I've thought about this post for so long.
When I was going to post it.
What I was going to say.
Well...it's here.
You have all read bits and pieces about Henry.
Speech therapy, hippotherapy...
Why?
Even though you've been given bits and pieces,
I failed to address many questions.
The million dollar question:
What is Henry's diagnosis?
A few weeks ago, we finally got that answer.
Our greatest concern: Autism.
Our greatest relief: NOT Autism.
At a year, I started to notice differences in Henry.
He wasn't talking and wouldn't respond to his name.
Red Flags!
I kept getting: He's young, It will be fine.
I knew something was NOT fine.
Here I was, a momma with an instinct, but didn't know what to do...
where to turn.
Speech therapy was first.
Our therapist introduced us to hippotherapy.
Our OT at hippotherapy introduced us to a special social and language development preschool group.
And here we are.
Henry's diagnosis: Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
He is on the Autistic spectrum.
Why?
He has a communication delay.
His speech is delayed and so are his social skills.
It may SEEM that he is ignoring you...
but he's not.
At a social gathering with a lot of kids...people...
he may choose to play alone.
Doesn't mean that he dislikes interaction.
The spectum...1 in 110 kids are on it, and that number is increasing.
Our speech therapist nailed it...
said if tested, everyone would be on the spectrum for one reason or another.
We are all different, we all have our quirks.
So, we have a diagnosis.
What does it mean?
Only extra resources if we need them.
Honestly, we forget that he even has a diagnosis.
He is a beautiful boy who is so loving.
He is improving daily.
He knows all of his numbers and letters...and we didn't even teach him.
He loves Toy Story, Scooby Doo and others.
He sings.
He dances.
His sisters are his best friends.
Yes, this has been very, very hard.
Yes, there have been times that I have been on the floor in tears...not able to even get up.
Yes, I have asked WHY HENRY?
Yes, I have worried myself sick...with all of the WHAT IFs.
And it all comes down to this.
Like Emily and Laney, Henry is a true gift.
Okay, so our road may be a bit different with him,
but every child is different and needs his/her own path.
We all have wants and expectations for our children.
Henry has taught me so much.
What do I want for my children?
As long as they are happy, healthy, confident and make good life choices...
can it get better?
So, we are making itty bitty sacrifices...traveling over an hour (1 way) 2-3x a week for school and therapy.
I don't even know if those are sacrifices.
Henry has opened our family up to a whole new world.
The girls know about his delays.
They are always helping as much as they can.
They see the kids in wheelchairs, leg braces, etc. when we go to hippotherapy.
Yes, it was a struggle at first, but now they are so much more aware of children with special needs.
And they are not quick to judge at all.
Our whole family...
we all have open minds now.
So, Henry's journey may be a bit different,
but we are ready for it.
We have such a wonderful support system...
family and friends.
Yes, people will judge, but it doesn't matter.
Every family is different.
Every family tackles different challenges.
And like I've said before...
My family is the world to me.
I will fight like hell for them.
Thank you for all of your kind words along this journey.
Parenting is the toughest, most rewarding "job".
And to bond together as parents...
definitely uplifting.
So, our journey will continue.
Henry's journey...
our family journey...
with a ton of hugs and kisses along the way.
