November 8th, 2019 Caden Roger celebrated his 2nd year around the sun. November 13th, 2019 Caden was diagnosed with ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder) Although as parents we had already suspected that Caden was uniquely different for most children his age, the actual diagnosis was still overwhelming to receive. We have both cried, celebrated, and cried some more. Both tears of grief and relief. And we are sure more tears of both are sure to come along with our new journey as a family.
After getting the diagnosis, his pediatrician sent a referral for a speech therapy evaluation on November 18th. She also gave us the first screening packet to fill out and mail off for evaluation. Caden fits into all 3 categories for ASD, but where he fall on the spectrum has yet to be known. This packet can take up to 30 days before we hear back.
November 18th, 2019 we had our first of many appointments to come in Caden’s journey. The evaluation went well for the first 15 mins and then Caden had enough. He got extremely overwhelmed at the doctors office and was ready to go, pillow in hand. He did his best to remain calm and happy during this time, which felt like an entirety. During this time we answered a lot of questions. At the end of the evaluation and observation of Caden, it was in her opinion as of now Caden does not need weekly Speech Therapy.
She will be sending a referral to the center in SF for Autism through Kaiser and we should be receiving another , more invasive packet of questions to feel out. This is the packet we would be getting after the first one we sent out the week prior. Since she is referring out to SF for Caden, she said it can take up to 60 days before we hear back. However, in the mean time we have be referred to a county program for early intervention and with some of these services they come to your home, which for someone Caden’s age may be more beneficial for learning right now. She also sent us home with the first 40 signs to help teach Caden in order to help him better communicate .So that is our next step along with a hearing test on December 30th.
Looking towards tomorrow & taking it a day at a time
Over the next few weeks we will be taking each day as they come, for each day is a new adventure. Education is key and there is a lot of research and information nowadays compared to 25 years ago. So while adjusting to our new daily life we will also be learning from Caden. It’s his world trying to figure out ours and the things we take for granted either excited him or terrify him more than we know or understand, for now. Together as a family with his lead, and along side with his professional support and the people who love him and us we will push through and over come any and all obstacles. We will learn more patience, more kindness, and more importantly love. Thank you for all the love and support we have received so far, we are truly grateful for all of Caden’s Angels. It is our hope with sharing our journey and his story to spread awareness about ASD. Keep an eye up for monthly updates on our awesome little guy!
Momma D’s Blog 