On a Personal Note

So, I am going to write about something a little more personal than I usually do. I've talked mainly about iLiNnUc's YouTube channel, some tips to help save money, and some weird stories of things that have happened in my life. Today though, I am going to introduce you to a little man... Baby-Nuc.

Almost 2 years ago Baby was placed on the Autism Spectrum. Basically, they determined that he wasn't progressing like he should. After we BATTLED with the doctors to take us seriously, they finally decided to agree that something was wrong. We kept looking back at everything that had happened over the last year and a half and realized only one thing really stood out... vaccinations. 

When Baby was 18 months old he went in for vaccinations. His doctor forced us to go to the county health department before he would see him. He said he had to be current, and we were a few behind. Nothing major, but behind none the less. We got them. They gave us a piece of paper and told us that he would need a few more when he was a little older. They circled the ones he needed. 

Later in the week we go in for our first appointment with the pediatrician. He claimed that the health department filled out the paperwork wrong and that he still needed a few vaccinations. We asked which ones. And they proceeded to tell us. He received another round of vaccines. We were told about a probable fever and that we should give him Tylenol if that happened. That night Baby's fever spiked to over 105 degrees. We took him into the ER and after a night of fluids and observations, they sent us home. We followed up with our pediatrician. We told them of his fever, and they said it was probably a virus. We reminded him that he had vaccinations and were promptly told there is no correlation between the two events. However, they said Baby still had another round of vaccines he needed and that he would need a flu shot. I told them that I was not interested in him getting the flu vaccine and that I wasn't comfortable about giving him any more shots because of his previous reaction. We were told that the ones he was getting were nothing serious... he would be fine. While getting him dressed, we were handed a paper. The same one from before warning us about spikes in temperatures and what we should do. However, they also gave us a paper on the flu vaccine. I was furious. How dare they vaccinate Baby without authorization. We asked them if they gave him the flu vaccine and they said, "Yes." We told them that we didn't want the flu vaccine and they denied that we ever told them. We figured it was a mistake. It's the flu vaccine. I'm sure the doctor wouldn't do anything that would hurt him. Right?  That night, he had another spike in temperature, and we had another trip to the ER. We remembered that the flu vaccination paperwork was never signed and we never authorized it.

Later that year we talked with the pediatrician because we were concerned Baby wasn't talking. We kept saying the same thing. We would take him in every few months with the same concern and hear the same response. "Kids develop differently" "Maybe he doesn't have anything to say?" "There is really nothing to do." I finally demanded he be given a referral to a developmental psychologist at an autism institute after talking with other family and friends. The pediatrician informed us it wasn't necessary because HE treats autism. I was shocked. After a heated discussion and being cornered in a room and a refusal to allow me to leave, I two-stepped around him and stormed out of the office. I would later find out that he also treats 6 year old children with ADHD by prescribing them adult doses of adderall, has 4 pending lawsuits and pays for ads in the local magazine claiming to be "Voted the Number 1 Pediatrician" in our area. Which is a LIE. We decided to leave this pediatrician.

Forward 4 months later. 

We found a new pediatrician. We told her we were concerned that Baby had been talking and then all the sudden, stopped. She asked if he had any trauma lately. She asked how many words he said. We said no, and nothing. He doesn't talk. She told us that at 2 yrs he should have a minimum of 5 words in his vocabulary. We said he didn't. She asked if he says momma, we said he doesn't. She finally said, "Something is wrong here." I decided to take a leap and ask her about the vaccinations. She informed us she would look at his registry and get back to us. Later that week she provided paperwork that was truly shocking.

Baby had been vaccinated with the SAME vaccinations 3 different times within 8 weeks. She said there was concern for vaccination injury. We were given information about services in our area to now treat him, because Baby would be considered on the Autism Spectrum.  She notified me that no new vaccinations should be given, because that could have potentially caused the problem.

Current Status.

Baby says roughly 3 words really well, go, cookie, and no. Recently he began saying mom, and the names of the kids when prompted. He tries to repeat phrases but only in a sing-songy voice. He has had therapy 4 days a week with a speech and behavioral therapist for over 2 years now. He recently said, "Hee-yoo-go" and we were thrilled. He now says Night Night when prompted but rarely initiates talking. He plays with the other kids, but have noticed that he really isn't playing with them, but along side them. For parents with children who have autism, you'll understand what I mean. He doesn't really eat anything other than sandwiches, rice, mashed potatoes, apples, and of course his favorite of all time, cookie,popcorn, and pizza. He will down a chicken nugget and fries but doesn't care about them much. It's hard. You worry if he is getting what his body needs. But there is really nothing we can do. 

His speech therapist recently started an "I want" book with him. It's supposed to cut down his frustration in not being able to communicate. It really has helped. We have a bunch of pictures of items cut out and a strip that says I want. He chooses I want and then goes and picks the picture of the item he wants. But, it has also helped him become vocal. We aren't sure what he is saying but he is beginning to baby babble. You know that thing kids do before they start talking? 

We are nervous about Baby's Future, but are really hopeful about the direction he is going in. I hope to write about his progress more. I know there are a lot of people out there dealing with what we are. 

Thanks for reading.