Hello Logan,
Mommy is relieved!! I am not sure if I can take this emotionally if things don't turn out right. Like I mentioned early this morning, we have your brother's evaluation at the ASD clinic today. The evaluation was supposed to last 3-4 hours, but luckily for us, it only took 2 hours. We went in and met with two psychologists. One took Aidan to another room to play, aka. evaluation, and the other stayed with Daddy and Mommy, and asked us some questions. We had already previously completed a super-duper long questionnaire for them, so they already had some basic information, and also knew about you.
We told them our main concern: obsession with doors/buttons/elevators/escalators, difficult transition from these obsessions, short attention span, and maybe his socialization skills. After our little chat, we waited in the waiting room for your brother to finish up with the evaluation. He got to take a little break while the doctors consulted with each other. Then we all went into another playroom. Mommy and Daddy got to see how your big brother interacted with the doctor. The other doctor was observing through a one-sided mirror in another room. We saw the doctor asked your brother questions, let him play different toys, and most importantly, pretend-play. There were a few times when he insisted on playing with toys that he liked, such as, toys with sounds and music, and the bubbles. He also spotted the doctor opening the door of the cabinet and then open and close the door (not continuously) but would put toys in the cabinet after playing with the doctor (even though the toys do not belong there). I think most surprising to us was his ability to do pretend-play very well. They were having a birthday party for a baby doll, and you know your brother LOVES birthday parties, esp. blowing out candles. We never did any pretend play with him, but I know he does that at school. So, it was nice to see him participate and actually did a very good job. I have also noticed that his language skills have improved, and he was definitely more vocal than the last time when he saw the other psychologist.
After playing, we were led back to the waiting room. When we met up with the doctors, the first thing that they said was they didn't think your brother has Autism. Alleluia!!!! That's what I've been waiting to hear! I asked about his obsession with doors, open and closing and him not sitting still. They think it's very likely his personality, or he's just a 3.5-year old boy. He will probably grow out of it. If he doesn't by school age, that is, 5 years old, then it might become a concern. They also said that his receptive language is his strongest, rated at 46 months (when he's only 41 months old). His expressive language is the weakest, rated at 42 months, still not bad. I am not surprised at this result because like I've been saying recently, I could reason with your brother and he understands. And I am always a little concerned that he doesn't talk enough, but I did notice improvement. I was telling the doctors that when it was Aidan's 2-year old check-up, I had minor concerns that he didn't seem to be speaking enough words. The pediatrician at the time said she could refer him for speech therapy if I like, but I wanted to wait and see. I noticed a difference when he turned 3, esp. when he started going to school, and when he was in Macau. He was stimulated a lot more. The doctors said they will be writing a report and will send us a copy. It's up to us if we want to share that with the school.
Tomorrow, I'll be bringing your brother to school. I will probably give them a brief update, and might give them a copy of the report. I need to read the report first and think about it. But I can proudly say that my son is totally fine! I knew he is fine all along. And they tried to scare the crap out of me! I don't blame them though. Autism is such a big deal here, and as teachers, they do need to look out for signs. However, as teachers, they also need to come up with ways to teach kids. Everyone learns differently.
Oh Logan, Mommy is so relieved! After all that has happened recently, I am not sure if I can take any more bad news. Thanks for watching over your big brother. I know you'll be his guardian angel.
Love you,
Mommy
Showing posts with label psychologist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label psychologist. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Wish I could have weekly massages
Hello dear,
Mommy had a lovely green tea bath and a Swedish massage today at Kabuki. I won this gift certificate two years ago at my company's holiday party, and I finally got to use it. It's just hard to get my butt up to San Francisco when I don't live there anymore. Kabuki is such a nice and relaxing place. I wish I could get weekly massages there, but then I would go bankrupt. I think when Mommy goes back to Macau, I'm going to get as many massages as I could. It's so much cheaper there, and even cheaper if I go to China. I still have another gift certificate for another spa place down on Grand Ave that I could use. Probably enough for a 30-min massage or a mani/pedi. It's actually a gift certificate that Mommy got for grandma on behalf of you and your big brother for Christmas. She didn't use up all of the amount and she gave it to me. I think I might use it the week before I go back to work.
