Paxton on the Spectrum

 I decided to write this post today so I can remember these things, and also to share this information so others understand. Today we were finally able to meet with a developmental Doctor for Paxton. Both his primary Doctor and his ear Doctor recommended we see her. The reason for seeing this specialist is Paxton continues to have a significant speech delay. After many many hearing tests, appointments, and tube surgeries, the conclusion is that his hearing loss, while present, does not warrant the extreme delay in speech.

   

 Today the developmental Doctor finally gave us a diagnosis. Paxton was diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum. She said that in order to be classified as being on the Spectrum he had to score above a 30 using the scale she was rating him on. Paxton's score was 31. There is a very wide range of symptoms and severity of symptoms associated with Autism. There are many symptoms that Paxton doesn't have, and there are some that he does have. Paxton's symptoms are not severe but are present. 

   

We have had this diagnosis in the back of our minds for some time now, so it wasn't a big surprise. The other diagnosis Paxton received is "Receptive Expressive Language Disorder." Receptive [difficulty understanding what others are saying] Expressive [difficulty expressing thoughts and ideas]. Children on the Autism spectrum often have language and communication issues. 

   

So, having said all that, I thought I would share some of the symptoms Paxton has shown that led to this diagnosis. 

1) Speech Delay. He has a very difficult time understanding others and expressing himself. He really can't speak in sentences. Usually only two or three words at a time. It can be very frustrating for him and others. 

2) Instead of answering questions or commands, Paxton repeats what is said to him. If I say, "Where is the door?" Instead of showing me, he says, "Where is the Door?" 

3) He has some 'awkward' social behaviors. He doesn't always appropriately use eye contact. He also moves his eyes back and forth quickly or blinks a lot when he gets uncomfortable with interaction.  

         Paxton has come a long way on this one. Since being in school and having Maebry around, he has really started to be more comfortable in certain situations. He won't always display these behaviors but will in new situations.

4) People can find it hard to connect with him.  He doesn't always seem "warm."  

    Example: I will tell him we are going to Grandma's house and he will get so excited. He will talk about going to Grandma's house the whole way there. As soon as we get there, Grandma wants to greet him and give him a hug. He may "shut down" and avoid the hug and just walk in the house. This one is a hit or miss. Sometimes he may walk in waiting to show Grandma something, but other times he wants to skip the hello or goodbye hug. This was one of the things that was hard for me to see. He is very different towards me. He is very warm, loving, and comfortable with me. I never see these behaviors directed at me.   

5) Fixation on a certain activity or interest. This kid gets very fixated on one thing and that is all he will talk about. Sponge Bob is his fixation right now. Drawing Sponge Bob is the activity he will do over and over and over. I've noticed that it's different than Mabery's interest in something. Maebry loves Frozen. She talks about Frozen a lot and loves the toys. However, Maebry has other interests besides Frozen as well. She loves it but is not only fixated on that one thing.

6) Transitions or changes are hard on him. When he changes classes in school or church it throws him for a loop. He has a hard time adjusting.   

   Those are some of the behaviors I discussed today with the Doctor. I am in no way an expert on this. I started reading about it a while back, but there is still a lot I don't know. Paxton's social symptoms have gotten better with more social interaction. He will be able to learn how to improve some of these things as he grows. He watches Maebry a lot and mimics some of her behaviors. She has really helped to bring him out of his shell. 

   

My hope in sharing this post is that Paxton will be understood a little bit better. When he walks in somewhere with Maebry and she runs towards you, arms open, so excited to see you and he doesn't; It's not because he isn't excited to see you too. He doesn't express it the same way. Paxton is very intelligent. He has excellent grades and knows everything he should know at this point in school. Social interaction and communication are what we will continue to work on.  

   

He just walked in and saw his name all over this post and was wondering why. Haha. He also saw Sponge Bob's name. :-P I have always said that Paxton is a hard nut to crack. He is harder to win over than some. However, if you put in the time and understanding it is SO worth it. He is a sensitive, sweet, hilarious (He loves to make people laugh!), loving boy. He has moments when he is so outgoing and friendly, and moments when he is quiet and standoffish. We love Paxton so much and will continue to work to make sure he's happy. He is such a happy kid. :) He has great teachers and people helping him at school every day. I am so grateful for that. We won't know right away if we should change his treatment in any way, but I will keep everyone updated. Thanks for reading my long post! 

(Sorry if I rambled on and made grammatical errors. I care less about that and more about sharing this information.)