The Diagnosis

With this blog I wanted to share with you what Kellan’s formal diagnosis is.

It took about 8 months to get into an Autism Center in our state to get a formal diagnosis for Kellan. This isn’t the only place you can get a formal diagnosis, but they all have about the same wait time.

The evaluation was almost 4 hours long. First, the Doctor interviewed Ryan and I as she observed Kellan. Then, she did tests with Kellan as I filled out evaluation questions that felt like 200 pages long.

After the evaluation was over, we discussed what we thought he would be diagnosed with. He was in a bad flare the day of the test, but mostly I think from interviewing us and watching Kellan she still got a good idea of how he is in a flare and not.

Two weeks later, Kellan and I met with the Doctor. She put Kellan’s scores on a graph. Kellan had a couple high scores and some super low scores. The graph looked a lot like a roller coaster. This is common with children on the spectrum.

I told her that as soon as he came out of this flare he used a spoon like it was no big deal, and she rejoiced with us! She talked about how amazing Kellan is at transitions, numbers, letters, puzzles, and his grip with crayons while coloring. It was a pleasant meeting because I already knew for a year Kellan regressed into autism. I am sure for a lot of parents this can be a very hard meeting to attend. A life changing one. I remember those first few months, and how hard it was trying to get all the resources he needed not only in therapies, but medically.

The Doctor already knew we were doing everything that she would recommend. She gave the recommendations in our diagnostic papers, and the meeting was very easy on both our parts.

Diagnostic Impressions in short: Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 2 (Moderate Autism)

Level 1 is high functioning, level 2 is moderate, and level 3 is low functioning. As a parent this could sound super scary, but if he would have been tested a year ago when his regression was dramatic I know without a doubt he would have been Level 3. Our therapist that has been with us from the beginning, that works for the state, said Kellan isn’t even the same kid. He has come so far from those super dark times of figuring out what was going on.

The Doctor said “I have hope that this won’t always be Kellan’s diagnosis.” She believes with hard work Kellan can catch up on his delays. As his mom I believe he will move mountains, and God will help us get there.

He will be re-evaluated in 2-3 years after all his hard work, and we will see how far he has come along!

We love all the support, love, and prayers! Thank you to all our family and friends for being here for us!

I thought I would share a few of Kellan’s baby pictures and some with his sister because they are both so stinkin’ cute!! I’m seeing their bond form again!