Diagnosis issue cont'd

[Guest guest]

Hi, I'm a newbie who usually just lurks, but the recent posts on

autism vs. apraxia roused me to post. My son was diagnosed autistic

3 months ago, but I new something was wrong speech wise early on. I

had always balked at the autism diagnosis for fear that it meant a

life sentence for my son. That and he doesn't have severe

symptoms. His behavior is rarely a problem, his eye contact is

sometimes good/sometimes not, he doesn't have many stimming issues,

but he is afraid to interact socially because of speech delays &

not " understanding " other kids (for lack of a better term). He'll

be 4 this week. My county is very rural w/ limited resources.

After reading several posts, books, etc, I realized I couldn't let

my fear of " autism " sentence my child or his future to a label, but

if it helped him gain access to doctors, schooling, therapy, etc.

then bring it on! I fully anticipate that the label will be removed

or just not apply to him in the future. For now, however, he's

getting help from a great doctor & we've seen slow, but sure gains

with mB12 injections (which a DAN doctor prescribed). DAN doctors

aren't all great doctors, just like psychologists aren't all created

equal, just like all firemen aren't, nurses aren't, etc.... I

certainly feel no shame in ending treatment with a doctor when they

don't see my son for the individual that he is. So, in conclusion,

who cares what the diagnosis is? I can't compare my son to any

other child and come out equal. I like the " spectrum " idea of

autism because no 2 children are alike. " Apraxia " , " autism " ,

whatever. My son is getting help from his diagnosis, and I'm

excited at the prospects for his future! No diagnosis is a life

sentence, and I fully expect that within a few years, I'll be on

different message boards for recovered " apraxia " and " autism " .

God's blessings to you all,

RN (mom to twins Isaac & Gabe--5; Caleb--4; and Twins

& --6 mos.)