New Diagnosis

I have created an email address for Ethan a few years ago and from time to time I email him about everything - his first plane ride, when he started stacking blocks, his milestones and just because. Here's one email that I'd like to share as my first post, this new diagnosis inspired me to start blogging. :)

Dear Ethan, 

It's Momsie! Yesterday you were diagnosed with Autism, we went to an ASD evaluation office in Oakland. They looked at 2 things - your social skills and repetitiveness. Your strength was on Social skills, however, you've met the checklist on the Repetitiveness category, we've also raised our concerns about it - how you love opening and closing the microwave door, turning on and off the light switch, opening and closing doors, saying things randomly, etc. Momsie doesn't like the label but it's the only way we can get more services (seriously we need more? haha). I'm slowly accepting it and you know what? Autism and none of your diagnoses define you, you're still the sweet crazy little Ethan that I know of. :) When Ms. M and Ms. J initially saw you they thought, there's no way you are on the spectrum because you were very friendly, you have great eye contact, they said your case is tricky because they don't know if some of these symptoms stem out of your medical condition. Mrs. T, your teacher couldn't believe it either but my love, don't let it define you, keep chasing your dreams. We will keep fighting!

I'm so sorry if we are hard on you sometimes and we easily get upset with your behavior, Momsie should know that it's not something you intentionally do. I promise to be a more understanding mom. I'm sorry too if your day is busy with therapies and medical appointments instead of just running around in the playground, writing, playing with your friends, reading a book, building Legos, playing with cars and trucks like a typical 4 year old. In time you will. We just got to deal with it for now, I promise it will help you in the long run so please hang in there buddy! Never ever give up because we never have and we never will! Momsie, Daddy and Emma love you so so much! We are always here for you and we are eternally grateful for your love. Thank you for teaching us so many things we never thought we're capable of.

SO... Autism - welcome (well not really) to Ethan's portfolio of diagnoses (you are diagnosis #7!), help is on its way so bring it on!

#TeamEthan

Another seizure last night!

Ethan had a seizure last night (4/24/2016) at around 9:37 pm. It lasted for about 4 minutes. We didn't give him any medication like Diastat, we just let it run its course. His left arm was moving up and down uncontrollably. I woke up my husband and he laid Ethan on the floor on his left side making sure his airway is clear. He vomited his dinner and he felt much better. He was conscious afterwards. Not sure what happened exactly but this time it wasn't related to a fever. This is the first non-febrile seizure he has ever had. I emailed his neurologist to possibly order some CT scan or EEG. I'm still puzzled on what happened and scared that it might happen again in the future. The first (which I thought would be the last too) one he had was back in 2/15/2016.

I love you Ethan and hope you feel much better. We're always here for you.