delayedtoddler

A couple of weeks ago, I asked B’s Occupational Therapist about getting a letter that would say that B would benefit from being in a daycare setting (I need two referrals to apply for subsidy).  I had been hoping the OT would supply me with one of those letters since she has been encouraging me to get B involved in lots of programs with other children.  What she suggested though was to get a copy of the psychologist’s report from our first visit to him.  You may remember the psychologist from my previous post Colossal Waste of Time. Well, we requested the report and my first assessment of him was pretty much bang on. It was another waste of my time. I showed the report to my mother and she said, “Well that says a whole lot of nothing!” Besides mentioning that there are some autistic behaviours, he adds that they were reluctant to diagnose autism. He also mentioned “global developmental delay” which is a phrase I was not yet familiar with. It’s still not a diagnosis because from what I have been able to determine through research (albeit, not very extensive), global development delay is basically a developmental delay in two or more areas–which is something that I knew before we ever went to see him.

So, this leaves me pretty much back where we started, trying to get a diagnosis for B and now I also need to get two medical professionals to give us a letter that will allow us to apply for subsidy for daycare where B would have a resource teacher to help her. If/when we get a diagnosis, we can apply for more specific subsidy which would allow for more help for B in daycare/preschool.

A couple of weeks ago, we took B for the initial assessment for our local preschool speech program.  The SLP promised to do some research and contact us.  She did!  I can honestly say I’m happy that we’re moving forward again.  I just got the paperwork from the SLP and our next steps are to take the next few months to practice the techniques we learned in More than Words at home and she’ll be reassessed in July.  We’re also being referred to a pediatric delay specialist to have B formally assessed in regards to special needs.  Since the psychologist did not give us any formal diagnosis, we are not considered as looking for a second opinion, so we will hopefully not have to wait too long for this.  Of course, who knows?

We were also sent a brouchure for special needs day care services.  I need to contact them to see what they might offer for B.  I don’t need her to be in day care because I currently work part time in the evenings, but I really feel it would be good for her to be in a day care setting to socialize with other children and also to get away from me for a bit.  I’m sure she could use a break from me–I mean, I’m fun and all, but I think she’d have more fun playing with other kids in a structured environment.

So, basically we’re back to square one which means more waiting lists which in turn means more time before we get a diagnosis.  At least we are getting some services for her and we are seeing some improvements even while we’re waiting.  If you’re in a similar boat, don’t give up.  Keep fighting and plowing through the system until you get the help and information that you need.