Ok Ok, finally a moment to sit down and write about Jake's appointment with Dr. Michaels today. Our appointment was at 8 AM sharp. We waited in the waiting area for about half an hour, and Jake was surprisingly comfortable. There was a big fish tank with big fish for him to yell at, and the waiting room is full of little partitions and cubby holes for him to run around. His favorite part of the waiting room was a little newborn baby that showed up. The Daddy let him peek under the blanket and to Dad's delight Jake said "Baby Brother KISS!" He also decided that he needed to pee pee in the potty during our wait, which killed a little more time.
Once we were taken back he was a little more anxious. He, of course, would not stand on the scale and was distraught when we took off his shoes. We weighed him on the baby scale and he barely tolerated the blood pressure cuff and thermometer. The nurse was a little bit pushy about things, especially wanting me to take Jake's clothes off and dress him in the gown. I knew that undressing him would be the beginning of the end, so I just kept saying "OK" and then not doing it. When she showed up with a vaccination before I'd even seen the Doctor, I firmly told her to back off. I had hoped not to get a shot on this very first trip, because I was trying very hard to make it a good experience.
It was 9:45 by the time Dr. Michaels came into the room and Jake was still relatively happy. Thank the universe Jake did not have the same reaction to him as he had had previously with Dr. Ho. I instantly liked Dr. Michaels and tried my best to hit the high-points of Jake's development and our previous experiences. He assured me that I didn't have to tell him everything today, as this was going to be a process, and that we'd learn more every visit. He managed to engage Jake in the "blowing out the candle" game with his otoscope. Jake giggled and wanted to play more saying "Hey! I blow dat!" He was able to do a thorough examination (without removing clothing) with only minimal whining on Jake's part. I was amazed.
So what did he say about Jake? Well, of course he is not a developmental specialist, so he can't make a diagnosis, but feels that Jake definitely falls into the autism spectrum . He also commented (more than once) that Jake was an intelligent, bright, and delightful boy (we already knew that) and that he had great potential and would be found to be a very high functioning autistic child. He also commented more than once that we had done a great job with him so far with the way we worked with him and the sign language, etc. It never hurts to hear that from a professional when you feel like you're struggling most of the time.
The course of action that he suggested was to take Jake to a developmental specialist for a diagnosis and, should I want, to skip the evaluation at the Team Centers. He said that he rarely refers to the Team Centers simply because, with these high functioning kids, the Team Centers experience tends to be appointment after appointment, with more appointments after, while getting the same results as getting a diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician. The DP will be in Chattanooga. I'm not sure when that appointment will be, I need to call the office back about that.
Dr. Michaels went ahead and wrote a prescription for occupational therapy, and we made an appointment for next friday (Aug 8) for a speech evaluation. I plan to try to use Tips for Children, Dr. Michael's wife's therapy office to begin Occupational and Speech therapy. Dr. Michaels also said that he can help me push the school system for the free therapy services, however getting a good therapist with them can be hit or miss, and I can decide to use them or continue using private therapy when the time comes.
We also made an appointment for Manny with him this Friday. I'm really happy about that, as Manny hasn't had a check up since he was about 4 months old, as I've been sort of "between pediatricians." I have minor concerns about his development too, most of which is probably paranoia.
Jake also has an appointment in 6 weeks with Dr. M for a re-check.
Now comes the time to wonder... how in the world will I juggle all of these appointments. Mamaw can watch Jake, but I'm afraid Manny may be almost more than she can handle despite the fact that she goes above and beyond making sure that she is connected and has a relationship with both boys. Steve can take vacation days for some of the bigger appointments, but I'm afraid that I'll be taking Manny to many regular therapy appointments that come up. I also thought about, since Jake and Mamaw are so close, taking Manny over and sitting with Papaw while Mamaw accompanies Jake to some of the therapy sessions. I think it would be great for them both and she always enjoys being involved with everything that we do with the kids. I'm working all of it out in my head, and it will all get done, no matter what, its just a little overwhelming sometimes.
All in all, it was a wonderful day and I feel like a giant weight has been lifted. We truly have a knowledgeable and kind person on our side to help Jake be the best that he can be.
