Been meaning to update the site about Izabella's therapy and of cos track the milestones in case we wanna refer back to it. So hear it goes:
1. 16 Feb 2011 - Finally went to Polyclinic to get a referral.
We were at the one at SK, pretty fast I have to say, as I somehow had a bad impression of polyclinics. We told the dr that we have concerns on her development as well as her tipetoeing. After about 5-10mins of observation, we were given two appointments. One to see the orthopaedic (for her tiptoeing) and another to see the child development dr both at KK Hospital.
2. 3 Mar 2011 - First appt to the Orthopedic
Based on the snr specialist's observation and feeling of her calf muscles, he feels that it is definitely not a nerve issue. Which is good, meaning no surgery is needed. However, he had to refer us to the physio. After about half an hour with the physio, we learnt some simple exercises and stretching which we were to get her to do at home.
3. 27 Apr 2011- First appt to KKH's Department of Child Development for clinical assessment
Finally, we get to the important appointment. As we completed the child survey before coming to the appointment, I guess we didn't have to take too long. Still, we had to wait to speak to the head nurse who asked more questions before it was time to see the doctor.
We were assigned to Dr Helen, Filipino lady who seem rather friendly. She spoke to both of us before getting Izabella to perform some simple tasks. At the end of her assessment, she confirms our suspicion that Izabella is autistic. However, as we were anticipating this, we wanted to know her diagnosis on the type and severity of autism that Izabella has.
When prompted, she could only say that she believes it is moderate to severe classic autism. She says that a full psychological assessment is required for that. She then proceeds to provide us with a multitude of information on autism, the follow-up steps, workshops, therapy sessions and more that we have to attend. This includes:
1) Psychologist Assessment (have to wait 3-6 mths for appt)
2) Speech Therapy (have to wait 3-6 mths for appt)
3) Occupational Therapy (first appt only in 21st Jul)
4) PECS - Picture Exchange Communication System (workshop for parents on 10th May)
5) Early Intervention Program (EIPIC) For Next Step (workshop for parents on 23rd May)
6) Early Communicators - Caregivers Training Session (workshop for parents on 24th Jun)
It took close to another 20 mins with the nurse again to confirm these sessions and we were done for the day.
4. 27 Apr 2011 - 2nd appointment with the Physio
As we wanted to schedule this 2nd appointment on the same day so that we didn't have to take extra leave, it meant that we only could get a 6.30pm appointment. Mind you that by this time, we've already been from KKH to Little India for lunch, to Kallang for coffee with a fren who was visiting from HK and back home to Punggol.
So whilst we were on the way back to KKH for this evening appointment, the poor princess was flattened and knocked out on the way there. We let her sleep till it was time to finally go in and see the therapist. However, waking her up proved a chore.
She finally woke up cranky and was made to do some simple tasks for the physiotherapist. Crankiness plus multiple instructions = COMPLETE MELTDOWN. Izabella proceeded to scream and cry for 30 mins flat whilst we try to communicate with the therapist and updating her on the morning's diagnosis. In the end, the therapist could do little but attribute her tiptoeing to her behavioral symptoms. So we were given an open appointment and was advised that OT (Occupational Therapy) will also help in her tiptoeing.
=================================================================
5. 7 May 2011 - Initial Screening at Planet Learning Centre
After having our suspicions confirmed and learning that we had another 3-6 months before therapy, we set about searching for a private SLT (speech and language therapist) on our own. Through some research and recommendations by very supportive friends and forums online, we found Planet Learning Centre which is conveniently located in Hougang, not too far from our place as the rest.
So the week following the diagnosis, we went for an initial screening session with Lorelle Ng of Planet Learning Centre.
tbc............ am updating this as and when I can find some spare time :)
