Meet my daughter, who is now 12 years old. At just 16 months, she began early intervention therapy due to her challenges, which included a low tolerance for frustration and difficulties with communication. Her eye contact was minimal, and her play skills weren’t developing as expected. Experts tentatively labeled her as “Potentially on the Spectrum,” but there were uncertainties.
By age 2, we had her enrolled in occupational and physical therapy to address her poor motor planning, and we increased her speech therapy sessions to twice a week. She received the label of “Apraxia,” but the professionals felt this diagnosis was incomplete.
When she was 3 and a half, a pediatric neurologist, recommended by our doctor, diagnosed her with “Dyspraxia.” He informed us that with intensive therapy, she might one day lead a typical life.
At 4, a specialist suggested we were in denial about our daughter’s condition, asserting that she was clearly on the autism spectrum. She wanted to label her as “PDD-NOS.” I sought clarity with a definitive diagnosis, but given my daughter’s strong family bonds, I knew that this label didn’t fit her.
By the time she was almost 5, we consulted an orthopedic surgeon because years of therapy, shoe inserts, and casts hadn’t resolved her severe toe walking. He identified her condition as “Cerebral Palsy,” a fitting label, although the MRI results were inconclusive.
We opted for an aggressive treatment plan involving the elongation and reattachment of her Achilles tendons. For seven weeks, she sported a purple cast on one leg and a pink cast on the other, followed by 18 months of physical therapy to help her walk correctly, alongside occupational therapy for fine motor skills and speech therapy.
Once she could walk flat-footed, she began to focus on eye contact, engaging in conversations, and expanding her vocabulary. With reduced frustration, she displayed better self-control and required less sensory input. Over time, she phased out physical therapy (except for some home stretching), then occupational therapy, and eventually speech therapy two years ago.
Today, her labels reflect her achievements: honor student, equestrian, best friend, and most recently, an impressive cello player.
We may never know which labels from the numerous experts we consulted were truly accurate. I also question whether my actions contributed to the challenges she faced in her early years. However, I have always believed in her limitless potential, rather than viewing her existence through a lens of limitation.
I share this not to boast about my daughter (though pride does swell in me), but to resonate with parents navigating similar journeys with children who might have speech difficulties, physical limitations, or simply differ from the norm. I completely understand what you’re going through. It’s essential to let go of guilt and instead celebrate your efforts in helping your child become the best version of themselves. By loving and accepting them as they are in this moment, you’re already doing a great job.
I have no issues with labels. They can always be removed and replaced with something new.
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Summary
This article reflects on a mother’s journey with her daughter through various labels and diagnoses, emphasizing the importance of love and acceptance while navigating challenges in development. It encourages parents to embrace their child’s unique journey and highlights the transformative power of support and therapy.