A Moms Point of View

Cracking him out of his shell!

When his pediatrician asked me how many words he was saying, at his 2yr check up, I nonchalantly answered his question.   Just a few 3 or 4, not thinking anything of it.

The Dr. immediately informed me that he should be saying at least 20 to 30!  I instantly thought  oh crap oh crap he’s not even close to that! And instantly my 40yr old mom paranoia kicked into high gear!  

Side note:   Had my first son at 20 and FYI ignorance is bliss!  I never worried about anything with him when he was an infant or toddler!  Having my 2nd at 39 wholly cow!  I made sure he was still breathing every 5 min during every nap and all night long!  When I left him with my mother to go to Target with my sister, when he was a week old, I almost had a panic attack! No I did have a panic attack in the car on the way there and my sis almost turned around!   I just kept picturing my mom dropping him or something!  Needless to say My parenting experiences were insanely different with my boys!

His awesome Dr. recommended the Tri County Regional Center to help with his speech and communication!  I called that day to set up a meeting.  

Side note:  I hate meetings! I hate paper work!  I was a single mother with my first and was thankfully and regretfully on medical for over 20 years!  I felt like every time I turned around there was paperwork and applications to fill out or a face to face to go to. 

I was nervous about getting involved with the tri county or any organization! for pure honesty sake I didn’t want the hassle and judgment of my child, or my schedule to be rearranged!  Butttttt obviously I ultimately want what’s best for my son!  That first meeting was okay just okay, I could tell by their questions they felt there could be something more wrong with him than just speech delay.  Asking if I ever felt he was hard of hearing and if he did things in routine, eating habits. I didn’t know what my answers were leading to but I had anxiety and butterflies!  

Tristan has been getting services since 2yrs old and yes he has some autistic behaviors!  He had his IEP (individualized educational plan) right before he turned 3 just a few weeks ago!  A slew of strangers came out and tested him to evaluate his needs before the IEP.  

Side Note:  once again I’m a mom who is not fond of taking time out to sit in room full of people listening to what’s wrong with my child!  

I’m adapting to Tristans needs and I recognize the things and behaviors that make him unique!  ( I’m saying unique VS different). 

One particular behavior is he can be antisocial with others his age.  When I’m at the park or a children’s play place I Love having my Vai Athletica sports bra on so all my focus and attention is on Tristan and not “where’s my purse!” Or “oh crap I need to find my phone to take this adorable shot!”  

Long story short I want to make my life as easy as possible so my attention and focus can be on him!