Autistic (Is he or isn't he?)

Many of you know that we have been struggling with this diagnosis since it was first presented to us when Trevor was two years old. At two he did in fact exhibit many signs of autism (independent play, poor eye contact, speech delays, etc.) However, I fought tooth and nail to avoid labeling him at such a young age. Nonetheless, his doctor, school district, Easter seals were all able to get him the services he needed at the time so for that I am grateful.
So fast forward a year and we are in California. I try to get him seen by a developmental peds doctor in Sacramento only to find out it's a nine month wait-yikes!! How does that long of a wait help with development of children when early intervention is KEY?!?!? Anyway, he saw one doctor eventually who would not even give us the time of day-really!! Trevor was getting all the services he needed at the time so I did not even bother to go back and left him unofficially diagnosed with Autism.
So here we are in Phoenix and Matt and I decided to start the whole evaluation process over again. You see Trevor does not really have many of those symptoms he had back at two so I though maybe it was time for an update. Today was that day and after a three month wait he met with a developmental peds doctor again. The diagnosis you wonder...articulation delay (ie his speech is underdeveloped)!!! What a relief! I am not discounting what it is like to have an autistic child as I know I can be very challenging. I was up for the challenge as I love my son more that words can express and would have done whatever it takes. I think as a parent one of the most terrifying things about raising children is thinking that they may not have a normal childhood or that they cannot develop into functioning members of society. I just did not want Trevor to have that battle so I am grateful for the change in diagnosis.
Our journey is far from over since there are still concerns for Trevor beyond speech. One possible answer is that he may suffer from absent seizures which explains his random "spacing out sessions". Next doctor stop-the neurologist. He still has to be evaluated for his attention issues and his speech but the doctor is confident that Trevor will be able to achieve most of what he needs through the services and school he is already receiving.
I am truly beginning to think that 4 is going to be a good year for Trevor. He is developing so quickly now that it gives me hope that he will catch up before first or second grade. He even fully potty trained himself after my two year battle (a whole other blog someday). Today is a good day in the Browning household!