Landon, Oh My Landon.....

It's been a while since I have given you all an update on my precious baby boy. Let me begin by saying nasty or rude comments will not be tolerated.

Landon has received a new diagnosis. Landon has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome (AS), on the autism spectrum.

We have known for a little bit now but we were hesitant to share. Matt and I needed to talk to the doctors more, research more, figure out some stuff here at home. We needed to tell Emma. Landon and Chase do not know. It has been recommended not to tell Landon until he is a little older and can fully comprehend what we are telling him. Since Chase is younger we just decided not to tell him yet either.

Landon has had many of the symptoms of AS for quite awhile. We just never put two and two together. Landon has quite a few major traits and many many many small traits. Landon was misdiagnosed and that is very common with children his age. Typically children over the age of 5 are diagnosed as ADHD along with other behavioral issues.

Link to some facts about Asperger's Syndrome

Landon has been having major issues since starting school. It got really bad in 1st grade. We have been in the process of trying to get him help since March of 2013. He has been on a few different medications and he was/is in therapy at least once a week, sometimes more.

We have seen minimal changes. It was very frustrating. It was really wearing on my family.

With the doctors help we found an awesome checklist (found here). Matt and I were able to check off almost 85% of this. We also added a few more thing (found on other checklists).

We are seeing new things almost daily the confirm the diagnosis. So much it would take me a week to write all the things.

We are making some progress with him. We have also hit many road blocks. We have some really terrific people in our lives that are helping us figure it all out.

So I am asking you, my friends and family. When Landon is rude or asking 1000 questions or being a stickler to rules, please try and be patient. Landon only sees things in black and white. There is no middle ground. If something is in writing he will stick to it 100%. Please do not promise him things if you cannot do what is said. If he has meltdown it is most likely one of two reasons, 1. he is over stimulated 2. someone he is around did not follow the rules. And if someone does not follow the rules he lets them know. Landon can be very rude at times. He does not know he is doing this. There is no filter for his mouth. He will say what is on his mind with no regard to his surroundings. Also if you are perhaps wrong about something he will not hesitate to correct you. Landon has an incredible memory for what is said and written. (It's actually kind of creepy). Ugh, I could go on and on about his different issues.

Just please be patient with my baby boy. He is a work in progress. He does not see the world as you and I see it. I know first hand how hard it can be to deal with him. Somedays I literally just sit in my room and cry. Sometimes I yell. Sometimes I am patient. This is just so hard. No magic pill to make him better. Nothing.

I am not asking for sympathy. I am asking for empathy. And patience.

Love you all!