You have done a great job advocating for her. Hopefully she is able to get the supports that allow her to grow and you are able to access some for yourself as well
It's always hard to hear those words, but know that you've been an awesome advocate for C through this all and I have no doubt you will continue to be. Hugs.
Hugs. I hope the diagnosis brings with it a greater availability of services for her to help her thrive. You're a great mom and a great advocate for her.
Hugs. I am glad they were honest with you and told you to move. I hope you can get out of your lease and into the better district. She's lucky to have you.
Post by humpforfree on Apr 13, 2016 13:22:39 GMT -5
I've been thinking of you. I'm glad you got some sort of answers and are able to start moving forward. Let me know if you need anything (or some cupcakes to crush).
I'll echo the other posters who say that you're a fantastic advocate for C! She's going to do well with you beside and behind her all the way. And of course, a new word on her chart does not change a single thing about her. It just opens up a world of resources to help her be the best possible version of herself.
Allow yourself to experience all of the emotions you feel. Remember when you are feeling sad or angry that it is in NO way, shape, or form, a reflection on how much you love your daughter. You can love her fiercely and still be sad. It's OK.
I'm glad that they were honest with you that a nearby area has better resources for her and that it's a possibility for you. I hope you are able to get out of your lease and take advantage of the other county's resources.
Take it easy on yourself and give yourself time and space to process this new information. A lot of parents who are new to the dx officially find they cycle through something very like the Kubler Ross Stages of Grief. Denial one day, dispair the next, abject terror in the middle of the night. Accept that as pretty typical and try to accept that her dad and the rest of your family may not always be on the same page at the same time.
I get that the second eval was a hassle, but until there's a better way to dx ASD, having a second opinion can be valuable for helping you process the information. We had DS initially dxd by a clinical psychologist and a dev pedi well ahead of the school psychologist and later a psychiatrist when he aged out of pediatrics.
The Autism Speaks First 100 Days packet is worth looking at.
Personally, I never found the old saw about my son being the same child as he was pre-dx particularly helpful. So much was different around my expectations and dreams for him. Around my need to continue to actively parent. About where I have chosen to live to get him the resources he needs to be his best self. Even my will is written differently than it would be if he were a neurotypical child.
That said, a lot of people will say Cora is lucky to have you. You're lucky to have Cora, too.