesn't define her what so ever.

I'd get a second opinion if you really don't think she is.

Shes still your same Cora :-)

Don't freak yet.

Hugs Kelly. <3

Maybe aspergers? My son was not diagnosed until 8 and the improvements since have been drastic. It's not a terrible thing, it's pretty amazing actually.  

Alot of people with autism live a perfect normal life. I have 4 cousins with autism and 2 live on their own and everything. Actually 1 won the state spelling bee where they live. And the other 2 need alot of care. From the sounds of it, if your LO does have autism if sounds really minimal. But i'm sure you were just in shock with it. Good luck.

Quoting Squid Kid:" I'd get a second opinion if you really don't think she is."

As he was explaining it, it made sense

The lack of eye contact, the social immaturity, the "ocd" tendencies, the way she jumps for every noise and covers her ears, the way she can't filter noises, the constant smelling things....

I just never put it all together and now I'm kicking myself for not doing this years ago.

She doesn't have an official diagnosis. This doc said that he cannot put a diagnosis on paper, it has to be done by a certain therapist. But this is what he is almost certain it is

there are so many different disorders on the spectrum. i'm sure it sounds scary, but there are so many levels too. so, even if they do find that she is on the spectrum, there is a lot that can be done to keep her mainstream. i don't personally have a child on the spectrum, but i have worked with some kids who are, and in my work, we go to a lot of training seminars, and many recently have been on autism spectrum disorders. so, i know there is a lot out to to learn and know. don't let the word scare you or paralyze you! good luck to you!

My oldest son has Aspergers, which is on the spectrum. He is also highly intelligent, which it sounds like your daughter is. I am wondering if your dr. is thinking that Aspergers or non-verbal learning disorder (similar to Aspergers) could be the diagnosis?

Aspergers is definitely not the worst thing in the world. As ny son's psychiatrist says, Aspergers isn't even looked at as a "disorder" necessarily, it's more that people with Aspergers just have brains that are "wired differently." My son is 17 and actually does very well.

Once you get the definitive diagnosis, the best thing you can do is read EVERYTHING you can about it, and also get a good psychiatrist to help you and your daughter cope with things.

Good luck momma!

Quoting Kelly&Coralie:" As he was explaining it, it made sense The lack of eye contact, the social immaturity, the "ocd" ... [snip!] ... that he cannot put a diagnosis on paper, it has to be done by a certain therapist. But this is what he is almost certain it is"

Well in that case, it'll be easier to get her therapy to help her be more expressive and learn to cope and deal with problems she may have. It's not a bad thing- as you explain it seems super mild if anything  

Quoting Squid Kid:" Well in that case, it'll be easier to get her therapy to help her be more expressive and learn to cope ... [snip!] ... and learn to cope and deal with problems she may have. It's not a bad thing- as you explain it seems super mild if anything  "

Yeah it would be super mild. Just work to get her more socially adjusted

Cause she is brilliant. She showed 1 grade reasoning skills, basic math, building, reading small words, and she wrote her name (I've only seen her do that ONCE, months ago)

Like, she is so smart.

Quoting Kelly&Coralie:" As he was explaining it, it made sense The lack of eye contact, the social immaturity, the "ocd" ... [snip!] ... that he cannot put a diagnosis on paper, it has to be done by a certain therapist. But this is what he is almost certain it is"

Wow...that sounds A LOT like my son at that age. She may still be too young for a definitive diagnosis of Aspergers, but at least you know what you might possibly be dealing with. My son was in 4th or 5th grade when he got his diagnosis, but when I looked back, I could see the signs and symptoms started before he was even 2 years old. He had a lot of the same symptoms that you just described, especially the OCD, lack of eye contact, and fear of loud noises.

I mean, I know it's not the end of the world. She is still my same crazy wild girl.

It'll take about 4 months to get in for further testing. The place is so booked up

look up temple grandin. she is a woman who has autism, maybe asperger's even, but i forget her actual diagnosis. she is very smart and successful, and has a PhD. the last conference i went to, her mother (eustacia cutler) was one of the speakers. temple does lots of speeches as well. it's worth looking into her work, and possibly going to one of her presentations.

<3 I wouldn't worry about it too much. If she is on the spectrum, I'm sure its mild. Serena's been going through speech, and starting OT--- we're still waiting on testing but so far they think she's got high functioning autism. No official diagnosis yet either. Besides, like someone else said, it's just a word. Austistic kids are smart and amazing too.