pediatric genetics dr visit: Yangyang 2 yr 2 mo

This afternoon we went to see doctor at Pediatric Genetics.

We had to wake Yangyang up early from his nap. He was happy to be in the car. When we arrived at the department, he was excited to see "Nemo" in the fish tank. We didn't wait long. Soon after checking his weight and height, a elderly doctor came in.

Dr. Cederbaum is very pleasant. He chatted with me for a long time, and we talked about various aspects of our family history. Together with another younger associate, they observe Yangyang during the conversation. He then told me that he thought Yangyang was fine, and showed no sign of autism. He said in our case we were victim of the current culture--labeling many behaviors as autistic. He knew our neurologist PSH, and said she was very bright and one of the best neurologist, who was trained in the same hospital (he is a professor of Pediatrics, Psychiatry and Human Genetics at UCLA). He was afraid that in Yangyang's case Dr. PSH had probably made a mistake. Yangyang's problem, if any, was more likely due to the brain damage(???) that showed in the MRI report, but not genetic. He would talk to the neurologist in the next couple of days and see if she still wanted to do a genetic test (blood test). Then he said that he was not a neurologist...

He performed similar tests on Yangyang--measuring his head circumference which was 50%, checking his reflexes, watching him run. He noticed Yangyang's left-right asymmetry, and attributed it to the brain problem.

He commented on the flexibility of the brain, saying that at a young age, the brain can learn to compensate and correct for many problems. He thought that Yangyang had learned well to use the weaker side. He agreed that we should get a second MRI this summer, but didn't think a third one would be necessary if the second one showed no change.

I'm glad to have a "second" opinion about Yangyang. I trust Dr. C's experience and I hope he is right. It would be a great relief to know that Yangyang is not autistic, not even "mildly". But I suppose that nobody can know these things for sure.

I feel I have done everything I can to understand and help Yangyang in his early development.