Swirling

The child psychologist from Tony's special ed school just called. She wanted to discuss Tony's breakthroughs, and some of what she and the teachers have been observing. We're coming up on 6 months since he started there, and it's time for Tony's first official in-depth evaluation. The big one, since they've had a chance to really get to know him.

She also gave me her recommendations and insights, and asked me for permission to do another full diagnostic session on Tony. I said "Of course" and then I asked why. Is this common? Yes, it is, but there's more. She wants a confirmation on a preliminary diagnosis. Then she said the word.

Autism. They think Tony is autistic. Yes, he's made progress, but there are still too many red flags. The full diagnostic would include a speech therapist, who could sort out basic communication issues due to speech delay from the other issues he's presenting.

I knew this was probably coming, but still, it's hard to hear.