There is Nothing “Wrong” With My Child

Right now, my husband and I are in an “in between” state with lots of questions about our 4 year old son. It’s the kind of state where I’ve lost sleep and driven myself crazy by going deeper and deeper on the internet trying to become more informed. It’s the kind of state that has made me question if I’ve done something wrong as a parent, not provided something for our child that he needed. 

Our son started a PreK class this year with a known speech delay. Last year, we couldn’t go to unfamiliar, crowded, or loud places. He would become inconsolable or frightened or cover his ears with his hands. After working with a speech therapist and attending a speech immersion class for a semester he made massive progress. His pediatrician felt that we would not have seen so much advancement so quickly if he had an underlying diagnosis. She felt that he has an anxious personality and with time and us continuing to work with him, he would catch up and be fine. 

He started PreK strong but over time the bigger class and not clicking with the teacher has started to become overwhelming for him. The school wants to do some more evaluations to see if he may need more help or if there is something else going on. They went ahead and told us to be prepared for “autism” to come up so we won’t be shocked if it does. And that’s where we are now.

All I want is to help him succeed.

We are going to go through with the evaluations the school is suggesting. I don’t care if he has an additional diagnosis besides a speech delay or not. I am willing to hear any information that may help us to help him have more successful school and life experiences.  At the same time, I appreciate his doctor’s willingness not to rush into a diagnosis.

What did I do or not do?

Did I cause his speech delay? Was there something more I could have done when he was younger? Do we need to just give him more time? Is there another factor at play? I’ve asked myself these questions a million times.

I’ve even been down a slippery slope after watching too many Netflix documentaries wondering if it was the fluoride in tap water I drank or BPA in plastic I’ve used. I hope it isn’t my fault, but I have tried and will continue to try to do my best for my son

Nothing is wrong with my child.

We live in a day and age where we get easily offended, I know. I have had a few people tell me they do think there is something else “wrong” with my child. I am going to continue to try to keep the mama bear inside me tame when I hear this. Instead of following through on my initial instinct I will try to be one of those graceful people who offers teaching moments.

We have read his favorite books to him so often, even when he was a baby, that the binding on them has cracked. Once at church, where he has the hardest time, someone accused me of holding him too much. But if I didn’t he would become unmanageable, and we wouldn’t be able to be there at all. I’m all for the village mentality, but man, people can be bold.  Some people have said we didn’t MAKE him talk. But since having our second child who is a chatterbox and knowing we didn’t do anything different, I think maybe kids are just born different. 

Just because my son does not talk as much as his peers does not mean he doesn’t understand everything going on around him. He has unique perspectives and answers. It just may take him a little longer to share. He walks into school every day by himself, fist bumps the PE teacher on the way to class, and smiles at everyone. He took the candy from his stocking at Christmas and wrapped it up to give his best friend as a gift. He takes up for  his little sister when she is in trouble.

Whether he has a speech delay or these evaluations suggest something additional, there is nothing wrong with my son because he doesn’t fit into someone else’s idea of what “right” is. He is thoughtful, smart, and kind.

There is nothing wrong with that. 

Previous articleI’m the Mom that Keeps ALL the Things
Next articleBe Above the Bashing
Oklahoma City Mom
Oklahoma City Mom is the go-to parenting resource for parents navigating life in the Metro. We love to explore OKC with kids and provide practical information and helpful resources as well as connecting moms to our local community and each other.

7 COMMENTS

  1. Thanks for this. I’m at the same point of evaluations with my 4 year old. And church is the hardest place for him, too. Carry on, brave mama!

  2. Would rather say “marching to the beat of his own drum!!”surely not diagnosing – every child is different and at their own pace but any mention of sensory integration dysfunction? Delayed speech, difficulty enjoying crowded ,noisy environment ( commonly covering ears) ,playing “near, but not necessaily ” with” the other children, uncomfortable with tags in clothing,seams on socks…..the list goes on and on. Just some info for thought . A great book to consider – ” The Out of Sync Child” if interested in seeing if this describes some of your child’s characteristics .and you are RIGHT – there is nothing WRONG with your little guy – there is no perfect Mold …. But anything that will help him to be more comfortable among his peers is a positive for sure . Best of luck to you!

  3. My sister who is now a lawyer, didn’t talk until 4. She didn’t have sound issues (my older child did/does), but she did have tactile defensiveness which made clothing hard for her.

    Everyone is different and your son may even be on the scale, but that won’t proclude his success! He may even turn out to be academically gifted like my sister and my daughter.

    My second is 18 months and not talking so I feel frustrated. Appreciate the reminder that he’s ok. Yes I’ll get him tested but it’s not bad if he needs help or waits to talk.

  4. Sometimes others see us struggling, and they think that just because their child didn’t struggle with something, that their way is the “right way”. I really think most of the time they are trying to help, but it can take my all not to tell somebody to mind their own business when it feels like they are criticizing me and my parenting skills. There is nothing wrong with your son, even if he might have a “disorder” of some sort; you are most definitely correct to say that to somebody. Try to stay happy, even when things aren’t exactly what you or others were expecting. I’m confident that you are an amazing mother!

  5. Oh my goodness, the more kids I have, the less I know about… anything. Thank you for being a wonderful mom to your son. Keep fighting.

  6. the doctor referred my son to developmental pediatric doctor. I know that there is nothing wrong with my boy. he was just frightened about the doctor office. every other time he acts perfectly and is a typical three year old. These jerks jump to conclusions about every little thing these days and try to place labels where they are not needed (or welcome btw ). This crap about fitting into a mold of “normality” is screwing everyone up. Great post (: your son will be a great man someday.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here