God is the madwoman in the attic.
I'm camped out on the threshold with my journal, camera, and plenty of snacks.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

on the spectrum


We've just learned that Baby N is "on the spectrum."

We're still not totally sure what that means, and I kind of wonder if anyone is totally sure of what it means.

I was shocked when the evaluator said it. She was the first person to say it out loud. I had expected her to tell me that he's super normal, just not average, and well on his way to catching up with speech and language, and his feeding issues, and the little social quirks he's got. Instead, she explained that each of those things, or maybe it's the constellation of them?, locates him "on the spectrum."

It feels like this open-ended challenge that we'll be wrangling for years, for the rest of his life?, wrangling with teachers and school systems and children and new young friends and their parents and insurance companies and scheduling therapy...

Yet, he's my same sweet funny bright curious little engineer baby. He loves numbers. He howls at the moon. He'll sit and figure something out til it's figured out. He jumps! He dances! He puts his cheek next to mine.


And he's on the spectrum.

5 comments:

Melinda said...

You are in my thoughts. Labels like this one are so hard to grapple with and I don't have the right words to say in response. What I can say is that the ways you talk about N in your blogs have always shown me how much you love and enjoy him! Hugs to you all.

Kmac said...

I was given that test 4 times and averaged a 44 out of 50. Above 39 is considered Asperger's. If he is "labeled" then he is in good company ;0)
We all have our strengths and now you know what Baby N's are. He is a lucky little boy to have such amazing parents to nurture and guide him to becoming the best he can be. There is more awareness everyday to this special trait and therefore, more resources and tools to aide you and your precious boy. Ah to be genius, it's never easy, but he has big things to do in this world and we can thank you two for being the vessels that brought him here. Huge hugs!!

Bombshell BLISS said...

My sweet friend. You've met three of my children. Two of them are on the spectrum. Care to guess which two?

All it means is that he will learn in a "different" way. Yes, you'll probably fight with a teacher or two along the way, but always remember, you are his mom and you will always always know what is best.

North is a wonderful kid and he is going to be a wonderful man. No worries.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen.

Devon is also considered 'on the spectrum' (gifted/high functioning Aspergers). I wouldn't be at all surprised if Jim and some of his brothers are as well.

Judging from the super brainiacs you and Lance are, you may be,too. If that's what they tell you about N., just think of it as differently wired and differently blessed -- that is what we did with Dev.

I know you'll be getting good advice, but if you want to chat with Dev about it, I'll send you his email addy.

love you! ALMH

Jenni said...

Thank you, friends, for the encouragement and perspective. And for your company.

& yes, I'd love to get in touch with Dev. thanks!