Expert: Jene Aviram - 5/23/2010

Question
Hi Jene,

I hope you remember me.  You have given me lots of advice (and support) about my son Tom.  I was concerned about his development since approx 12 months of age and wrote to you a number of times.  The last time we spoke, he had his appointment with a Developmental Peadiatrician coming up.

Well, we had that appointment (he was a few days shy of 18 months old).  The Pead was lovely.  She interacted with him through play for approx 45 minutes.  Asking him to point at things and engaging him in "pretend play" by getting some play-doh and pretending it was a cake which she cut up and asked him to feed the dolly some etc.

After the 45 minutes she said to us, in her words "I see lots of autistic children every week, and he is not one of them".  (she is an ASD specialist, which is why I chose her).  I started crying.  Must have been all the pent up stress.  Talk about embarrassing!

I am pleased to report that a couple of weeks after that appointment Tom started saying some words.  Now at 19 months he has approximately 20-25 words.  So no literary genius!  But I think that is in the "normal" range for his age.  He is a very happy little man, and very engaging with us!  I am so glad I made the appointment.  I am sure he would still have started talking when he did, but I think for me, I needed the assurance of a specialist.  

Thank you so much for all of your support and adivce Jene.

Kindest regards
Melissa.

Answer
Melissa,

Of course I remember you!!  And you have officially made my day - actually my week - no, make that my month!  I am so thrilled to hear from you with such wonderful news!

I know you had some concerns, but I remember your son as having all his social milestones in tact.  But I also know how tough it is to shake that worry and I'm so glad you followed through on the professional consult.  There's absolutely nothing like peace of mind!

I spend a lot of time advising people, and by doing so, I become emotionally invested in their lives.  I think of them often and wonder how they're doing.  There are very few people that take the time to give me an update and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am for you and your family.  You are a wonderful mom and your son is lucky to have you by his side.  I wish you endless amounts of good things!  Thank you so much for getting in touch.

Very best,

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com