
I probably won't get any conclusive answers here, but wanted to post anyway. I'm typing this on a phone so sorry for any errors.So you can look at my post history, but basically, I went out drinking before I knew I was pregnant. I would have been approximately 3 weeks, 3 days pregnant based on my last period, and 3 weeks flat based on my first dating ultrasound when I went out drinking heavily on New Year's Eve. I googled/posted around in a panic after this, but most of what I read said that I would be fine. Beyond that date, I never drank anything of significance (a sip here or there, and three ounces of champagne at a wedding when I was in my late second trimester).When my son was born, he had fairly prominent eye folds which set off alarm bells to me. I fessed up to his pediatrician who said that it is common and not to worry, and that it's very unlikely to cause issues that early on. I let it go and let time pass.Around the time my son turned 2 it became apparent everything was not fine. While he was/is a very bright child, he began to exhibit some social/sensory/Behavorial issues. He would bump into things for fun. He demonstrated some balance issues. He would hit other children, apparently without provocation and often with great force. His childcare provider encouraged me to have him evaluated, so I did.Long story short, after a number of evaluations, a common theme emerged. My son is bright, which a high average to superior iq and a superior to very superior verbal iq, average motor skills, poor social/adaptive skills. He has marked issues with social communication, especially eye contact. He is awkward and stilted socially, and exhibits poor impulse control (i.e. Hitting). He was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The psychologist who made the diagnosis said he was high functioning and that the outdated Aspergers label would apply to him. That said, his issues are severe enough that he cannot attend a regular preschool and is a special education program, where they are mainly working on his impulse regulation.Throughout this process, I've mentioned the drinking a few times, and everyone has blown me off. But I look at my son and his facial features and his behavioral issues and I question it. It's a lot to include here, but basically I worry most because his main issues are impulse control and nonverbal communication, which are also common in kids with an FASD. And things like the balance problems are common with both. And there are a number of physical features that might be caused by an unfortunate pairing of my husband and I's genetics, but might be something else (the drinking? Another teratogens nice drinking likely didn't line up with fetal face development?). And he also has an underbite, which none of his other relatives have had.I don't know what I hope to gain from exploring this; I am just entrenched in chronic guilt and want to be sure that my shame doesn't keep my son from the right kind of help. I'm moving states soon and will have another opportunity to reevaluate my kid, and I'm wondering if I should bring up the possibility again or let things be.Sorry in advance. I know some of you will judge me (I judge me too) but I'm hoping someone can give some insightful advice. Thanks. via /r/Parenting http://ift.tt/2jOLNWb
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