Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thankful Thursday ~ William Michael

I absolutely adore that you can see the reflection of me taking his picture in his eyes. That's where every mother should be...front and center in their child's eyes.
Will loves Lightning McQueen, cars and trucks and he'll even play Barbies with his sister Grace.
Will is hilarious pretty much all of the time...he thinks he's a comedian and laughs at all of his own jokes. ;)
About 2 weeks ago I took William out to check a possible new location and I shot this series in front of these wooden doors at an old stone church out in the countryside. You can see the many facets of his personality.
Last June we had Will evaluated by an adoption attachment specialist. I was interviewed
by the therapist, she observed the 2 of us interacting together and him playing with toys over several sessions. She was also able to interview him, I was amazed what she could get out of a 3 year old. The evals and testing took about 2 months to complete. I'm relieved and so thankful that Will does NOT have reactive attachment disorder. His tests do show he has Sensory Processing Disorder and in the last few weeks his symptoms have worsened some and it's obvious to us that her diagnosis is correct. Next week he'll have a new IEP and will start OT for fine motor and his sensory issues. I'm thankful that I got the ball rolling to have him tested and we have some answers. As parents we are our children's only voices and their advocates. I'm a huge proponent of early intervention and screening of all adopted children, especially those who lived in an orphanage or foster care situation.
They are especially high risk for sensory, speech, fine and gross motor delays. We are blessed to live in a state that has outstanding schools and early childhood programs.


14 kind words:

Life with JJ, Starr and Spice said...

Good job mama!! You are an amazing advocate for your children.

I love the photos! That is a given and I want you to know that I saw your reflection in Will's eyes before I read your post ;-)

Jboo said...

Such great photos of your little guy! He looks like so much fun!

You're so right -- if we don't advocate for our kids --who will? Our state has good early programs too and we also utilized them.

Have a great day!

Janet

3 Peanuts said...

First of all I love these photos..and those doors! Secondly, I am glad you got a proper diagnosis. My oldest son (also Will) had Sensory integration issues and did speech, OT and PT. He is in middle school now and a great student and all around kiddo. I am so glad you are on the right path with all of this.

Kim

Gavin's Family said...

As always your little man is so adorable. And those doos on that church are amazing.
I will be praying for you guys as you move forward with tests and seeking out the answers you need to best help Will.

Karen said...

Oh my- what fantastic images of your precious Will! Love them all!
So glad to hear of the continuing help and progress for him!

Courtney said...

Sweet pictures. I love the location!

Colleen said...

He is just the cutest little guy!!!
These are beautiful Gail!!

Michelle R Photography said...

These are such great photos, Gail!! This is a wonderful location.

I'm so glad to hear that Will doesn't have any signs of RAD. Now that you are armed with this info, I have no doubt you will pursue all of the best avenues to give your handsome little guy the best care possible!!

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

I love these pictures of Will. You already know my feelings on SPD. I'm with ya sister {{{hug}}} Smooch that sweet face for me...

Robin said...

Beautiful pictures Gail... love the iron work on the doors & of course Will is so cute! I love his smile :) Thanks for sharing the information about the testing. That is something that I will keep in mind as we bring our baby home. I hadn't thought of that.... Thanks!

Robin

a Tonggu Momma said...

I'm so glad you posted about this! Sometimes it's very difficult to see the difference between attachment issues and sensory issues. It's wonderful that you found such an excellent therapist. And - as you know - the younger you start therapy for SPD, the better. The Tongginator is a completely different child (although still very much the same) as compared to four years ago.

A Mom- In-W8ing said...

Fantastic pictures of your little charmer!
You are a great advocate for your kiddos. Thanks for posting about this…it will be something I will be looking into in the near future, once we are home & settled with Trinity.

Smiles! :o)
Nikki

Casey said...

Such lovely photos of your beautiful boy!! I love the reflection too.. such a true sentiment.

I'm happy to hear Will is doing so well. Liam had / has a sensory integration disorder. It was part of his autism spectrum disorder and therapy has helped a TON. Can't say enough about early intervention. You'll get to a point where they can't even tell... It's a good thing they are helping him so young.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

You are such a wonderful mother in every way.....and I totally get the reflection thing.....to me it is VERY SPECIAL and I love it when I can see that:)

I am glad to hear the outcome of his testing....you are on the right road!!

Love these pictures of Will......I adore all his expressions....what a sweetie!! One day I will get to meet this little man face to face....I hope:)

Have a great night!! Slowly catching up:)

xo,

Lisa

 
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