Caden’s News 2020

Turning 2 & Autism:

Since being diagnosed and beginning  the long process of finding out exactly where Caden is on the spectrum, we have been one busy family. While waiting for Caden’s hearing test, we received the more in depth questionnaire from Kaiser SF Autism Center. This took some time to go over & answer everything, but in-between that; Mama Maggie started a 2nd job part time & I have emerge myself into research, reading when I can, & before ending 2019  I have gone back to work on the weekends part time.

During the week while Mama is at work, Caden & I practice the signs and activities the speech therapist suggested. Caden has definitely picked up the sign for “more”. He loves colors, so we practice everyday and he is starting to repeat the colors.  Between Maggie and I researching and using the resources suggested , when have also learned different ways to help calm or stimulate Caden. And luckily we both have found that we have close friends who either work with and/or have a child on the spectrum and have been amazing support & resources. Although we are SO new to this journey & it has  proven to be very challenging somedays ( with little to no sleep most days) we realized we are a strong team together & there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for our little guy. He has shown and taught us so much about love & life.

December 30th, Caden passed his hearing test. Whoo Hoo! Glad to know that it wasn’t his hearing affecting his delay in speech. We also had our in home evaluations with the Regional Center speech & ABA therapist. They were here to see if Caden qualified for services & he does.

 Within a week of these appointments, we toured the Lynn Center and Caden will be starting their program in May with Speech Therapy twice a week. On January 30th we have our full (3 to 5 hour) day appointment for the evaluation to see where Caden is on the spectrum. And we were referred to an Occupational Therapist and we may have an appointment early February. Life is very hectic and overwhelming , we both as parents are exhausted , but so excited to see the growth already & to dive right in into whatever Caden needs.

So for now, thanks to Amazon Prime we have the book that the ABA therapist recommended, which is full of activities to do with Caden to help with connecting, communication, and learning. Very excited to learn more & grow along our little guy. Thank you for the continued love & support, Happy 2020!