autistsix

Good…Bad… Well News Anyway

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autistsix
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I have just returned from the psychologist with my youngest’s diagnosis.  Now she was diagnosed 6 years ago with Autism but they are now pretty sure she also has dyslexia and attention deficit disorder.

Good news?  Well we know now and there are things that can be done about it.  She’s even smarter than we thought, 99th Percentile for Visual Spatial (!/5 of the IQ type test).

Bad news? She is so impaired the amount of energy and concentration it takes for her to read a single letter is mind boggling.  No wonder she is always so exhausted.1st percentile for Phonological memory.

The other tests were all over the place.  I can’t even imagine what kind of effort it takes for someone who can’t properly recognize letters to maintain a B/C average which she does.  But who cares about grades she is using all her energy and time on basic reading so has none left for creativity or higher analysis.  She is demoralized every time she thinks of something brilliant and she looks on the page she wrote and sees a simplified mess.

And there are no quick fixes, this is so unfair.  It is going to take her an incredible effort and a long time to learn new skills to try and compensate putting her even further behind at school.

I so wish my girls were dumb and uncreative. If they didn’t know what they were missing, if there were no glimpses of the greatness they could achieve.  I wish I didn’t feel so overwhelmed & helpless.  This news makes my head hurt and my mind fuzzy.  I have problems processing things using auditory methods, I do best with visual stuff, how on Earth can I help her.  Stress makes me sleep, oh I’m going to be so much use.  I know what you’re thinking, I just need to put more effort in.  But Autism doesn’t work that way.  Effort, concentration leads to stress, brain fuzziness and sleep, not I am going to go to bed and have a nap sleep, why am I on the floor, what was I doing kind of sleep.

Sleepy now, Tash & sisters are with Grandma, if I can get hubby to get a pillow I will wake up with a less sore neck.  Bye Bye

Comments

10 responses to “Good…Bad… Well News Anyway”

  1. Claire Druett Avatar
    Claire Druett

    Hi Lisa,

    I am so pleased we went ahead with this assessment. Now we can focus on supports for her.

    Claire Druett

    Occupational Therapist and Owner AIM Occupational Therapy

    6150 8339 0403 843 587 http://www.aimot.com.au

    >

    Reply
  2. nothingtopuzzle Avatar
    nothingtopuzzle

    Hi there. I’ve just read through this post and feel compelled to say that I for one did NOT think “oh, she needs to put more effort in”; far from it. Please, don’t be so hard on yourself. As a fellow parent of an autistic child what I felt when reading this post was empathy all round, for you and for your child.

    Wishing you both all the best.

    Reply
    1. autistsix Avatar
      autistsix

      Thank you! I just worry my girls would be better off with at least one neurotypical parent. But there are a lot of wonderful people in our lives that are ready to go into action. This is the beginning 🙂

      Reply
  3. ekvablogger Avatar
    ekvablogger

    Hello Lisa.. 🙂
    I find you very courageous….It is too much admirable that you are determined to help you girls… !
    God is always with well intentioned people….certainly with u dear….
    All the best….! 🙂 🙂

    Reply
  4. autistsix Avatar
    autistsix

    Thanks, I have these little fits of doubt but after some food I remember that I am blessed.

    Reply
  5. coldhandswarmheartsblog Avatar
    coldhandswarmheartsblog

    You awesome thoughtful mother and you are doing the right things to support her. And enjoy your ‘quiet or sleep time’ because the Lord is in your corner.

    Reply
    1. autistsix Avatar
      autistsix

      I am feeling so much better with all your good wishes. Two of the therapists involved with Tash have been in contact, including the best OT in the world who commented above. This is a blessing and just by chance I changed handbags & found an old card of “footsteps” so a timely reminder. We’ll be great! Thanks 🙂

      Reply
      1. coldhandswarmheartsblog Avatar
        coldhandswarmheartsblog

        You are welcome

  6. whatellenwrote Avatar
    whatellenwrote

    I agree with what everyone else has said. And don’t focus so much on the “shoulds”. It’s a testament to you that you have such a wonderful family and she will pull through and find her way eventually. It’s a shame there is so much stock placed in certain academic achievements. It would be a far better world if children were sometimes free to just be, and explore, and create and focus on what they are good at and what makes them shine!! Much love. xx

    Reply
  7. autistsix Avatar
    autistsix

    Thanks, I like to think… It WILL be a far better world When children are… 🙂

    Reply

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