Thursday, October 30th our follow up visit to KKI
had arrived, one whole year has gone by seemingly fast.
The morning started out early, we had arrived in good
timing, which I had hoped for.
 |
| Peep the "napper"! |
We arrived so early we were able to sit; Dad was
able to catch a nap, I was able to feed Landon some breakfast and played some
temple run and but of course snapped a few usies … #smiles.
As the hour went by, it was now time to get down with this
appointment. We checked in, and had a seat while waiting to be called. We
started out with Landon having a vital screening and we were prompted to await
the doctor.
While we waited he took a few scrolls back and forth throughout the
waiting area, peeped in the toy box, played with a few toys and eventually ended
up playing shoestrings with Dad…right until the door opened and the Dr. announced
“Landon Greene”.
We all got up and walked towards her, greeted and followed
her. As we were following her lead she stated “He’s walking now, that’s great”.
Moving along with the appointment, she started out with some follow up
questions, inquired about the status of connecting with John Hopkins, which I
had explained; fell through to due to non-insurance coverage. She then moved
right into some instructional play with him to see what he could articulate and
comprehend. They did this repeatedly using different tactics such as books,
bubbles, fine finger grasping with small object items, imitation, and receptive
play.
She continued to ask us questions on our thoughts with his
progress and what were some goals we would like to see him accomplish.
She also
inquired his recent status with schooling and as I informed her he was
currently attending public school full-time, in an Autism structured-class, she
stated that was a good environmental setting for him and recommended that he
remain there.
As she was starting to wrap up our visit she expressed her
interest in another evaluation. She stated she wanted to be clear with his
current diagnosis before she added on another one. She continued with saying
while current flags of autism are present she wants more time to evaluate and
watch his progress considering the delays are caused from Kleefstra. She also recommended that we continue with all current
settings and programs as she sees much improvement since initially evaluating him
one year ago; however, developmental wise she placed his growth at age of a 1.5
year old.
So needless to say there was NO diagnosis determination made!!!
How do I (we) feel about this? Dad and I agreed that we were comforted
knowing that she wasn't a doctor who was quick to place a title on a kid. That
she showed interest in learning more about Kleefstra and that she’s passionate
in her field with accepting and dealing with each case as needed. She appeared to be vested in making an appropriate judgement accurately--and for that I'm grateful for her time, regardless how many times she requests we follow up.
Where do we go from here? Well only time will tell. All of
Landon’s progress depends on what Landon wants to interpret and achieve. I feel
as his mother I’m assuring he’s receiving all the proper services he needs, so with
that, he will continue to grow stronger developmentally and physically daily. Meanwhile
we will wait out next visit. And continue with regular care.
How’s Landon been adjusting to school? So far so good.
Landon has always been capable to letting someone know when he doesn't want to
do something. There are some days he has challenges going up and down the steps, but
his teachers and other staff has been helpful with assisting him when needed.
His PT Therapist recently recommended and requested he receives an full- armed supported
seated chair to assist with him sitting in the chair correctly, as he slouches
when sitting on the benches during lunch time. And I’m currently waiting on
feedback for his Assistive Technology communication device. His teacher and I
recently meet and she recommended that I get rid of his sippy cup, pamper usage
and use pull-ups only, and start incorporating a picture communication system
at home. She said overall, he has adapted quickly and faster than she expected.
"Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be"
Khalil Gibran
