Official

This morning was Brody's evaluation with the psychologist at Southwest Behavioral Health. This appointment was made in July and starting in August we have looked into Brody having Autism so needless to say we were anxious to know the outcome of this appointment. After about an hour of information gathered from Jake and I, as well as some observation of Brody, she gave him a diagnosis of Autism. The psychologist went through the traits of children with Autism (most of which I have heard and read before) that are the guidelines to diagnose the disorder.

There will be another evaluation for a diagnosis with the behavioral and developmental doctor sometime in December or January. I believe he is the type of doctor that can place Brody somewhere on the Autism Spectrum (which is basically a way to see how serious a child is on the spectrum of the autism disorder).

As we have been preparing ourselves for this diagnosis, Jake and I noticed on the way home that it is still very difficult. Though we have read and researched a lot over the past couple months that really helped support a diagnosis of Autism there was still a small hope we had that perhaps an expert could explain that, though Brody exhibits certain traits, he will grow up to be a fine and well-adjusted boy and normal in every way.

As I watched Brody, so unattached to the world around him, in the psychologist's office and we were hearing her words, that were not surprising or unexpected, it still hurts. There is a range of emotions you go through as a parent during times like these.

-We are heart broken that Brody has these problems, not necessarily that the culmination of his problems and issues are called Autism
-We are sad that Brody has so many obstacles he will face over the coming years.
-We are frustrated and angry as to how, after having a normal and typical baby, we have come to where we are with him.
-We are overwhelmed by how much work we have a head of us
-We are upset about how extremely expensive it is to truly help Brody, cause Jake and I hate to think Brody will not get the help he needs cause we don't have the money.
-We are worried about Ryan and what life could have in store for him - whether he has the disorder too or will he be neglected as we work with Brody so much.
-We am stressed and concerned about how we handle Brody and what helps or hinders him from progressing

To many reading this, it is difficult to understand if you don't know much about Autism and even more difficult if you have never been around a child with Autism. These emotions I am talking about might come off strange to some reading this post.

How Jake and I feel has nothing to do with being critical of how Brody acts or what Brody is capable of - it is merely realizing that Brody is at a point developmentally where we have to see reality so that Brody can get the help he needs. This doesn't have to do with being critical of our parenting. The parent of a child with Autism is their child's number one advocate and therapist. How we handle Brody's development, methods of handling a tantrum, etc. has a direct effect on Brody being able to progress. What we do now can help or hinder Brody from reaching necessary milestones. Since Jake and I want Brody to have the same experiences in life as other children by making friends, going to a normal classroom, graduating from high school, getting married, etc. we are going to do all we can to help him.

We love Brody more than words. Brody has always been so happy and sweet tempered. In some ways his behavior has changed that but it is only at times. Brody's smile and giggles is a light in our world. We cherish our time with him despite the setbacks and tough times. We love playing with him and we love being with him.

Our little family has received SO many prayers, support and love along the way from our wonderful family and friends and I am certain it will continue. We thank everyone for constantly checking in to see how Brody and us are doing with everything. We are so grateful for all the prayers - during certain times with Brody we have felt them. Though the road is still very long for Brody, we have already seen little miracles and little bits of progress

So there is the official word and we will move on from here with hope and faith