Remember Mommy said yesterday about not wanting to get a phone call from your brother's school? Guess what, Mommy got an email from the Director yesterday. She said your big brother was having a hard time during circle time. He would sit still during activities he likes, e.g. counting, calendar and singing. But after that, he would just run around and start playing with doors again. Mommy really doesn't know if he's being a normal 3-year-old boy, or he really is on the Spectrum. I am still waiting for some forms to be sent to me, so that I can fill them out and send them back to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic in San Francisco, and then schedule a full evaluation for your brother when we come back from Macau. If I don't get those forms by tomorrow, I am going to call the psychologist. Gotta plan all these things before we leave.
Today I explained to your brother the note that I wrote to his teacher, saying he will not be coming to school because he's going to see his Ah Gung and Ah Po. Your brother thought about it for a moment during breakfast, and then said he didn't want to see Ah Gung and Ah Po. He prefers going to school. Aww.. I wish he continues to like school when he gets older. Sometimes, I have to threaten him that if he doesn't listen to his teachers, he cannot go to school anymore. Today, the teacher said he was doing fine during circle time, but he hit another kid. I think your brother is getting spoiled. I haven't used timeout in a while, and I think I need to start doing that again. He's just not taking me seriously sometimes. I was mad at him tonight during bath time and I told him I would not read him any books before sleep, and he would have to read himself. I think he knew I was really upset, because he didn't whine or ask me to read to him. Instead, he picked up his two favorite night time books "Maybe A Bear Ate It" and his Diego book, and read them all by himself. It was so cute seeing him reading out loud, almost reciting everything correctly. Your brother has a great memory. He didn't struggle at all after reading when I told him it's 9 p.m. and it's time for bed. I think he's really getting used to his night time routine. Now I just need him to sleep by himself without me staying in there to keep him company until he falls asleep. That's why Mommy sometimes goes to sleep so early.
Ok honey, Mommy will come see you tomorrow. I am still thinking what kind of toys I should get you that won't get soaked when they water the grass. Maybe I'll do some more shopping tomorrow.
Love you,
Mommy
Mommy had a lovely green tea bath and a Swedish massage today at Kabuki. I won this gift certificate two years ago at my company's holiday party, and I finally got to use it. It's just hard to get my butt up to San Francisco when I don't live there anymore. Kabuki is such a nice and relaxing place. I wish I could get weekly massages there, but then I would go bankrupt. I think when Mommy goes back to Macau, I'm going to get as many massages as I could. It's so much cheaper there, and even cheaper if I go to China. I still have another gift certificate for another spa place down on Grand Ave that I could use. Probably enough for a 30-min massage or a mani/pedi. It's actually a gift certificate that Mommy got for grandma on behalf of you and your big brother for Christmas. She didn't use up all of the amount and she gave it to me. I think I might use it the week before I go back to work.
Remember Mommy said yesterday about not wanting to get a phone call from your brother's school? Guess what, Mommy got an email from the Director yesterday. She said your big brother was having a hard time during circle time. He would sit still during activities he likes, e.g. counting, calendar and singing. But after that, he would just run around and start playing with doors again. Mommy really doesn't know if he's being a normal 3-year-old boy, or he really is on the Spectrum. I am still waiting for some forms to be sent to me, so that I can fill them out and send them back to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic in San Francisco, and then schedule a full evaluation for your brother when we come back from Macau. If I don't get those forms by tomorrow, I am going to call the psychologist. Gotta plan all these things before we leave.
Today I explained to your brother the note that I wrote to his teacher, saying he will not be coming to school because he's going to see his Ah Gung and Ah Po. Your brother thought about it for a moment during breakfast, and then said he didn't want to see Ah Gung and Ah Po. He prefers going to school. Aww.. I wish he continues to like school when he gets older. Sometimes, I have to threaten him that if he doesn't listen to his teachers, he cannot go to school anymore. Today, the teacher said he was doing fine during circle time, but he hit another kid. I think your brother is getting spoiled. I haven't used timeout in a while, and I think I need to start doing that again. He's just not taking me seriously sometimes. I was mad at him tonight during bath time and I told him I would not read him any books before sleep, and he would have to read himself. I think he knew I was really upset, because he didn't whine or ask me to read to him. Instead, he picked up his two favorite night time books "Maybe A Bear Ate It" and his Diego book, and read them all by himself. It was so cute seeing him reading out loud, almost reciting everything correctly. Your brother has a great memory. He didn't struggle at all after reading when I told him it's 9 p.m. and it's time for bed. I think he's really getting used to his night time routine. Now I just need him to sleep by himself without me staying in there to keep him company until he falls asleep. That's why Mommy sometimes goes to sleep so early.
