I Love Him!

We are so grateful to the doctors and staff at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute and the Kidstar program. It has now been a few weeks of testing, uncertainty, worst case scenarios, divorced parent disputes, blessings, and prayers. Yesterday Spencer was diagnosed with high functioning autism. Everyone had worked so hard to help Spencer learn and progress while at the same time, trying to pinpoint a diagnosis. I am so relieved because with all the troubling events that led up to our getting help, even contemplating the worst case scenarios terrified me. I was extremely worried about him, and I still am, but at least now I know what I can do to help him. They say Spence is "on the spectrum" of Autism. When they say he has "high funcitoning" Autism (from what I understood yesterday), it means he is able to perform day to day activities very well, some extremely well, with a few exceptions. It is essentially affecting him, or hurting him, socially. To those of you who know him, you'll agree that Spencer is a delightful and extremely bright and kid, but he oftentimes has difficulty making friends or knowing how to interact with them unless they are playing Starwars. He quickly withdraws in many social settings and feels lonely a great deal of the time. Especially in school and at church. What we are trying to do right now is teach him those crucial social skills that usually come naturally to people. That is the area that we need help. When you see him, put your arm around him and help him know you are his friend. If possible, go out of your way to include him in what you are doing. He may give you the cold shoulder. But don't take it personally, he certainly doesn't mean to offend or hurt anyone's feelings. . . he's just an extraordinary little boy who's going to need an extra hand from time to time. I love him!