.Labels

Labeling has become a sad epidemic in our society.  Classifying, stereotyping, sorting people into groups to reach greater numbers of people, impersonally, but efficiently. Labels can be such a strong starting point for insecurity and basis for depleting feeling of self worth.  But labels can be beneficial, and also necessary at times. To explain, let me regress.
From the time Sebastian was very small, I saw the danger and toxicity in comparing my child to anyone else's.  I made it a goal to stay away from the "one-uppers" and go with my gut.  Each child is unique, an individual being just as any other, and will grow and progress at their very own pace.  The first indication I had that an issue may be present was Sebastian's constant state of discontent.  Even as a baby, he was only content and happy for a spurt of time, then he would tire and become bored or unhappy with the current scenery, activity, environment, etc.  When he started walking, I figured the frustration would lesson, but such was not the case. So many more things to get into, and so many more opportunities to hear the word "No!".  But along came another issue.. little Sebastian is a toe-walker and has been from day One.  At about 18 months, after a few comments, the word "Autism" being thrown around, some research and lots of worry over development, we went to see the pediatrician who referred him to Physical Therapy. And there our ball starting rolling, so to speak. He started physical therapy for his toe walking, Following in Daddy's footsteps! From there the PT referred him to speech therapy for the fact he hadn't yet started talking. Shortly thereafter we started Occupational Therapy. I cannot say enough about these incredible women, how patient and kind they were and how much help they were to me. As Sebastian developed from baby to toddler, the discontent grew. It escalated into frustration, for both himself and his concerned parents. His cooing would turn to screaming in a bat of an eye. And boy, could this kid SCREAM! Let's hope those vocal chords of steel make him lots of money someday... ;) After about 10 months of therapies, research and doctors visits, we got Sebastian into our school district for testing. They decided he would be diagnosed with "A Young Child with Developmental Delay". Heart wrenching for any Mama, finding out my little guy was behind on his milestones and generally not the happy toddler we wanted him to be. As I skim through this year (2), I vividly remember some perfectly blissful days, and many more days filled with frustration for him (and us!) it just killed me. But at the end of each of these stressful days I had to remind myself that he was healthy and we were moving in the right direction.. Two things not to be overlooked. Sebastian started at the special education preschool in August of 2011. If there is anything I can stress, I owe the people at this school SO much. They were angels in our lives. Not only were they working with Sebastian daily, but doing it with amazing patience, kindness and Love. They genuinely cared for Sebastian and his development, they kept me informed of every detail and provided so much emotional support. No Mother can watch their child struggle daily without a heavy heart. I felt lost, lacking control and not sure which direction to turn. At the end of his first year of preschool we were presented with the issue that we needed to get a real diagnosis.. From a doctor. This is where the title of the post comes into place. I was perfectly happy with the care and help we were receiving but to continue to pay for therapies we needed to get alternate insurance, and for that we needed a diagnosis Sebastian was evaluated by an Autism clinic here in Springfield. (Burrell, fantastic!)  In May of this year, we got his official diagnosis.  Sebastian is on the Autism Spectrum, but has diagnosis of PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified).  Sebastian has Autistic traits but is not classified as "true Autistic" because he does not show all of the delays and "symptoms" so to speak.  I am thankful, for the simple fact we were able to get insurance for him.  What this label means to us is that we can provide more help, both in teaching our son and teaching ourselves.  The people we have come into contact in the past 2 1/2 years have been nothing but a blessing in our lives. This Label does nothing but help us.  It does not hinder us, it does not change the Love we have for our precious child, nor should it change anyones opinion of him.  He should not be held at a lower standard or felt sorry for, he should not be discriminated against or made fun of.  I am thankful for this incredible opportunity to be Sebastian's Mama, and vow myself to him, to do my absolute best. And for once in my life, I am thankful for the power of a Label.

<3
C