Friday, March 27, 2009

Bridger...

So here’s a few thoughts and answers to some peoples questions about Bridger. We are supposed to journal about our good times and our hard times right? A few months ago my mother mentioned to me that Bridger was "different". Hmmmmm, Different. Nobody wants to hear that about their child, because every mommy's child is perfect. Besides the fact that my child didn't talk, didn't socialize, wouldn't let me talk directly to him, eye contact isn't regular with him, he didn't play with toys they were supposed to be played with, etc...... he was perfect, right? But a light bulb came on when she said that and we took him to a specialist up at the University and he somewhat diagnosed Bridger with a child with signs and characteristics of PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder) which is on the Autism Spectrum, but with a LESSER severity.. When he was one year old, he could say "Uh-Oh", and "Hi" and point and say "No". He would also point to my nose when I asked him where it was. He doesn't do that anymore. He is over 2 years old and doesn’t say any words, meaning he has degressed in the communication world. Anyways, to make a long story short, I'm grateful that my Mom dared say something to me to get this taken care of now, because I know that must have been very difficult for her to do. The earlier you catch it, the easier it us to pull them out of their “world”. He went through a series of evaluations with the 0-3 program and was easily accepted as he is obviously very behind on communication and behavior skills. We’ve started the classes and let me tell you, IT’S HARD. We are basically trying to re-train the way he wants to think and act and we (Bridger and I) are both going through a lot of tears and stress to get through it. Don’t take for granted how easy it is to play with your child because doing it this way takes a lot of time, effort and tantrums. The program says they see a lot of great results with their program so I am crossing my fingers. And I've said this before to people, but out of all the signs and characteristics of children with "autism", one is their inability to show love. And I am sooooooooooooooooooooo grateful that my sweet Bridger doesn't have that problem, he loves his mommy and daddy more than anyone on this earth. He cuddles and kisses us all the time. He is sooooo easy to Love although he is sooo hard to take out to public places. But I can deal with that as long as I get my loves from Bridger. We love you Bridger.

11 comments:

Kristen said...

I've been thinking about you guys. Bridger is so blessed to have a wonderful family that is more than willing to do whatever it takes. You're an awesome mom!

Michele said...

Bridger is lucky to have such great parents, & a grandma who cares about him enough to say something hard like that! Good luck with the classes. It sounds like your headed in the right direction. :)

R Cadina said...

Oh man...soo hard. But, like you said, you found it early! And who knows what the future holds. :0) Good job taking care of him...you're such a good mom!! :0)

Candis said...

I'm so proud of you. You are such a great mom.

lhhadley said...

What a good mom:) I hope the info will help him. We will be thinking of you...and Bridger.

ceryl said...

It's paretns like you that make all the difference. You've always been such a determined person, and I'm sure in this situation it won't be any different. Thanks for sharing, your optimism is amazing:)

Megan and Jon said...

We just talked about this but I still wanted to comment. First for keeping it real on the blog. I love that you do that and post about life instead of all happy things. Makes it real.
Second it struck me when you said your mom told you, I thought how it never changes, we all want what is best for our kid. Even your mom still wanting what is best for you and Bridger by telling you what she noticed. She loves you.
You are such a sweet mom, He is lucky to have you. I hope this works and gets better. Hopefully it will since it was caught so early. Hang in there girl.

Amy said...

You and Chris are such great parents! I know you and you will give everything you have to help him...Those classes sound like they will be so worth all the effort...He is so dang cute! Good luck with everything! Tell Brenda Happy Birthday!!!

Brenda Hurd said...

Bridger is lucky to have you and chris - you guys are great parents and every thing will turn out fine - he's so flippen cute and entertaining to watch his little quirks. Love him to pieces!

Brittany said...

You'r so great! I'm sorry because I can't imagine how stressful it is but you guys are great parents. Also cute pictures up above. My sister said to definitely get the Wii next year for Emerson. Her kids play it all the time!

Kasie said...

WOW!!!! That brought tears to my eyes. Your such a great mom, thanks for sharing with us...call my sis Jenna if you ever have ANY questions. She is great!