God works all things together for good

This last week we had an appointment with our beloved pediatrician for Ty's 5 year check-up. We knew going in that this would be the time we talked about his progress in school and any concerns we had before he starts "real" school next year. We talked about the move, (or the 'non-move') as we call it, he told her all about his birthday and what he likes doing now...pretty much baseball from sun up to sun down...and he was downright chatty with her. He knew that he didn't get a shot during his visit so he was relaxed and comfortable. It's during times like this that I see the concerns about his progress diminish. He's come so far in his abilities to talk to people in real conversations and he's expressive and affectionate. I told her that this is the real him and I'm glad he's showing her. Sometimes, (almost every time,) we see her he's quiet and terrified. Talk to me before your kid's 4 year check-up. It can be traumatic. Anyway...

After her examination she said that the way he acted during the time in the room reminded her of a kid with Aspergers. When we first told her our concerns when he was 2, then 3, she observed him and concluded that he was improving in all areas. No regression, no withdrawal, etc. so she wasn't concerned about Autism. We took him to a developmental pediatrician when he was 3 1/2 and that doctor came to the same conclusion. The only diagnosis was a speech delay and he started PPCD. His life has really opened up since starting at his school, y'all have heard all about that. We are so thankful and pleased with his teachers. So anyway she suggested that we have the school test him since he's already in PPCD so that when it's time for Kindergarten we will be able to help him in all possible ways. While right now his only issue in school has been related to noise level, there may be other things that bother him in a classroom of more kiddos.

We are looking ahead and there are a few balls rolling already. Hopefully the school testing can happen quickly since he is already enrolled in a PPCD program. I called four developmental pediatricians the day we talked with our doctor and all of them have huge wait lists. That will likely be a long process from what I can see and judging what I've heard from other parents. Oh, a piece of the puzzle that I forgot to mention is that the doctor we saw a few years ago with Ty is not practicing anymore. She retired and sent referrals for her patients way back when but Lord knows where that list is?????

When we walked out of the office last week we were not surprised. We were not caught off guard. We know Ty and we love him whole heartedly and we are very blessed to have him as our son. We recognize when he is struggling and we try to help him cope and of course none of that will change. But there is another level of unknowns. How will he do in team sports? How will he do once we move and he starts over? The big answer is we don't know. But we are like any other parents-we will adapt and do what we can to help our kid. We will figure it out. We will learn more as time goes on but right now all that we know for sure is that he "likely" has a sensory disorder and also probably meets the criteria for an Aspergers diagnosis. Y'all, I need to post a video of him talking about his love of all things number-related. He has got an amazing little brain. Sometimes he asks me questions like, "Mom what is 81+496?" and I answer, "Uh, give me a minute honey..." and hope he moves on to something easier like 1+1. 11+11 even. I can do that one! Ha!

While we aren't sure what's coming next and what all will change with a new diagnosis we are so proud of Ty and what he has been able to overcome and control in his little 5 year-old life. God has a plan for him and is not surprised by the timing of all of this. The same way God isn't surprised or taken back by how slowly the house thing is going. Maybe, just maybe God has orchestrated all of this for good as He says He will do. WE KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE! If we had already moved before this new development he wouldn't be as comfortable in his classroom. He wouldn't be as sure of his place within his class. And the love between his teaches and him is just precious for this momma to see. So we are still in a waiting period about our house but we feel like it's probably a blessing for Ty. Remind me of that when I complain, will you? :)

Thanks y'all.