saw the pediatric developmentalist today...

[Ericsmomma]

Took the little guy to Cleveland today to the Pediatric Developmentalist. She (the doc) specializes in Down Syndrome.
After observing and examining Eric, we told her about our suspicion that he has many autistic behaviors. She agreed, and said he probably has autism, or at least is on the spectrum. She advised us on speech, ot, and pt issues that need to be worked out with his school. She also mentioned diet, sensory issues, etc. She said communication is a MAJOR problem, and said we should begin there. I felt like I got punched in the stomach...I mean, I think deep down I had my suspicions, but to hear it made me sad. Another obstacle to overcome....We still have our appointment with the Pediatric Neurologist in November. This doc is the best around with diagnosing autism. The developmental doc told us to keep this appointment since he will do more testing/markers, and will be able to advise us on what to do next. I spoke with his teacher, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to work with him (she is terrific!).
Its seems like I quit working at the right time....the road just got alittle more bumpy and I need to get some direction.

[CC]

Awwww Dolly HUGS girl.

You know Chris too has the dual and not to sound not caring but for us it was more of YEA at least we found the piece that was missing KWIM. The Spectrum for A. is the same for DS, KWIM each child is different.

It sucks but my thinking DS sucks too really, not for me but for Chris. I mean Heck I am OK with Christopher's issues but he is the one that has to deal in this world so to have ASD on top of DS yes is kind of a double whammy (sp?) but knowing least explains why some things just don't work and a new way needs to be found.

K, I am rambling but what I really wanted to say is HUGS and you know girl having the dual is really not as uncommon as one may think. Our Doc. who is very into the dual says more kids are dual but lots of Docs are just not in tuned to it, KWIM??

Personally from all I have heard and read I bet you will hear more and more of this with many kids in the future.

Its not a death sentence girl

If ever you want to PM me on this topic, PLEASE do

CC ~

[Chester]

Awww, Dolly!

It stinks to have more "added on"!

Thinking of you,
Dawn

[Emilysmom]

"I felt like I got punched in the stomach...I mean, I think deep down I had my suspicions, but to hear it made me sad. Another obstacle to overcome." I'm really sorry Dolly. I'm so glad to hear that Eric's teacher is so good. She'll really be able to help him when you learn more about the differences in the way he needs to learn. I hope the appointment in November will be helpful.
Susan

[tiffany]

Thinking of you and praying for you! Everything will work out!

[wrblack]

Hi, Dolly,
Yeah, I remember the punched in the stomach feeling. It gets better. You'll get over it.
So, have you checked out

groups.yahoo.com/group/ds-autism/

and

www.downsyn.com/phpbb2/viewforum.php?f=26

yet?
There's also lots of useful Ds-autism info pulled together in one place on the Riverbend site,

www.altonweb.com/cs/downsyndrome/index.htm

lots of links in the Focus on DS & Autism box in lower right corner.

Small snip from long email to someone else who was in similar position not long ago, "Question is, sort of, what good is this dual dx anyway? Answer is, gives you some hints and guidelines on finding right mix, best program."
Regards,
Bob

[steffipoo]

All I hafta say is (((HUGS)))) to you Dolly. Like everything else dealt to us you will do it just sucks that ya hafta. Keep on keepin on ((((HUGS))) Steff

[MB]

Oh Dolly, I am so sorry.

mb

[momofrussell]

Oh Dolly I am sorry... those are words I never wish on another parent. I too know that punched in the gut feeling, I wish I could have taken that away for you!!! I don't know if I've gotten "over" it but I have learned to deal and move on. But I still have my moments.

BUT... sounds like the doc/s are on the ball and the school is ready to do what it takes and THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!! You are a great mom and I know you will do what Eric needs, whatever it takes!

Try not to get overwhelmed, and remember... we are all here for you!!!

Lots of love to ya!

A,.

[ALLISA]

Hey Dolly, it's been a little over a year since we were also punched.....I only feel slightly bruised.....

I kept telling myself....." it's still the same Erin that I have had, it doesn't change or make anything harder, there's just the missing piece like CC said".....but the truth is, it took a long time for me to recover.....

But the good news is..... you can get care, teaching and therapies better suited for him.

PM if you want !!