Question 3

What exactly happened at Illinois Masonic?


We were led into a small room and introduced to a Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, and Developmental Therapist. There was a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician behind a mirror.
The Psychologist asked us 324756 questions while the others "played" with, and observed Macie. It was overwhelming for us so we can't imagine what Macie was feeling. Two of them were up in her face trying to get her to do things, and one of them was lifting Macie off the ground by her armpits and slamming her feet on the ground. I pretty much wanted to beat all their asses, scoop up Macie, and run out the door. Instead, I kept telling myself that this is what they do.....they know what they're doing. At one point the DT asked us if Macie pointed out body parts like her "nose". We answered no, and looked over at Macie who was pointing out her nose. She also put puzzles together which she will rarely do for us.
Anyway....they spent about 45 minutes with her, and then left the room. They met for about 20ish minutes and came back to talk to us. During the time they were gone a man came in the room. He didn't introduce himself, and he was carrying wooden train tracks and a Thomas the Train. He sat down at the little table across from myself and Macie. He turned to us and said "so....you came all the way from Bourbonais!" Um....NO, and who the heck are you? As he's talking, he's spitting all over me. Phil mentioned that the look on my face was priceless....I can only imagine! I'll be honest, at first I thought he was an Autistic adult that just happened to wander into the room we were in. We finally figured out that he was the Pediatrician behind the mirror/glass. He was a very nice man, and I am sure he is very intelligent, but his approach really sucks. He chased us down the street when we left to give us some information on Autism, and some local programs, etc. He was very helpful....eventually.
Based on their observations, she falls on the spectrum.

Here are some of their "findings":
Development: Non-verbal cognitive is estimated at an 18-19 month level
Expressive and receptive language are at 9-12 months
Gross motor development at 20 months
Fine motor at 22 months

Descriptive summary:
I won't type the whole thing, it's long.
"Macie is an adorable girl who presents with a difficult temperament with negativity often predominating. She presented today with patterns of communicating and behaving that are consistent with a diagnosis of Autism. Macie demonstrates delayed and atypical communication."
That is just the first few sentences. It still hurts to read it. I take it personally. Words like "difficult temperament, negativity, easily frustrated, avoidant, etc.", they really hurt my heart.
How can a parent not take those words personally to an extent.

We will be getting a more detailed summary some time soon.