Diagnosis.

We took Gracie to Children's Specialized Hospital in New Jersey to get an official autism screening because it takes so long to get an appointment with a developmental pediatrician. So we spoke with a nurse practitioner, who just doesn't have the MD behind her name.

In short, they diagnosed her as autistic. Even if her behaviors were due to developmental delays, which we still think they are, she does exhibit autistic tendencies that should have lessened after a year in therapy. 

What does this mean? Mostly that she can get more services to help her get up to speed. I have no doubts that she will get up to speed. She is too damn smart for me! 

My brain is reeling about all we have to do for her now, but we have the best guide. My sister, Angela, knows all the ins and outs of getting the proper services, not only because of my supersmart nephew, but because she advocates for so many other kids and their parents, who, like me, don't have a clue what to do. But mama is the student now too

A lady behind me at Giant said it best I guess. She was watching Gracie and said how beautiful she was. She also commented on her getting out of  the straps and into the back of the cart and I said she does that with everything. The lady said thats because she is a special needs child. Their last child was special needs and she said she is smarter than her other kids. This was even before the "diagnosis.".I told Chris and he said how did she know she was "special". I guess you just do.