Cape Breton Bound!

 So after some recent revelations we have decided to go private for Porter's autism assessment .  We have been on a waiting list for the gov't funded assessment since August. Our pediatrician told us the wait was approximately 6 months, but because the number of referrals have doubled since last year, our wait has been extended into July ( and that was an estimate so who knows for sure).  

Why the rush? Well, he is already getting speech therapy and is seeing an OT for his sensory needs but there is a therapy called IBI ( Intensive Behavioral Intervention) that Porter will receive ONCE he gets diagnosed with autism. Preschool children like Porter usually start this therapy in September when a space opens up as older children head off to school. Now, I assumed that would be THIS September. But we recently found out that the waiting list for that can be just as long as the waiting list for assessment...that was tough to hear. Like a punch in the stomach really. It's hard to explain the sense of urgency we feel to get our child the help he needs. Did you ever have that dream where you are being chased and you can't get your legs to move? It's that kind of feeling. We are being chased by time and it is going by so quickly. Everything I read and everything I know as a teacher screams EARLY INTERVENTION! So our hope is that if he is diagnosed soon , he will get that therapy this coming September, although as of right now, that can't be guaranteed either. Had we known all this, we would have gone private months ago but anyway...

After speaking with Dr. Dewolfe ,  the psychologist who does the testing here on the Island  ( who by the way was simply amazing) we called the first doctor she recommended, Dr. Reg Landry.  His assistant was also amazing and gave us an appt. for March 3rd!! A little over a month away! The man is coming in on a Saturday to do this assessment for us! I immediately kicked myself for not doing this sooner, but I am trying really hard to listen to my friend Jocy and stop doing that so much! Now of course, it isn't cheap, but after speaking with Dr. Landry's assistant we are feeling more hopeful that our health insurance will pay for a portion of the testing. Either way, I can't think of a better way to spend our money! And I have always wanted to see Cape Breton, probably would have chosen summer, but hey, we are getting to see more of our beautiful country none the less! Let's hope Ruby is a great traveler like her big brother!

Speaking of Ruby. Dear Ruby, if you grow up and ever read this blog and feel like you are getting the shaft because I talk so much about your brother, please know that has no reflection on how much we love you. In fact I fall more madly in love with you everyday. You are such a bright light in our lives and we appreciate how you seem to instinctively know that your brother needs so much of us right now. The next post will be all about you, promise! xo

Chat soon!