Memories of... when I started connecting to support

Hello (^^

Today, I am writing down my memories of the early days when my eldest son, T, was two and a half years old and we were beginning to connect with support and diagnosis. This was from early spring 2003 onwards.

Following the flow of the previous article, I was introduced to a "salon for parents and children with developmental concerns" that met once a month, and I decided to participate right away.

The salon, held in a room within the local health center, was attended by over ten pairs of parents and children. Multiple staff members, including public health nurses and childcare workers, watched over the parents and children attentively and interacted with us kindly.

With a relaxed schedule, we experienced a kindergarten-like flow in a small group, including parent-child recreation using our bodies, finger plays, snack time, singing together, listening to stories, and calling out names to see if the children would respond.

The multiple staff members observed the situation carefully and continued to interact with each child gently and without judgment, according to their individual needs.

During this time, T's behavior stood out clearly; he was so out of sync that he couldn't wait, didn't turn around when his name was called, and was hyper-focused on his own interests.

I was in shock from seeing the reality before my eyes, and it took me time to accept it.

At the end of that first two-hour experience at the "salon for parents and children with developmental concerns," the staff approached me individually.

They offered an introduction, saying, "If you'd like, there is a more specialized weekly developmental support salon at the city's child guidance center... how would you feel about participating in that, as a mother?" Perhaps at this point, they also explained that "a diagnosis is necessary to use the service." (I'm sorry, I don't remember clearly 💦)

At the time, I didn't understand the word "developmental support", so I'm sure they explained it to me in simpler terms.

※ Developmental support is an initiative to promote the development of children with disabilities and support them so they can live independently.

Right then and there, I agreed immediately, saying, "If it will help my eldest son, I'll do anything!" and I accepted the referral process as it was.

From this time on, my involvement with the Child Guidance Center began.

On the designated date and time, I went to the Child Guidance Center. It was an initial screening interview by a psychologist to determine if it was truly necessary, along with an explanation of the prerequisites and procedures for using the weekly "developmental support salon."

They conducted an interview with me about my eldest son T's growth from birth to the present and the difficulties I was having with parenting, while also observing T's way of playing and his behavior right in front of them, and recording in detail how he reacted when they interacted with him.

After spending some time together, the psychologist in charge prefaced their remarks by saying, "I am not a doctor, so I am not in a position to make a diagnosis... but you are also troubled and wish to know the future outlook, correct?" After I nodded, they continued...

"At the current stage of this simple screening, there are signs of autism. From my perspective, I believe you can use the weekly developmental support salon. Mother, children do grow. Even with autism, there are many people who grow up to be adults and work. Let's do our best to raise him together," they said, continuing with words of empathy and encouragement, gently and warmly.

"A definitive diagnosis requires a doctor's examination. Let's check the doctor's availability and book the earliest possible appointment... The new fiscal year's developmental support salon starts in April, so T can start in April. For the procedures..."

Even though I had somewhat expected it... the shock after the word "autism" was mentioned was still very great... I was just barely able to accept it vaguely, and that was all I could manage that day. I don't remember at all what I did or how I got home.

There are a little over three months left until April...

*The disability name is written exactly as I was told at the time. Although the diagnosis is different now, it felt like the diagnosis would change depending on which symptoms were most prominent. In recent years, it is becoming unified as "Autism Spectrum Disorder."

*I was very shocked at the time, but looking back now, this was a turning point. There are many twists and turns after this, but please rest assured that I will meet kind people, receive a lot of support, and overcome things little by little. (^^

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