Around the time that Samual was about 9 or 10 months old I began to notice some changes in his behavior. He began to be less interested in playing with others and became very focused on being alone. He also around this time began to pull away from others physically. While I noticed these things I put them out of my mind and convinced myself everything was fine. Around a year old he started to become physically harmful to himself and others. He would run into the wall at FULL speed and hit the wall hard enough to leave bumps on his head and would bite constantly as well as hit himself and others. I brought up my concerns with the doctor who told me not to worry and it would be fine.
When Sami was about 18 months old we found a new doctor for Samual who would be a little more attentive to him and hopefully have the "bed side manner" that the other doctor did not have. We told the doctor of our concerns with Samual's behavior but also the fact that he wasn't speaking any words other than "dada" and would not call me mama nor would he say it more than once or twice a week. The doctor gave us a referral to a speech therapist as well as telling us where we could look into behavioral therapy. However she advised us to speak with the speech therapist before we looked into behavioral therapy because Samual's behavior was possibly stemming from his inability to communicate or associate words.
After a 2 month wait we finally went to Samual's intake appointment with the speech therapist. After our 2 hour appointment with the therapist she gave us a preliminary diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder. She told us that Samual would benefit from speech and occupational therapies and that in 2 weeks she would give us a confirmed diagnosis and plan. I thanked her, asked almost no questions and as calmly as I could made his next appointment and left. We got Samual into the car and I drove straight to Samual's dads work. I was crying and ran straight to him to give him the news. I don't often cry or hug Justin but in that moment I did.
At the next appointment the diagnosis was confirmed and we were given his full assessment in detail. He was behind in everything on the list. Essentially he was functioning well below the level of a "normal" 20 month old toddler.
The plan is to put him in intense speech and occupational therapies at first. However due to insurance issues we are having to jump through hoops to get things rolling. On Friday I got a call from the therapy office informing me that Samual was denied through his insurance company for his therapy all due to the insurance company "having the birthday listed incorrectly." On Monday I have to call the insurance company and try my best to sort it all out.
Our first appointment for the occupational therapist is on September 4th. On that day we will do the intake with the OT and set a plan for Samual which could include any number of factors. We are also going to look into putting Samual on a diet that could help him. In my research I have found that certain foods affect children differently. By limiting certain foods and cutting out other foods we can greatly reduce Samual's outbursts and some of the upsets he has. We shall see what helps but whatever the case we are going to make it work.
Peace and Love,
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