(((Andrea)))
I have so been there. First, I remember the initial EI meeting when Matthew was 18 months and they told me he was functioning at the level of a 8 month old. I said "well he can catch up, right?" and they just stared at me. Then at his neuro appt a month later the neuro said "he is retarded but he is cute so he will get extra help from his teachers". Exact words. Oh yeah, it hurts. It threw me in a definite downward spiral. I remember latching onto another doctors words "you have no reason not to be optomistic."
I have seen classmates from EI and preschool and early elementary graduate out of special ed. It is really hard to predict at the younger ages. Matthew at 10 still has significant challenges. But he has made a lot of progress and I expect it will continue. I refuse to ever give up. He is a sweet gentle soul who works so hard. I wish I could have those early years back when I was so deep in my own funk I forgot to enjoy him. I know we can't deny our feelings and it's hard but try not to let them get the best of you. Seeing Mom's of older kids helped me - I thought if they could do it I could do it too.
Expect the best. Make sure teachers and therapists keep the bar high. You will learn to spot the ones that help you child the most.
I hope this helps some.
Jan & Matthew (10) - mild hypotonia, apraxia, dysarthria, autism, reluctant AAC user
