The beginning

In case you don't know Mason's story, I'll post it here.



We've always described Mason as our high maintenance child. He's always been hard to soothe once he gets upset. Over the last 6 months or so (since about his 3rd birthday) Jerime and I where becoming increasingly concerned about some of his more quirky behaviors. We where mostly concerned about the fact that he refused to socialize w/other kids his age (besides his sister), but our concerns where increased when he started hand flapping, covering his ears when he was scared or nervous, and running in circles humming to himself. We knew these where all red flags for autism. We went back and forth about it, unsure whether or not we should be concerned. 85% of the time, he seems like a typical 3y/o boy. He's extremely verbal. He runs, jumps and plays w/all the typical little boy toys (and some little girl toys!) The final straw was on Payton's first birthday party. There where tons of kids his age there. At least 6 kids in the 2-4y/o age range. He not only didn't socialize w/them, but he completely segregated himself from them. You could see the stress in his face when asked if he wanted to go play w/the kids. After the party, we decided it was time to consult the pediatrician.



Making that appointment, was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. It was like admitting to the world that there might be something wrong w/my child. I scheduled his appointment, and Payton's one year check up for the same time. Laura talked me into cancelling Payton's, and offered to watch my girls for me so I could just take Mason alone, and concentrate on him. I am eternally greatful to her for that. Jerime decided last minute to take the day off work and go with me. I hadn't asked him, because, well, it's a doctor's appointment. I've always been capable of takin the kids in alone, why would this be any different? So we went in, and talked to the pediatrician. He couldn't give a DX, but he did refer us to the Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician at UIC. He said "Something is definately wrong here." He feels strongly that Mason has PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder). PDD is an autism spectrum disorder. Basically another way of saying High Functioning Autism.

I knew. I knew that was what he was going to say before we walked in the office, but still, hearing it was like a kick in the stomach. Worse then a kick in the stomach. It felt like my world had been ripped out from underneath me. The most random things ran through my head. Things I'd never really thought about and where just givens. Would he ever play T-ball? Have a career? A family? Would kids at school be mean to him? Is he going to care? Everyday has gotten a little bit better. The world hasn't ended. He's still my Mason. Happy, funny, silly, adorable Mason.

So the next step is getting him in to see a specialist for an official DX and treatment.