PDD-NOS

For the past couple months we have been taking Lucas to the Child Development Clinic in Salt Lake to determine what is causing his social anxiety. After several tests and evaluations he has been diagnosed with what is called PDD-NOS. So what does this mean exactly? It stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified. It is on the Autism Spectrum Disorder, but is considered High Functioning Autism. When most people hear the word "Autism" you think the worst, I know I did. It is something that is still new and not many people know about it. 

Lucas fits the typical profile for a child with Aspergers Syndrome, but because his language is a little delayed it falls under the category of PDD. We have educated ourselves, talked with other parents who have been lifesavers, but most importantly accepted it. I guess that is a main reason I have refrained from blogging in the past month. I didn't want to talk about all the fun things we were up to because at the same time we are also coping with this news. The thing I have learned is it really doesn't change anything. We still love Lucas, now more than ever, and in fact is almost helps knowing what is going on in his little head. Instead of getting frustrated that he doesn't want to always be apart of a group, we now know he does. But his little mind gets so overwhelmed and over stimulated that he can't function. 

We have a long road ahead of us, but the prognosis is bright. Because we have such amazing pediatricians who gave us the tools needed to properly diagnose him, we can start early intervention and he will be completely mainstreamed by Kindergarten. 

I have had many people ask me, "How do you do it? Cancer and now this!" or "Man, can't you catch a break?" And my response is always the same. I am grateful for these trials put in our path. It isn't always easy and sometimes I am frustrated. But as a family we are closer to our Savior and have learned to lean on him. My mom gave me this amazing book by Richard G Scott and I love this one quote. It says, 

"When facing adversity, we can be led to ask many questions. Some of them serve a useful purpose; others do not. It really does no good to ask questions that reflect opposition to the will of God. Accepting His will, even when it is not fully understood, brings great peace and, over time, understanding."

"To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal matters and their impact on us here in mortality. Yet at times we act as if we knew it all. When you pass through trials for His purposes, as you trust Him and exercise faith in Him, He will help you".