Who Knows?

Today was Jared's final evaluation with the county school district.  Ray actually took him today, as I am home with an upper respiratory infection and an ear infection. I had forgotten to tell Ray that the evaluator is not familiar with APD. So, unknowingly, Ray asked her, "Are we on the right path? APD?" and she said the he's testing pretty normal, within her parameters. When he came home, I told him that I had discussed it with her the last time and she told me she doesn't have much knowledge on that disorder. Ray asked me a great question: "Then why are we getting him tested through the county?"

Well, I have a number of reasons. First of all, we started the evaluations before I had even heard of auditory processing disorder. Secondly, what will it hurt? I'd like to know where my child needs help and if there is free help (our taxes pay for the school, even though he doesn't attend it), why not take advantage?  Thirdly, I know his speech is not as clear as most children his age and if she recommends speech therapy, through the school, will it hurt? I don't think it will right now, but I may get another opinion once we talk with a doctor who can diagnose him. We'll hopefully know more about that in the coming weeks.

Next week, the county evaluator will be calling me with the final, formal evaluation/recommendations. I still have a copy of the formal evaluation from when he was 3 and everything showed "normal". Even if this specific evaluator doesn't lead us to APD, she can give us a glimpse into who he is and how he thinks. If he is listed "normal" again, by county standards, then I'm really glad that Jared is going to a school who's new administrator is an APD specialist. What a blessing! We know that things are not "normal", but maybe it's a sign that his APD isn't as advanced and the therapy can help him tremendously because we started early. Who knows?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6