Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Our little “complex” profile

So many ask how Brody is doing and I thought I would post an update. We went to Vanderbilt yesterday for Brody’s psychological evaluation. This was an appointment where they look deeper into his development. The appointment was 4 hours. There were so many questions, but by this point we are used to answering, a lot of simulations with B and observations. That was probably the hardest part. We were allowed to be in the room with him but not able to really participate.  We had two doctors with this appointment and both were amazing but the appointment was long and draining. 

They confirmed again, Autism Spectrum Disorder. They said B is a “complex” profile. He doesn’t fall either high or low because he has some traits that he ranks high in and other traits in which he ranks really low. He’s a bit complicated. Welcome to our world. They suggested intensive therapy for him. Speech therapy, occupational therapy and behavioral therapy. We are already doing speech (twice a week) and occupational (once a week) so we need to start the process of looking into Behavioral Therapy. They also suggested we look into the options available now within the public school system. 

There are mixture of emotions right now. I am so relieved that this appointment is over and for the most part, there are no more major appointments looming over us. I can’t help but also feel very sad. In a way, this was our last chance of someone telling us the others were wrong and Bro doesn’t have Autism. I wasn’t naive going into the appointment but I couldn’t help but have this little bit of hope. I struggle so much for wishing the Autism away because oddly his autistic traits, good and bad, are all we have ever known and make up who Brody is so how can you wish it away? I am trying to be strong, put up that “I got this.” face but I am terrified. I am scared of what is ahead, scared he will need something that we will either not have access to or not be able to afford, scared on the strain this will put on relationships, including my marriage. To be truthful, because of my childhood, I’ve always felt a bit ill-equipped being a mom so I pray that God sends me wisdom and or at least some cliff notes on how to handle this all. 

Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers for Brody. We are blessed to have some pretty amazing people thinking of him. 

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Ms. Grimm


I haven’t blogged in several weeks. Time has been flying by it seems. I can’t believe the school year is over! It seems like yesterday I was dragging (seriously dragging) the mini human into the classroom. We were so fortunate to have such a great support system at his school but I wanted to specifically thank a very special woman, his teacher Linda Grimm. 

There are certain people that God places in your life at certain times and I fully believe Linda was one of those people. From always asking about his therapy appointments and if there was more she could do to help B, to filling out additional paperwork for his doctor’s appointments she was willing to do anything to help Brody with his progression. 

During the months leading up to Brody's initial appointment, she would talk to me and patiently answer all questions I had about Brody. She tried to ease my worried mom fears but was not afraid to point out her concerns as well. After his initial diagnosis, I cried several mornings in her arms. She had been through this process with us entirely. She offered me guidance, strength, and compassion. 

I am sad that she will no longer be Brody’s teacher and even more sad that she will no longer be at his school but so glad that the world will continue to see and know this amazingly beautiful inside and out woman. Words will never be able to fully thank you for all that you’ve done but please know Ms. Grimm you will always be our teacher and our friend. Love you!

Here are a few pictures of the last day:
Ms. Linda holding a gift from the class (all the kids thumbprints)

Don't let the picture fool you, he adores Ms. Linda.


Showing love!

Last time in this class. :(