[maddiealex]

I'm not sure if this a question or post...both I guess!
I am taking my son to see a neurologists in a month to check his development. Well, I was glad to get the referral because I want to know what if anything is wrong and get my son the help he needs asap. That being said, now that it's closer to occuring, I am afraid to know. I guess my big fear is that it will be a permanent delay. I worry sooo much about my ds and his having to deal with this. I guess the guilt comes in when I have thoughts about how it would be bad for me too. That sounds selfish I know. I love my kids, but you picture them growing up and going away to school and having their own lives. I feel guilty because I'm afraid that may not happen and think that will be tragic for Alex, but also for me. Is this wrong? I know it's human emotion, but how can I think of myself when he is the one with a delay?!? Please let me know how you guys have dealt with diagnosis. Thanks.

[Selestial]

I'm probably not the best one to answer this because Riley's delay isn't permanent or at the very least he won't be significantly affected by it permanently. However, I have a cousin with severe problems (I would have to talk to my aunt to make sure I got them right) but is in his 20s and is living "on his own" now. I believe he's in some sort of assisted living situation, but I'm not 100% sure on that. He still needs his family a lot, but he wanted to have his own life, and in the way he can handle, he does. If your ds's delays are permanent problems, it doesn't necessarily mean that you can't still have those dreams for him. And yes, either way, it will seriously affect your life, and no, it isn't "wrong" of you to be concerned about that ... you are only human. But I do know that my aunt has no regrets over the affect on her life because of her son. Keep your chin up and live life day to day. SOme of those days will be better than others, but just remember how much you love your son. I truly hope for the best for you.

[Admin-pattyandthemoos]

We went through a lot of this too. I still don't have a diagnosis for Brandon. He is globally delayed and has a vision impairment. I am not sure if there will ever be more than that for a diagnosis. Sometimes they can't tell you what is going on. Try not to stress yourself out about this. You just have to take these things one day at a time.

[linda11567]

The boys are going to be tested for autism as soon as I can get an appt set up. I'm having a hard time dealing with it. Before it didn't seem permanent, they were just behind. But labeling them autistic does. If they do I know its mild, but I have all those guilt feelings too and I worry they're going to grow up and not be able to move away and go to college and have normal lives. I guess we're just going to do this one day and one accomplishment at a time.