Autism Files Part 2

Today has been overly emotional and draining and hopeful all at the same time. Aiden is not ADHD, nor does he have Asperger's. Aiden is autistic. He is on the higher end of the spectrum then Fletcher but he is mildly to moderately autistic. After crying to the point where my parents could barely understand me, encouraging text messages and phone calls, a few hugs, I pulled myself together and got on the ball. I found out about his diagnosis at 11am. By 2pm, I had a speech therapist lined up, have him on the waiting list for ABA therapy, let ECHO know to look for his packet so they can start his services, and have a preschool assessment set up for Thursday.
Today was also the first GATES (Gaining Autism Training Education and Support) meeting . The ladies were wonderful to Will and I as we struggle with this new twist to our life. We also get to have one of the top behaviorist in the nation work with the boys tomorrow and if all goes well, monthly. She is generously waiving her fee for us this month and going to help us get started on an at home ABA program and behavior modification. We learned a lot of new things that we will begin to incorporate into our vocabulary and adventures.
So if you have lost count that is 1 gifted child, 1 ADD child, and 2 with Autism. Hang on to your hats folks, it is going to be a bumpy ride!