The Diagnosis

After 7 long years of searching and pleading for an answer we finally have it.  Today we were given the diagnosis of full autism.  Yes, he had a brain injury which increased and even confused his symptoms of autism.  But what we are seeing now is autism spiraling out of control.  And because of the severity of his symptoms they are recommending he be put in residential care.  An evaluation and diagnosis package was sent to Boys Town today and they are saying this needs to be done quickly.  So the ball is rolling.....after a very long ordeal of seeking answers.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel.  And there is relief and joy on some levels. We are sad that Joseph will not be living with us for some time but we know that he will be happier.  I also can put my mind at ease that I did not cause this because of the pregnancy.  Joseph was born this way and there was nothing I could do to change it.  Early intervention would have made some difference but things are falling into place and time the way God has dictated it should be.  Although my family has suffered much, and so has Joseph, he has touched so many hearts.  Today one person after another came up and asked about him.  His teachers at school love him!  He is just a special little guy. 

We were told today that the test results from yesterday showed that he lives in a constant state of fear.  He is suffering probably just as much as we are.  So now his time has come.  He will be so happy and learn so much.  Our family will start to heal and we, too, will be going through a process of learning what autism is.  I saw a blog today from the family's point of view.  It is showing how it tears families apart.  80% of marriages involving autistic children fail.  But we have survived the worse.  And now we all begin to heal!  Thanks for the prayers and don't stop!!!!  You have been our cheering section and we love all of you so much!