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Developmental Disagreements
When Other People See Something You Don't
By Shel Franco
suspicions arise, regardless of [who] is raising the suspicion, the parents should take some action immediately," he says. "They should speak with the pediatrician immediately and express the concerns that someone brought up to get the doctor's professional opinion. The parents could also begin observing the child more closely for signs of a problem existing."
If your pediatrician finds that further testing is in order, you may find yourself feeling a full range of emotions all over again. Being prepared for the testing can help you stay focused on what's best for your child. Dr. Arinoldo offers the following tips:
- Ask the professionals doing the assessments exactly what is to be done and the reasons why the specific assessment tools are being used.
- Secure a time frame within which all of the testing is to be completed.
- Know when and how the results will be given. (If there is a problem, this discussion of results should be done face-to-face and not over the telephone or by e-mail.)
- Recognize the benefit of professional counseling, therapy or support groups.
- Ignore suggested possibilities as to what the problem might be that may come from family, relatives and friends.
- Eliminate assumptions that there is something seriously wrong with the child.
Once the results are available, your emotions may ramp up again. If testing confirms the original suspicion, you may be confronted with a new round of fear and anxiety, but it could be mixed with an appreciation for knowing early and having access to the care necessary to give your child the best and brightest future possible.
