Developmental Delay - Chicago,IL

L.,

We have a very similar situation with our daughter Julia who is currently 20 months old. She was born IUGR (she only weighed 4lbs/7oz)and has microcephaly (a small head). She has similar delays as your daughter. Julia also has all the various therapies. We have gone to numerous specialists, had a MRI done, had blood tests done, etc. and noone has been able to explain why this occurred as well as what we can expect from Julia in the future. It is very frustrating for us since we are the ultimate planners and this is something we can't really plan for well. All I can say is the most important thing to focus on is the therapies. It is something concrete you can focus on with your daughter. I have heard many stories from parents that starting early with the therapies really helped their children.
Believe me I know how frustrating all of this is but focusing on concrete things I can do for my daughter has helped us (a little bit).
All the best to you.

V.

Hi L.,
I am not a mom with a child who is develepmentally delayed - but I am a teacher with a degree in early childhood special education and have met many moms who voice your frustration. In my experience it is entirely normal to feel the way you do. Even as a mom of a typical child, I want the best for my child and compare him with other children who develop at a different pace. It sounds like you are on a good path and that you are working with people who are helping your child reach her potential. It sounds like they believe in her, which is so important. It may not be my place to say this, and I do not think that the path ahead of you is easy but try to enjoy each of your children for what they are doing now. Hang in there. It sounds to me like you are doing the best you can for her.
Take care,
A.

Sorry for the length of time to respond. I have a very good friend who has an almost identical problem (twins with one with developmental delays who may be a little younger than yours). If you're still looking for advice, she would be a great resource as she has taken advantage of all the free therapy offered in ILlinois as well as gone to a zillion doctors. Please email me at ____@____.com with your phone number if you're interested, and I will talk to my friend tonight to see if she minds me giving out her phone number. Good luck!

Feel blessed that your girls are healthy. My nephew was diagnosed with slight autism and after my sister-in-law gave up pushing and pushing him to be "normal", he went to various types of therapy, she spent QT with him and now he is the picture of "normalcy"...no issues whatsoever. Don't stress, as long as she is healthy, the rest will fall into place with love, patience and attention.