Just A Word, Please

Isn't it funny how just a word or two from someone can set your mind at ease, relieve any doubts you might have, give you that boost in hope you sometimes need?  This happened to me for the first time in this whole rollercoaster mess when Emerson was removed from Sts Peter & Paul and I spoke to Jennifer on the phone.  She was so reassuring, caring, concerned, informative.  Knowledge is power, people.  Just having someone who knew about everything we might be facing should his diagnosis come back as autistic, someone who knew the terminology, the tests to ask for, the places to look for more information--it all gave me confidence and hope.

The same thing happened for me yesterday.

Finally (after only 2 phone calls! I thought that was pretty good considering how many times I've had to call other places to get people to stay on top of things), I received a call at work from Allison with Pediatric Therapy & Learning Center (or Pediatric TLC, now isn't that cute?)  She is an OT and co-owner of the place.  They specialize in Sensory Integration--how perfect!  We spent 30 minutes on the phone discussing Emerson and all of my concerns.  She asked questions that made me want to scream, "How did you know Emerson does that?  Yes! Yes! Yesssss!"  When I told her about certain things, I could almost see her nodding her head sagely as she murmurred, "MmmHmmm...I know exactly what you're talking about."

She talked briefly (and used some big technical-sounding words, which always gives me faith in my doctors because it makes them sound like they know what they're talking about! LOL) about different reasons why Emerson might be having problems in certain areas; she gave a quick run-down on the mechanics of sensory integration--making it easy enough for me to understand, while being respectful enough to realize that I've read up on the subject and am not a total ignoramous.

Not only does Allison think they can help Emerson with his auditory sensitivity and help him with his fine motor skills, she also thinks she can help with his sleeping problems!  <blank stare>  Seriously?  Emerson's not sleeping might just be a sensory processing problem?  <blink, blink>  Wahoooo!!!  Can you imagine?  Emerson sleeping through the night?  Going to bed without fighting to stay awake?  I know, I know...I find it too good to be true, too.  She also advised we see a speech specialist who might be able to help with the echolalia!  So, that's lagniappe...wasn't really a concern for us, but if we can improve it--why not?

Of course, their waiting list is a couple months long.  Big surprise.  I told her I was going to go back to school to be a Pediatric OT because, apparently, I'd never be in need of clients.  She told me she'd hire me after I graduated. (Good..nice, takes time to answer questions and a sense of humor.  She's a keeper.)  However, she said that she'd try to squeeze him in for an evaluation and give us some things to work on at home, and then they'd schedule him here and there whenever they could while he waits for a permanent treatment spot.

I couldn't be happier...with Allison or with Pediatric TLC.  I called our pediatrician and asked him to fax over a referral ASAP.  I'm ready to roll!