Oh, Deena. There are always growing pains, aren't there?

Good for you, for sending that note. I hope they leave Kara alone about it. It sounds like they're creating an issue.

From your post to Susan--I take it you're now thinking Aidan's diagnosis was incorrect? I've been wondering, because so much of what you describe when you're telling cute Aidan stories seems not just normal, but actually non-autistic.

Aidan's autistic behaviours are, I recently discovered, "blindisms."

Deena, I haven't been around much, but does this mean you are reconsidering Aidan's autism diagnosis?

{{{juliana}}} Calm, strength, peace, and love to you and Z. You two have had at couple of turbulent years. The first year of marriage is difficult enough, even when it doesn't come in the wake of a major family death, or even when one of the spouses doesn't suffer a traumatic injury.

You are doing the right thing getting some counselling. I'm glad you're doing it early, and together.

Thank you both. I'm just... gah. You know. Thanks.

Stephanie, it's not that you haven't been around much; it's that I haven't been around much.

Cindy, yes, and Stephanie, yes.

I had never heard of blindisms before I met his new early intervention specialist. I think the one from the sight center had said it early on, but I hadn't actually heard or understood what it meant, other than that he'll stick everything in his mouth no matter what it is.

So, yes. The paper I read about it was actually directed to people who deal with autistic children, and it explained blindisms to help explain why autistic children do the things they do (too much sensory overload causes them to discount some senses, such as vision, and that makes them act as if they are blind, causing these behaviors, which are called blindisms).

So, I think this was a case of me applying distortions 3, 5, 7, and, probably, 10, to Aidan's situation, describing his actions to his doctor in a way that made them more seem more intense than they really were, and his doctor not understanding blindisms.

{{Juliana}} the counselor will not tell you it's all your fault, or all Z's fault and he or she will help you fix things, not break them further.

It's very scary, and yet you're doing it anyway, and I'm impressed.

Somewhat relatedly, I feel like a newbie again. Long-time lurker, first time in a month-of-sundays poster.

Deena, it's good to see you around and I'm glad to hear that you have more clarity on Aidan's situation.

{{{Juliana}}}

Susan, I'm sure bringing up your concerns at the pediatrician's can't hurt. But Deena's comments (and those from other folks) sound pretty wise to this non-parent.

Speaking of parents, I have good news about one of mine. Mom's doctor declared her officially in remission yesterday! She may be home from the rehab. clinic by then end of the week. She's already feeling well enough to find ways to drive me crazy, which is reassuringly familiar. And now that she's officially in remission (typing that never gets old) I'll feel much less guilt stricken when the time comes (soon, very very soon) to tell her to get stuffed. Yay!!!!!

Calli, that's great news!

Big squishy Deena hugs, cause I miss her.

Honestly, I'd be more concerned if Annabel *had* been talking and started to lose words. That's more typical of autism.

Yeah, that's my understanding as well.

Get the tests if they will ease your mind. And (this is just an opinion I've come across after reading lots of crap that makes lots of sense to me) validity of vaccine concerns aside, any kid being evaluated for autism-like stuff should have their heavy metals tested. There are so many similar symptoms, its treatable if caught early, and there are so many ways for children to be exposed.