Ok honey, Mommy will come see you tomorrow. I am still thinking what kind of toys I should get you that won't get soaked when they water the grass. Maybe I'll do some more shopping tomorrow.
Love you,
Mommy
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Second part of Phone Interview
Hello Sweetheart,
How are you doing? A cloudy day, not too much sun here in S. SF. I hope there's some sun in Los Gatos. Mommy did a lot of errands this morning, but stayed home in the afternoon. I got you some beautiful red carnations. I'll bring them to you tomorrow, ok? The weather forecast said it might rain tomorrow and Saturday, hopefully, it rains after I come visit you. But then with the rain, my allergies won't be as bad, and it would be a lot more comfortable for me to stay longer at your new home.
Mommy also finished the phone interview with the psychologist about your big brother. They really have a long list of questions. The two-part phone interview lasted over an hour and 15 minutes. I asked the Dr. if knowing so much details would be bad because the people evaluating your big brother would have a a preconception of what your brother is like. It's like when Mommy goes to work, and I read the intake packet of a client before meeting the client. Sometimes, it's a good thing, sometimes it's not. Not sure if it's a good thing or bad thing. The psychologist said it's their protocol to gather as much information as possible, especially, in regards to a child. I also asked her after meeting Aidan yesterday, if she had any other concerns aside from the obsession with the door. She said his attention span seemed a little short, and he seemed to keep himself busy with toys, instead of engaging in conversation or playing with her. Sometimes, he didn't immediately take directions and needed re-directions. Mommy is trying to keep an open mind about all this. Whatever the evaluation result it's going to be, I am going to think of the positives. I am hoping he would grow out of all these 'concerns', but if therapy is needed, then we'll do it. Somehow I always think he's on 3, and he should not be judged so early, especially, when he's only been in preschool for 2 months and is still getting to know the routine. Can't a boy be more interested in a toy than to talk talk talk?
Anyways, Mommy also mailed your clothes to Auntie Shelley today for the quilt. I hope I have sent enough. I still need to figure out what to do with the rest of your medical supplies, such as, feeding tubes and syringes. I think I might post on the message board and see if any other babies need them.
Well dear, Mommy will see you tomorrow. Take care and don't forget to watch over your big brother.
Love you,
Mommy
How are you doing? A cloudy day, not too much sun here in S. SF. I hope there's some sun in Los Gatos. Mommy did a lot of errands this morning, but stayed home in the afternoon. I got you some beautiful red carnations. I'll bring them to you tomorrow, ok? The weather forecast said it might rain tomorrow and Saturday, hopefully, it rains after I come visit you. But then with the rain, my allergies won't be as bad, and it would be a lot more comfortable for me to stay longer at your new home.
Mommy also finished the phone interview with the psychologist about your big brother. They really have a long list of questions. The two-part phone interview lasted over an hour and 15 minutes. I asked the Dr. if knowing so much details would be bad because the people evaluating your big brother would have a a preconception of what your brother is like. It's like when Mommy goes to work, and I read the intake packet of a client before meeting the client. Sometimes, it's a good thing, sometimes it's not. Not sure if it's a good thing or bad thing. The psychologist said it's their protocol to gather as much information as possible, especially, in regards to a child. I also asked her after meeting Aidan yesterday, if she had any other concerns aside from the obsession with the door. She said his attention span seemed a little short, and he seemed to keep himself busy with toys, instead of engaging in conversation or playing with her. Sometimes, he didn't immediately take directions and needed re-directions. Mommy is trying to keep an open mind about all this. Whatever the evaluation result it's going to be, I am going to think of the positives. I am hoping he would grow out of all these 'concerns', but if therapy is needed, then we'll do it. Somehow I always think he's on 3, and he should not be judged so early, especially, when he's only been in preschool for 2 months and is still getting to know the routine. Can't a boy be more interested in a toy than to talk talk talk?
Anyways, Mommy also mailed your clothes to Auntie Shelley today for the quilt. I hope I have sent enough. I still need to figure out what to do with the rest of your medical supplies, such as, feeding tubes and syringes. I think I might post on the message board and see if any other babies need them.
Well dear, Mommy will see you tomorrow. Take care and don't forget to watch over your big brother.
