It was 2001, We were living in Phoenix Arizona and I had recently turned 21. In recent months my son had stopped eating all the foods he loved so much and he also stopped talking. He had begun making humming sounds and flapping his hands when he was excited and would constantly so repetitive motions. People kept telling me that boys usually developed slower than girls (my oldest is a girl) and that he was fine.
Months had passed and things did not progress. He began vomiting upwards of 20 times a day and sleep was sparse. I scheduled and appointment to be seen and get some answers. It was August, I had to take him to the Maricopa County Hospital to be seen. I remember sitting in the waiting room. I was so nervous. Then an hour passed and he began getting cranky and after 2 hours of waiting we were called back.
They sat us in your typical Room with an examining table and a desk with a PC. The Doctor entered the room and after speaking with her for a few moments I realized how detached from her Profession she was. She acted like bei there was below her. She asked me a series of Questions about my sons development and what recent changes he has made then left the room not closing the door behind her.
She returned to the room after about 10-15 mins and upon walking into the room she told me "I think your son is Retarded." I was shocked. "Retarded" is no longer a proper diagnosis. Who even used that term as a modern diagnosis? He went on to explain that she purposely left the door open so see if he would try and wonder out of it and he didn't. WHAT?! SERIOUSLY?! I was beyond angry. I had a few choice words for her.
I took him somewhere else and had gotten the proper diagnosis, Autism.
Tinley Park, IL