Saw a developmental ped today

A little history...DS is now 4 and was diagnosed with PDD 2 years ago by a ped neuro.

Lately I've had a lot of concerns regarding his focus and behavior so I decided to see a developmental ped. They were booking for April 2012. I managed to befriend the receptionist who got me a cancellation appt for today.

Doc spent over 2 hours with DS. I was very grateful that she took the time to get to know him. I think his strengths and his weaknesses really came through.

At the end of the session she says:

"I really do not feel like he belongs on the spectrum"

I kind of sat there stunned. I mean, would love nothing other than to not have autism in my life anymore but fr the last 2 years I've learned to embrace it. I felt like I should have been doing cartwheels but instead I kind of just sat there in shock.

We still do have some really serious issues to address. She diagnosed him with "developmental language delay" and ADHD. I'm not planning to change any diagnosis with his school district. Otherwise I think we would lose some services like his aide which he really needs for his focus issues.

So today I think was kind of a good day. Still feeling skeptical.

Oh, and his guidance counselor told me he won citizen of the month. I love my boy!

Re: Saw a developmental ped today

that is fantastic... i've heard only a handful of stories about children with PDD who later on will loose it.

i think for K the school district does a diagnosis psych as well...

Re: Saw a developmental ped today

who did you see?

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I would also be interested to know who you saw, even if you FM me

I think you should continue with the district in whatever way is going to meet your DS's needs.

Great news!!

Re: Saw a developmental ped today

I live in NJ so the doc I saw will probably not have a lot of relelvance but for the record her name is Dr. Lanzkowski of the Morristown Children's Development Center.

I think I figured out that the reason I'm kind of non-reactive is because we still do have a lot of major issues to address. So while I got the ASD taken away, it doesn't change much by way of plan of attack.

She said that 2 years ago it probably looked like ASD because he had no language and it was too difficult to tell the things she can tell now because is is using language.

She went through the criteria of the DSM IV with me and explained why it doesn't apply to him. Mainly because he is a very emphatic child, he does seek mutual enjoyment, uses gestures and has ok eye contact. Also, he is really trying to use his language. The effort is there. The development is not. And his attention and focus is terrible.

We have a lot of work to do. I'm just more grateful to have found someone willing to spend so much time with us. I've long gotten over the diagnosis part. It was probably the best thing to happen to us two years ago because he got so many services as a result and has made so much progress. I'm just glad now to have a reevaluated point of view so we know where to go from here.

Re: Saw a developmental ped today

Wow, Lisa, that is just amazing. It's certainly true that having the diagnosis 2 years ago really gave him all the help he needed. You're doing a great job, Mommy!!

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My other son was dx at 2 with PDD NOS, and the psychologist said to me that he wouldn't be surprise if later on the dx was removed. He specifically told me he was being over cautious (family history-my #3 has low functioning autism)
It gives me hope that one day I will be in your shoes. Embrace it, it's a wonderful thing. So happy for you and your little guy. He's still so young so I'm sure with time and therapy he'll become more focused. I agree with you not telling the district.

Re: Saw a developmental ped today

Lisa that is wonderful!

I haven't met you or your DS (yet ), but he sounds like an amazing little boy and he shows just how hard all of our little guys work. So hard. And look how far he's come. I know you said he still has issues to address but I have no doubt he'll keep working just as hard!! Great job mama!!

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That is wonderful news

My son was in the same boat. Diagnosed pdd-nos at 2, diagnosis dropped at 3.5 b/c he wasn't meeting the criteria for an autism diagnosis any longer. It's weird to adjust yourself to having a kid on the spectrum then to be told he isn't...but at 5 years old my son is doing great and you would never know that that was once his diagnosis...

I think a lot of children are diagnosed at an early age with pdd-nos and are not truly on the spectrum. I was thankful for services, but still get upset that i never truly felt it was "autism" and then my feelings were confirmed later on.

I went to kennedy krieger...a fantastic autism institute, BOTH times and they just said that a lot of kids really do end up having the diagnosis dropped after they develop language.

Whatever it is or isn't, the news is great and you deserve to be happy about that!!

Re: Saw a developmental ped today

This is great!

A lot of children with PDD, mostly PDD-NOS do get a wrong diagnostic when younger. Those are usually the "success" stories you hear about children with autism that are "cured". They are so borderline, that some therapy and maturing will get them undiagnosed or diagnosed with something else.

I think you are right to keeep his services as his.

Did she suggest medication for focus?

Re: Saw a developmental ped today

Re: Saw a developmental ped today

I would not rush either. From my support groups, I hear the earliest people start is 8-9 yo. A lot do later though if it's mild.