Love you,
Mommy
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Lovely lunch and Aidan
Hello Honey,
Did you get to enjoy some sun today after Mommy left? Mommy's allergies were acting up while I was there. I even took some drugs beforehand, but it didn't work very well. After I said goodbye to you, I actually sat in the car for a little longer. I didn't want to leave too early, so I sat in there, closed my windows, and took out my Ipod Touch to look at your pictures. Those pictures brought back so many memories. I've been looking at your pictures so much that it seems like you're still around. But when I looked at the final picture that I took of you when you're sleeping in the hospital, I felt sad again. You looked like a sleeping baby, so angelic, and didn't look sick at all.
After visiting you, Mommy went back to The Arc to visit some co-workers. Oh, I forgot to tell you that my dear co-workers donated to The Arbor Day Foundation and have 25 trees planted in memory of you! How cool is that! Honey, if you could live till you're 18, with some sort of developmental delay, I would want The Arc to provide services for you (assuming 18 years from now, The Arc continues to provide such excellent services with excellent people like now). I am confident that you would be in good hands, and you would have the best quality of life you could have when Mommy and Daddy are not around anymore. Mommy got to thank all her co-workers for all of their amazing support. Through this, Mommy also got to know some of them a little better, and their personal stories, which Mommy would have never found out if it's not for you. I am trying to think of all the positive things coming out of this experience. We had lunch at Don Ramon's. I love their chimichangas, and their super-fatty-lard-filled refried beans with cheese are to die for. I think my cholesterol level went up because of those beans. Noneless, it was a lovely lunch. Mommy has also decided to go back to work on July 1st.
Then Mommy went to pick-up your big brother from school and went to see the Child Psychologist for an evaluation. The psychologist played with your big brother alone for about 20-30 mins, while I waited outside. When I went back, she told me that she played with Aidan both in a little more structured way, and also a non-structured way. Your big brother was able to tell me what they did: playing with playdough and made a car, drawing a smiley face, counting, identifying body parts, making different faces of emotions. Apparently, he was able to do most of them. But the problem is his obsession. He was playing with the door, and when she wanted to redirect him to draw with crayons, he was using the crayons to do open-and-close motion. Just couldn't take his mind off that open-and-close idea. The psychologist recommended a more thorough, standardized evaluation in San Francisco. I asked her if Aidan's obsession is more of OCD instead of Autism. She said OCD usually involves some kind of anxiety, and Aidan doesn't have that. I then asked about ADHD. She replied Aidan is too young to be evaluated on that. They usually do that when kids start going to school. Right now, it's unclear if it's one of the symptoms of Autism, or he's just being a 3-year-old boy. He might grow out of it. But to get a more thorough evaluation will give us more information, and to have early intervention, if needed. I told her I would be leaving the country soon and then go back to work, so I'd like the evaluation to be completed the week after I come back from Asia. Tomorrow, we will complete the rest of the phone interview, and then she will make a referral to the ASD clinic in San Francisco. I might ask for a second opinion through the Regional Center after this evaluation. Going through Kaiser is just a little faster. I know the budget cut at GGRC will just drag the whole process, and I probably won't be able to get a hold of them before I leave. Logan, please watch over your big brother and make sure he's ok.
Speaking of your big brother, I think he really misses you. One night, he woke up from his sleep and was whining/crying. I heard him say "Baby Logan", but was unable to get much out of him. He doesn't understand what's going on and still wants to visit you in the hospital. It's so hard to hear him say that because I would have to explain to him that Baby Logan is not in the hospital anymore. Yet, he doesn't quite get it. I know he misses you.
Mommy also got to check out your brother's school pictures yesterday. The pictures were very nice and I really wanted to purchase them. However, they are super expensive. How can they charge $14.50 for ONE 4x6 picture?!?! Are you kidding me?? If I want to get a CD of all the pictures (all 34 of them), it costs $149!?!?! Geez! I know he's a fancy photographer, and the school is in Palo Alto, but still!!! I might order one or two, just because they do look very nice. Heck, I think I could take pictures like that, too! haha.. I know, Mommy is being stingy and silly.
Tomorrow will not be as busy as today. Mommy did a lot of driving today. South SF --> Palo Alto --> Los Gatos --> San Francisco --> Palo Alto --> San Bruno --> South SF. Wow! Time to pump gas again!
Take care for now, my dear guardian angel.
