Update from Candra's development app.t

Just an update from my daughters appointments.
The first one went good. My mom inlaw came with and she helped put some issues into perspective. We both noticed that if Candra did not understand a question, then she would answer with a different topic. Ignoring the question completely. This, to me, is not a medical problem. More of a manners issue. I will be teaching her to say "I don't understand" the next time she is asked a difficult question.

The next appointment that day was more of a chance to discuss Candra's issues. Now, before I say more, I find it very troubling that a professional development practionar would discuss a child's learning problems (or the predicted outcomes) when the child is in the room. It's not right and could upset the child.
Anyways, the results of her findings were as vague as a carnival fortunetellers. Candra may get worse with time or she may improve. She may have autism or she may just have certain signs that may be linked to some type of sensory disorder or delay or whatever.
From what i have been hearing form Candra's teacher so far, has been more useful to me. And the family is starting to think that Candra's problems are more mental than medical. Candra does not look at you when you speak to her, probably because she's in trouble when adults tell her to look at their face when their talking.
The way that this doctor was talking about conntinueing with the development program really sounded like she did not feel Candra is qualified for them, too. She was puzzled as to why we had an appointment in the first place. And if the schools were asking for some type of funding for any extra support for Candra. The way it was being discuss afterwards sounded as if the doctor was tring to make up a medical reason to have those development supports for Candra. If Candra doesn't need them, then she shouldn't have them. But, shame on me if I cancel all programs. i'm beginning to see a much clearer reasons behind the diagnosis'. it's no wonder 18 other kids in Candra's class of 21 have to have additional development support. And, why the rate of autism and ADHD is on the rise. Yes, drugs were already mentioned at the appointment even though Candra was not diagnosed with ADHD or autism. Why was it even mentioned int he first place. I want to know whats going on in the here and now, not the later.

Seems it wasnt a very good appointment/s i hope they can give more answers to things over time

Has Asparger's syndrome every been discussed?? My nephew started showing signs of developmental problems and other issues at about 4-5 (maybe sooner??) years old and they progressively got worse. He was diagnosed with aspargar's syndrome because his "behavior" fit that the most, however I don't think it was a very firm diagnosis. He is now almost 21 years old and has the mental capacity of about a 10 year old. He has trouble with socializing and showing his emotions in the right context for lack of a better word. There are some very functioning sufferers of aspargers and there are some like my nephew who will need to be under his parents care I'm sure for the rest of his life as it has been determined through tests that he cannot live and take care of himself on his own

I'm not trying to sound discouraging but some of the things you've said about Candra seem to fit some of the symptoms of aspargers... If you aren't aware of this syndrome I could try to find some good websites for you to check out...

I don't believe aspergers is an issue with her. She rated positive on an autism test that I didn't know has been done. But the therapist says that it might not be autism because other things can have the same effect as autism. I personally don't see much wrong with Candra's development. She can use scissors, she can eat properly, she likes to make her own non-stove snacks, dress herself, brush her own teeth. She's quit independent with herself, all she needs is more interaction with other kids and to learn more manners.
Also, this is a therapist that hasn't seen Candra in a few years. I also have a feeling that some diagnosises haven't been accurate or mistaken with another childs.

Doesnt sound like today was very positive for you.

Hope you get some answers to your questions soon

I'm confused then, and probably have missed something in an earlier post but why all the testing? from what you've described she sounds like she's a normal 6 year old doing things that six year olds should... is it the school that's asking for testing or you because you have concerns because she's struggling a bit in school?

She was diagnosed with a severe global develment delay when she was 21/2 almost 3. My public health nurse and home visitor strongly recommended to get her involved with all this. It's been ongoing tests and assessments and appointments since. Each year I'm told it's all voluntary but it's crucial she gets the help she needs. I 've had doubts about her in the development programs but I feel I'll be shunned as a bad parent if I do pull her out of the programs myself. The therapists say she'll only get worse without extra help and she won't finish school. So, untill a professional says she no longer needs the services, I guess I'll have to put up with it. What's a parent to do?

Ok, I'm less confused now, thanks hun.... It sounds to me then like you are doing the right thing and by having her "monitored" you can be on top of any things that need special attention,,, I wish you the best of luck and I hope it turns out someday (and it sounds to me like she will) she'll be a fully functioning successful and happy adult

I know from seeing the struggles that my sister and bro in law went through with my nephew that it's hard to raise a child with special needs, especially when you've never really been sure exactly what the problems were as in their case, but it also has so many unique and special moments that you otherwise wouldn't have with a non special needs kid My nephew is one of a kind and certainly special in more ways than one just as it sounds like Candra is!