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