We met with the doctors this week for the results. I was pretty nervous since I knew they didn't see the "real" Grace. The best news is that she is not on the autism spectrum!!! Out of 12 categories that they use to diagnosis autism, Grace had only one area of concern and you need at least 3 to be on spectrum. The area of concern was her poor eye contact. The doctors viewed the tape and saw that the eye contact issue was just with them and not us. They did diagnosis her with Adjustment Disorder. They feel that Grace has a lot of anxiety in new environments and with new people. Being able to look someone in the eye that you just meet, even if you are uncomfortable, is a skill we want her to have. So we will be working on that. The doctors feel that it is most likely a result from being in an institution for the first year of her life. (I've been saying for months that Grace is so smart that she understands how her first year of life impacted her and now she just has walls up to protect herself:)
Grace has come so far the past year, but we will continue to support her. We were told that she may need to see a psychologist when she is older as adoption related issues arise. (We already thought that was a big possibility). We will go back in January for another evaluation. The doctors want to follow her to make sure she in still on the right path.
We are so happy that the future looks bright for our Gracie! She is such an amazing little girl!
Look at my beautiful girl!!! I think she is ready for her first haircut. Just a little trim :)
Every once in a while, we will take off Grace's floatation devices and let her play around with one of us in the pool. The other night, the boys decided it would be fun to try them on!
Aidan with Grace's water wings :)
Nate wearing Grace's life jacket :)
5 comments:
Yeah, yeah, yeah!! So nice to hear that confirmation from the doctors!! You are doing such an amazing job with sweet Grace. Such a beauty with a big personality, you are going to have your hands full as she gets older!!
how wonderful. great news and affirmation that you guys are on the right path with her. she certainly does have a great big personality and it shows in your pics. thanks for keeping us updated!
she looks older every time i see her!! i'm glad you got some positive news; no doubt Grace is in great hands.
Wow, she just looks so much more grown up and absolutely beautiful! The time is going so fast.
I know I have found it amazing how these kids just seem to development is all areas by leaps and bounds. I know I've concerns in an area, then a few weeks later Anna blows me away and does great. Sounds like Grace is doing the same and will just continue to thrive and grow. and if any problems arise, I just know we all can handle those too :o) Thanks for sharing your appt with us!
I am so happy that the results are so positive. I've been thinking about Grace. In all of your pics, Grace looks amazing and like a happy toddler. I knew there would be a good diagnosis.
Logan has issues with eye contact with new people as well. He will hang on to me and look away from them and it's very rare that someone new will catch his attention. Other than that, he's progressing well developmentally. Physically, my friend's wife evaluated him as she's a pediatric physical therapist and she said he is very stiff in his upper body and doesn't bend his knees. She's given me some exercises to do with him (which he hates) to give him more balance and flexibiity. He hates the relay running part of soccer class with all of the kids (overstimulation I think), but will do it when it's just him and me. Ah...the joys and challenges of kids!
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