Thursday, May 2, 2013

The One Truth





This is the post that I have tried to write hundreds of times.

This is the post that puts a lump in my throat and makes me fight back tears every time I try to put the words onto my screen.

This is the post where I share with you Taylor's story. Well, the beginning of her story.

You might already know that Taylor has a speech delay. She has been getting speech therapy for a year now and has made HUGE progress. When she started, she wasn't talking. At all. She didn't say mama, daddy. She made sounds but had no words. Now, she is talking up a storm, and even singing. I am amazed everyday by how far she has come.

What I haven't shared with very many people is that Taylor may have Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I haven't mentioned it on this blog because we still don't have any straight answers. Mike and I are pursuing some avenues in order to get her formally evaluated. Her speech teacher was the first person to bring it up to me, and I remember crying on my living room floor while Taylor played beside me. I was so sad but also so relieved that someone else was seeing the same things I was seeing and was validating that I was not just being paranoid.

 For quite some time, Mike and I had noticed certain behaviors from Taylor that we thought were a little "off" (not looking us in the eye, not really playing with her toys, not showing much interest in playing with Morgan, some sensory sensitivities, etc) but I don't think we ever wanted to admit out loud that it wasn't just Taylor being a fussy toddler or having a quirky personality. 

She has gotten a ton better with some of these behaviors---her eye contact has improved SO much, she plays with Morgan now, she has actually started some imaginative play as well. Sensory sensitivity continues to be a challenge but we are working on it.

But, it's been overwhelming.

This is my baby. I will do whatever it takes to get answers for her, and for us as a family. I will do whatever it takes to find ways to help her. It may even turn out she does not have Autism Spectrum Disorder. We are only just beginning this part of Taylor's story. 

There are so many unknowns right now, but the one truth is that Taylor is an amazing little girl and loved beyond all measure. 

2 comments:

AEOT said...

Wow. I am so sorry to hear that you are going through all this with Taylor. When is your eval? Are you doing it at HDVCH? The docs in the autism clinic here are wonderful, and I hope your experience is a good one!! I'm glad she has made a ton of progress thus far and hope that you can continue to see progress in all areas!!!

Jaime said...

Taylor is beautiful! She has made so much progress Sarah!! I hope you get answers!!

You know I'm here to help as well!

She is a bright little girl!!