Visiting the Hospital with Jake
We went to the Ottawa Children’s Hospital yesterday for a consultation with regard to our son Jake. Jake is three years old and has some development issues including not yet having started to speak. In general his communication skills have been poor and his play limited and not constructive. So we’d already prepared ourselves for the possibility of Autism and indeed the Doctor that we saw gave us the same opinion. We sat there during the consultation answering lots of questions and also allowing for the Doctor to watch Jake. Even taking into account the fact that Jake wasn’t in his usual home enviroment there wasn’t any real doubt over his conclusion.
So there we are. At least we know that Jake has a situation in his life where he is going to need extra assistance from us and also the professional help that’s available. When I feel down about it I must admit to wondering just how rocky the road ahead might be. But I’m determined to be upbeat because it’s also a road ahead that offers real excitement as we know that Jake has the oppertunity to grow and continue (along with all our other children) to make our lives so special.
7 Comments, Comment or Ping
weirdgrrl
That’s a tough situation to deal with, but at least you caught it early. My cousin’s son was diagnosed with Tourette’s several years ago. A very different animal, I know, but we were all worried about how this would affect him and those around him, and how it might progress. So far (touch wood), he’s doing really well. I think it has a lot to do with the awesome support that he has from his mother and father and stepmother (and his very good doctors). So I hope your road ahead isn’t as rocky as you fear and that excitement and optimism win the day.
Jun 26th, 2007
Sarah
I find the idea of having a doctor diagnose autism to be very sad. But I guess at the end of the day Jake is the same little boy now as he was before the diagnoses, and that little boy has won a lot of people’s hearts. He is beautiful and loving, and I know you wouldn’t change him for the world. All this means is that now you know there are things you can do to help him develop, and if anything, it will bring you guys even closer together.
Jun 27th, 2007
Hannah
I agree with Sarah. The diagnosis is very sad. I find it heartbreaking but he is still the most gorgeous little boy I know. It’s just a diagnosis at the end of the day. It doesn’t change how we feel about. He is still the most loved and precious little boy in the world and I wouldn’t change him for anything
Jun 27th, 2007
Stephen
Thanks for the comments everyone.
Weirdgrrl, that’s encouraging news about your cousin’s son and the progress that he’s making. I certainly feel that a positive approach is going to be the only way of helping Jake and we know we have the help to do that.
Jun 29th, 2007
Lisa
What a GORGEOUS boy you have there! (I looked at your Windows Live Space) One of my 12yr. old son’s favorite friends back home has autism, and he is rather high-functioning and a great kid! Oh, and by the by, I didn’t really start talking until I was four years old - and my mother loves to say that I haven’t shut up since! (Thanks, Mom! gah!)
Anyway, I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers!
Jul 1st, 2007
Stephen
Thanks Lisa. It’s good to hear of people’s positive experiences with regard to autism. We are remaining confident about Jake’s future and word’s like yours are a big help.
Jul 2nd, 2007
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