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Sooooo yesterday was the long-awaited doctor's appointment with the neurologist.  We had to wait for about an hour and a half but Hadleigh was so good.  We finally got into to see Dr. T and my Mom and I explained Hadleigh's behaviors and delays. 

I really liked Dr. T.  He was clear and to the point.  He said what we were describing was the symptoms of three disorders that go hand in hand:  apraxia (speech), dyspraxia (physical body) and hypotonia (weak control of your muscles).  He explained that her brain is functioning perfectly so no need for MRI or EKG.  She is missing the connector that links the brain to her muscles.  We all take this for granted.  He gave several examples like when a diver points his toes.  He can't see toes.  He is not looking at his toes but his brain and muscles work together to do it.  Hadleigh can't do that.  Another example he gave is to raise one hand above your head so you can't see it.  Make the peace sign.  If someone asked you to pose the other hand to resemble the first hand without looking with your eyes, we can do it because we feel with our muscles and tell our brain to move our other hand and we do it rather easily.  Hadleigh cannot do these things because she is missing the connector.  Dr. T said sports/activities will likely be harder for her as well as speech and writing.  She will have to work harder (with lots of repetition) to learn what her  muscles need to do.  He suggested using a mirror during speech so she could see how her lips move and she can mimic her therapist.

I am so glad we have a name to what Hadleigh is going through.  The good news is that the Dr. said with her continued therapy Hadleigh will get better and better.  She will have to learn coping mechanisms for her weaknesses but she should be able to do that over time.  I am also happy we have this information when she one day will be getting ready for kindergarten and beyond. 

 

Love this girl!!!