Getting a diagnosis seems like such a finite process when you first start out, doesn't it? You'll talk to some doctors, they'll run some tests, they'll interpret some results, and then -- voila! -- like a slip of paper popping out of a fortune-telling machine, you'll get the assortment of long scary words that perfectly defines your child's disability. And on your merry way!
Maybe for some problems, that's the way it goes. More often, though, getting a diagnosis is a prolonged process of what-ifs and wait-and-sees. Different doctors may find different difficulties, and be just as sure their perceptions are right. Sometimes, you just get through treating one diagnosis when another pops up; sometimes, you adjust to something only to have to adjust to something else. I'm okay with the fact that treating challenged children is not a sprint, but a marathon. But does it have to be an obstacle course, too?
I've been off the course for a while, with kids diagnosed young and making acceptable progress. The pediatric neurologist reduced our return time to every six months, then to a year, then to an "as needed" basis, and it's been nice not to need. It's pleasant to step off that specialist-go-round, find your footing, let your head clear.
But now ... now, my daughter has developed some odd symptoms that may be just normal manifestations of her heightened teenage anxiety, or may be indicators of something related to a medical history known only to her birthparents. A series of high blood pressure readings at the pediatrician's office sent us off to a pediatric cardiologist for some in-office tests and a 24-hour blood-pressure test and a long wait for results and a final clean bill of cardiac health (though of course, we have to go back in six months).
And before I could take the time to be relieved about that, she had a significant uptake in twitchy little movements that could, again, be teen nerves, or signs of a worrisome neurological event. I know I should be contacting her pediatrician, and admit to the neurologist that she's needed again. Suddenly, having nothing to worry about but school and special education battles seems like a luxury.
Whether you're new to the diagnosis chase, or coming around the track again for the third or fourth or fiftieth time, two resources just added to the "Getting a Diagnosis" section of this site may be of help:
Where do you stand with diagnoses these days? Pick a response in the poll above, and share your situation in the comments.