Tuesday, June 15, 2010

21 month update: Wow!

Wow, I am still in disbelief...we had such a wonderful check-up for Carson today. I've been behind on well visits because the three therapy sessions a week + chiropractor appointments + cooking everything we eat has taken hostage of our calendar.
The last time Dr. Bain (pediatrician) saw Carson it was a very sad/difficult appointment. He was 15 months old and she said, "On a scale of 1-10, he's a 9 with Autistic traits...this is a huge red flag."
As you all know, we hit the ground RUNNING. There have been days where I wonder if all of this is really worth it. It's exhausting at times and we've had a lot of days where Carson has been "lost in space"-- as if he isn't aware of his existence in space & time. I know it sounds crazy, but that is the best way I can describe it. He has also had severe sensory integration issues. They are still hanging around, but many of the behaviors are already resolved.
The past two weeks have been absolutely 100% gluten free for everyone in our home. As I mentioned he was eating wheat in the chicken (and I didn't realize it) so we changed it out and man, can we tell a difference. I don't know if we are reaping rewards from therapy, or the clean diet...I am guessing it's a bit of both.
Okay, back to the appointment. Dr. Bain watched Carson interact with me. He counted 1-5, sounded out the ABC's, said "Ready, Set, Go!" and sang two songs for her. She looked at me and said, "Who's child is this?!" She was extremely impressed with his behavior, interaction with others and his speech development. So, I had to ask her where she would put Carson on the Autism scale now. She said, "honestly a 2 or maybe 3. This is a different child. You guys are literally changing his life with what you are doing. I am so thrilled you had faith and are investing the time in changing him for the better now. I always say it is easier to prevent disease than it is to treat it." Amen! His gut is still extremely distended so we are going to test using Comprehensive Digestive analysis as we did back in January to see the progress we are making.

Stats:
Height: 35 inches, 89 percentile
Weight: 26.65 lbs., 43 percentile
Head Circumference: 19 inches, 50 percentile

Go Carson go! Here's to progress and GOOD freaking news ;) It's about time!

Here's our little chip thief

He strikes again!

All giggles & grins after our great appointment!

2 comments:

Sally said...

ahhhh!!! YAY!!! What encouragement that was from the doctor - and you deserve all the praise 'lil mama for ALL your hard work and diligence with every. single. thing. :)

soooo happy for his progress and great check up. and SO proud of you. Melissa Fabulous!!!!!!!

Nicole Fields said...

That is such wonderful news! Mel, like I have said before, you are an amazing mom! I am so happy that Carson got a great report. Give him a big hug from me. Love you and love your family!!!