The Report has arrived

We went to Mass on Christmas Eve and arrived home to find a FedEx box with the report from Yale on the doorstep. What a Christmas present.

It's 14 pages, some of it regurgitation of information we provided for them, but in a report form. The other describes the results of the evaluation which consisted of the following procedures: Mullen Scales of Early Learning, The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Expanded Edition, and The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Module 1 (ADOS-G).

Zach's motor skills and language skills are significantly delayed. According to the Mullen Procedure, his motor skills are operating at around a 20-month old level (Zach is 27 months) but may appear more delayed than his ability. Zach does not imitate much, thus he didn't attempt several of the tasks presented to him. The Vineland procedure indicated less of a delay, having Zach operating at a 23-month old. I feel that these areas will eventually flourish for him.

Zach's language skills area another story. According to the Mullen Procedure, his receptive language (what he understands of what is spoken to him) is operating at around an 8-month old level. His expressive, slightly better, at 15-months. The Vineland procedure indicated more of a delay, with his receptive once again at an 8-month level, and his expressive language at a 9-month level.

Zach's social behavioral asesesment, using the ADOS-G, seemed to emphasize some of his issues such as lack of eye contact, and of course language. But it also showed some very positive traits that Zach has - namely that he can be redirected and engaged. The report said that his performance during this part of the evaluation indicated that "Zach is ready to learn language and basic rules of social communicative exchanges...". My favorite part of the report is, of course, the description of my beautiful son as a"delightful little boy". And he is! What a blessing that is, and I appreciate it every day I have it, especially after reading stories of those with ASD children who display violent behaviors to others, and themselves.

The other notable in the report, is his tensing of his arms. This tensing usually consists of Zach stretching out of his arms, fanning his fingers, and shuddering. Sometimes a facial tensing also occurs. These behaviors do not appear linked to any particular activity, sometimes they occur with no obivious outside stressors. This is why we will be seeing a neurologist in a few weeks.

The recommendations are basically an intervention program for a child with an ASD - as opposed to a child with some basic delays. This includes speech language therapy (SLT), occupational therapy (OT), educational therapy, adaptive skills training, and social skills training with typical peers. 15-20 hours overall.

The report also listed resources, 13 to be exact to be used by those working with Zach. We currently have a few of them. I will likely list these at some point for others to puruse.

So there you have it. The report is here. We have something official, we are no longer neurotic parents, we have a path to follown and more importantly, we have a path we that those professionals who can help us make a difference can go down. Right now I am saying a prayer that it will lead us to the land of independence and happiness.