April 29, 2008

This is Hard to Write...



So I've decided it's time to blog about this... Some of my friends and family already know that we have been taking Hailey to a phsycologist since the end of January. I've been to about 4 sessions and Hailey went to the big evaluation/testing. Well this past Thursday we got the official diagnosis. At first the Dr. was leaning towards Asberger's Syndrome (medium level Autism), but she decided to change that and now Hailey has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified) = Mild Autism. She also diagnosed her with ADHD...which I really saw coming since Darren has that too. But the major thing that causes Hailey's outbursts and need for routine and noise aversion is the PDD. She has many other quirks but that would make this post really long :-) She did however test very well on her motor skills and grade level and her IQ was in the 81% (high average), her audible IQ (anything she took in by listening) was in the 91% (high superior) so I'm very hopeful that because she is so smart.....which we've always known that....she will be able to learn overtime better coping skills and ways to feel more comfortable in her surroundings. I'm happy to know that we have a reason for the behavior and it's not just that I don't know how to handle her, but I'm sad that for the past four years I've been trying so hard to discipline her and make her do things that she was maybe not ready for and I thought she was just trying to be manipulative or hardheaded. When really I just didn't understand her....I hope she doesn't remember what we've been through up to this point, because I'd like to forget a lot of it :-) Please pray that her doctor's will help lead us down the right path to help her. She starts "real" pre-K next year and I'm already starting to get anxious....Thanks for listening....

My Sweet Baby Girl!!

8 comments:

Tabby said...

Sweet little Hailey...she is so precious, and I'm sure that God is going to take care of her(and you) and help you guys deal with whatever comes your way...I am glad that at least now you know what is going on, so hopefully that will help you be better able to deal with it.

We love you!

Amber said...

She's not going to remember a thing! Don't let your mommy guilt get you down, because next week it will be something else!

I love the picture, she looks so pretty! I already sent you an email and told you everything I've thought. Hailey has friends that love her and grown ups that love her, she's a pretty awesome little girl.

Sarah said...

Hailey is a great girl and she is lucky to have a mom who can see past her behaviors and quirks. I am proud of you for taking her to see someone. I'm sure that intervening this early will make a big difference later.

I think all mommies are grateful that young children forget things easier than we do. I know I am.

Amber said...

Ok, I was looking at this again, and Hailey totally looks like her Daddy, but in that bottom picture, she really reminds me of your Dad....

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful daughter you have. I will keep you all in my prayers on your journey forward!

Tabby said...

I didn't know your Grandma was doing Thursday Thoughts! That's great! Is it okay if I had her to my blogroll, too?

Dawn said...

Oh, Stacia, don't be hard on yourself. You didn't know and now you do. That is all that matters.

You love her and you'd do anything for her. That's all anyone can do!

I love you and your family! Everything is going to be fine.

I LOVE the baby pic. HOW sweet!

Andrea said...

The only thing Hailey will remember is that she has a wonderful mother who was always there for her. I am glad that you know what's going on now and you can start to do the things to help her get better. She is such a sweet girl...I love all her pictures.