Miss you,
Mommy
Did you get to enjoy some sun today after Mommy left? Mommy's allergies were acting up while I was there. I even took some drugs beforehand, but it didn't work very well. After I said goodbye to you, I actually sat in the car for a little longer. I didn't want to leave too early, so I sat in there, closed my windows, and took out my Ipod Touch to look at your pictures. Those pictures brought back so many memories. I've been looking at your pictures so much that it seems like you're still around. But when I looked at the final picture that I took of you when you're sleeping in the hospital, I felt sad again. You looked like a sleeping baby, so angelic, and didn't look sick at all.
After visiting you, Mommy went back to The Arc to visit some co-workers. Oh, I forgot to tell you that my dear co-workers donated to The Arbor Day Foundation and have 25 trees planted in memory of you! How cool is that! Honey, if you could live till you're 18, with some sort of developmental delay, I would want The Arc to provide services for you (assuming 18 years from now, The Arc continues to provide such excellent services with excellent people like now). I am confident that you would be in good hands, and you would have the best quality of life you could have when Mommy and Daddy are not around anymore. Mommy got to thank all her co-workers for all of their amazing support. Through this, Mommy also got to know some of them a little better, and their personal stories, which Mommy would have never found out if it's not for you. I am trying to think of all the positive things coming out of this experience. We had lunch at Don Ramon's. I love their chimichangas, and their super-fatty-lard-filled refried beans with cheese are to die for. I think my cholesterol level went up because of those beans. Noneless, it was a lovely lunch. Mommy has also decided to go back to work on July 1st.
Then Mommy went to pick-up your big brother from school and went to see the Child Psychologist for an evaluation. The psychologist played with your big brother alone for about 20-30 mins, while I waited outside. When I went back, she told me that she played with Aidan both in a little more structured way, and also a non-structured way. Your big brother was able to tell me what they did: playing with playdough and made a car, drawing a smiley face, counting, identifying body parts, making different faces of emotions. Apparently, he was able to do most of them. But the problem is his obsession. He was playing with the door, and when she wanted to redirect him to draw with crayons, he was using the crayons to do open-and-close motion. Just couldn't take his mind off that open-and-close idea. The psychologist recommended a more thorough, standardized evaluation in San Francisco. I asked her if Aidan's obsession is more of OCD instead of Autism. She said OCD usually involves some kind of anxiety, and Aidan doesn't have that. I then asked about ADHD. She replied Aidan is too young to be evaluated on that. They usually do that when kids start going to school. Right now, it's unclear if it's one of the symptoms of Autism, or he's just being a 3-year-old boy. He might grow out of it. But to get a more thorough evaluation will give us more information, and to have early intervention, if needed. I told her I would be leaving the country soon and then go back to work, so I'd like the evaluation to be completed the week after I come back from Asia. Tomorrow, we will complete the rest of the phone interview, and then she will make a referral to the ASD clinic in San Francisco. I might ask for a second opinion through the Regional Center after this evaluation. Going through Kaiser is just a little faster. I know the budget cut at GGRC will just drag the whole process, and I probably won't be able to get a hold of them before I leave. Logan, please watch over your big brother and make sure he's ok.
Speaking of your big brother, I think he really misses you. One night, he woke up from his sleep and was whining/crying. I heard him say "Baby Logan", but was unable to get much out of him. He doesn't understand what's going on and still wants to visit you in the hospital. It's so hard to hear him say that because I would have to explain to him that Baby Logan is not in the hospital anymore. Yet, he doesn't quite get it. I know he misses you.
Mommy also got to check out your brother's school pictures yesterday. The pictures were very nice and I really wanted to purchase them. However, they are super expensive. How can they charge $14.50 for ONE 4x6 picture?!?! Are you kidding me?? If I want to get a CD of all the pictures (all 34 of them), it costs $149!?!?! Geez! I know he's a fancy photographer, and the school is in Palo Alto, but still!!! I might order one or two, just because they do look very nice. Heck, I think I could take pictures like that, too! haha.. I know, Mommy is being stingy and silly.
Tomorrow will not be as busy as today. Mommy did a lot of driving today. South SF --> Palo Alto --> Los Gatos --> San Francisco --> Palo Alto --> San Bruno --> South SF. Wow! Time to pump gas again!
Take care for now, my dear guardian angel.
Miss you,
Mommy
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