Parenting
August 12, 2017
Meet my daughter, who is now 12. At just 16 months old, she began early intervention therapy due to her struggles with frustration and communication. Experts noted her limited eye contact and delayed play skills, labeling her as “Potentially on the Spectrum,” although they were uncertain.
By age 2, she was receiving occupational and physical therapy for her motor challenges. Her speech therapy sessions doubled to twice a week, and she was identified with “Apraxia,” though the diagnosis felt incomplete.
When she turned 3 and a half, a pediatric neurologist, recommended by our family doctor, assigned her the label of “Dyspraxia.” He mentioned that with intensive therapy, she might eventually lead a typical life.
At 4, however, we faced a tough conversation with an expert who insisted we were in denial about our daughter’s condition, suggesting she was clearly on the autistic spectrum and proposed the label “PDD-NOS.” While I sought a diagnosis, I recognized that her deep connections with her family indicated otherwise.
As she approached 5, we consulted an orthopedic surgeon after conventional treatments failed to address her severe toe walking. He diagnosed her with “Cerebral Palsy,” a label that fit, yet was inconclusive based on MRI results. We opted for a significant treatment involving the elongation of her Achilles tendons, resulting in her wearing a purple cast on one leg and a pink one on the other for seven weeks. She then underwent 18 months of physical therapy to relearn how to walk, alongside ongoing occupational and speech therapy.
With her newfound ability to walk correctly, my daughter could focus on eye contact, conversations, and vocabulary expansion. This shift decreased her frustration, improved her self-control, and minimized her sensory needs. Gradually, she phased out physical therapy, followed by occupational therapy, and finally, she stopped speech therapy two years ago.
Today, her labels are far more positive: honor student, equestrian, best friend, and an amazing cello player, as showcased last night.
While I may never fully understand which labels from the numerous specialists we consulted were accurate, I have always believed in her limitless potential rather than any limitations.
I share our journey not to boast about my daughter—though my pride is immense—but to reach out to the many parents navigating similar challenges with children who may face speech delays, physical limitations, or simply be a little different. I genuinely empathize with your feelings and want you to release that guilt. Instead, focus on celebrating the efforts you make to support your child in becoming their best self, starting with loving and accepting them for who they are right now.
Labels? I don’t mind them at all. They can always be removed and replaced with something brighter.
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In summary, my experience with my daughter’s early diagnoses and therapy has taught me the importance of embracing labels as part of a journey. They can change and evolve, much like our understanding of our children’s capabilities and strengths.