"I'm 95-percent sure it's a delay..."

"...But we're not out of the woods yet." - Developmental Specialist at Children's

Roman, enjoying one of his Christmas presents, and saying "Cheese" to take this picture.

I'm listening...

So, there is was. The expert analysis/decision which could affect my son for the rest of his life. And when I tell you my heart leapt at what that specialist said to me and my husband in that tiny little room, with my two-year-old yelling, playing, laughing, and yes... pooping (ugh), I couldn't help but have tears in my eyes.

All of my suspicions, confirmed. All of my fears, washed away.

After meeting with myself, my husband, and our son Roman, watching the evaluation we did more than a month ago, he confirmed what my gut told me all along. We suspect what's happening is simply a developmental delay due to the isolation from the pandemic. Or so, that's what we think at this time.

"But we're not out of the woods yet..."

What does that mean?

The specialist told us he's 95-percent sure it's a delay, and starting preschool in February at 3-years-old, would help him immensely, or so that's what his gut tells him.

However, while he's not inclined to say Roman is on the Autism Spectrum, he is concerned there may be a cognitive issue. While there's concern, it's not a big concern.

The Next Steps.

Next on the agenda, an evaluation at his potential preschool in January, to get him on an IEP for a speech delay.

Then, starting preschool end of February or beginning of March.

After that, working with teachers to make sure he's getting the extra help he needs, which may include extra speech therapy sessions outside of school.

And finally, meeting with the specialist again in June, to make sure he's progressing. And if he is, then we may not have to meet with him again.

So, for now, we get to work. We work every day until we catch him up, and make sure he gets all the help he needs. And we work, and we work, and we work.

Connect with me!

Please, feel free to reach out to me on social or email. I would love to hear your stories, share your stories on this platform, but also do the research and ask experts what we can do to give our kids the best future possible.