Yes, that question came up again yesterday. As I was driving to Aidan's pre-school to pick him up yesterday, I received a phone call from the Director of the school. She wanted to set up a time to discuss some of Aidan's behaviors that they are concerned about. When I arrived at the preschool, I briefly chatted with her. They are a little concerned about his obsession with opening and closing doors, washing his hands, and interacting with other children. Apparently, they observed Aidan pushing a kid, even though he wasn't provoked or the kid wasn't in his way. As if he wanted to get their attention, but did not know how to approach the kid, except to hit or push. Aidan would run around in circles and when he stopped, he had this daze-like look. She recommended me contacting the school district to have a specialist to observe Aidan's behavior. They would e-mail me notes of what the teachers have observed, and the specialist could come to school to observe Aidan as well.
I personally, do not think Aidan is autistic. He is very affectionate, has great eye contact, and loves to smile and makes up funny faces. He is obsessed with doors, traffic lights and elevators. If we have to categorize him, I would say he is more obsessive-compulsive with poor impulse control, and maybe ADHD since he likes to run around and can't sit down. But then, aren't most 3-year olds like that? Do we always have to be overly sensitive and label our children so that we can find the 'correct' diagnosis? Can't children be like children, run around and have fun anymore?
I am not a specialist, so I can't say what I think is right. If Aidan is autistic, it's best to start therapy to help him. I am not opposed to contacting the school district to have him evaluated. It would give me the peace of him if he's ok. If not, we'll do whatever intervention necessary to help him. Most importantly, if I don't do it, the school might bug me again in the future. Let's just put the issue at rest by doing what's best for Aidan.
How much stress can one endure emotionally, psychologically, physically, before the body breaks or shuts down?
2 comments:
Hi Virginia,
Remember that autism falls in a very wide spectrum, from severe to very mild. It took us a long time to get Kevin's diagnosis because his mild behaviours could be attributed to certain personality. It never hurts to get assessed, and therapy could make things a lot better!
You are my inspiration!
Dear Virginia,
Dare I say, Aidan does not have autism. If I were a 3 year old, and my little baby bro is very sick, mummy & daddy are terribly sad but putting on a brave front for me, I would not know where to release my inner stress too. Playing with doors and traffic light would be just my way of shutting down the external stress.
Virigina please take heart. Aidan will go back to being a normal little naughty monkey again when things settle down. He's your other light & joy in life. Remember to look at him and enjoy! Blink, and you will miss the magic moments.
Cheers, Evelyn
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