My Answer: Is the Sky Blue?

posted by Momo Fali on March 18, 2009

This morning my six year old son had an appointment with a psychologist. He was evaluated because we are searching for a diagnosis in order for him to continue receiving an hour of one-on-one speech therapy each week. Therapy which is completely paid for by our county.

Because his report card is perfect and because extensive genetic testing didn’t turn up a particular disorder, this is our last resort. Not that I want my son to be labeled, but those therapy sessions cost $250.00 a week and are extremely beneficial. I would hate to kiss them goodbye.

We certainly can’t swing an extra bill for $1000.00 a month. Not unless we want to give up something like oh, say…food. Without a diagnosis of some sort, speech therapy will be no more.

So I was pretty thrilled when I was filling out forms for the psychologist and read the question – Does your child ever make inappropriate comments to people such as, “Your sweater is ugly” or “You’re fat”?

Because if they’re judging him based on that? I don’t have a thing to worry about.

    Comments

  • Always Home and Uncool


    Would my kids calling me a dork qualify them? Sure, it’s true, but it’s just not right.

  • Single Parent Dad


    Hell, I think I’d like judging on that basis.

  • Monica


    Is the Pope Catholic?

    I laughed out loud — just from reading your posts I know you’re in like Flynn!

  • Captain Dumbass


    Just tell him to do his best, er… worst… good luck!

  • Kat


    You definitely are a lock for a diagnosis if they want to base it on that!

  • WeaselMomma


    I’m sure the Doc has plenty of angles to work here. hehehehe

  • Mark


    Funny how what would be a negative can be a positive. Very good!

  • Jaina


    Lol. I REALLY hope that you get the diagnosis you need to get him continued therapy that is helping him so much.

  • Bean


    Seriously?? Wow! Funny how things one would not typically think to be a symptom of something – IS! I think that’s fascinating. Just like some people with ADD tend to leave drawers open, or not walk in a straight fashion … inadvertently running a mate into a light post, for example.

    You should be golden in your case!

  • Heather


    Give them your URL. That should satisfy their requirements. =)

  • Melissa


    Wow, if that’s a qualification then I think have of my daughter’s 1st grade class qualifies.

    Good luck! As the mom of an undiagnosed little one I know how difficult this process is.

  • Misty


    so his diagnosis will be that your son is a kid, eh? Interesting…

    Seriously- isn’t it amazing what we could afford if food wasn’t a necessity.

  • Miss


    *snort* can you submit blog posts with your application?

  • St


    We used our last PT appointment (until July) today, so now we have to petition the insurance company and the hospital social worker etc…
    Bleh

  • James


    And what kid doesn’t make those sorts of comments? Hopefully for you that is one in your favor. No food really would suck.

  • FrankandMary


    Based on that my entire family could get free sessions.
    I hope they come thru for you.
    ~Mary

  • OlderMusicGeek


    my shrinks have always found something to diagnose me under that satisfied my insurance. i’m sure yours can too if he really tries!

  • kaila


    The last sentence must have been a link hell, ‘cuz, damn, that little boy of yours knows how to make the most appropriate comments ever. (and I do mean appropriate) Love him!

  • Maureen


    Well, good luck, but heck, if that’s the criteria they’re looking for, heck, everyone would be eligible! Sorry for laughing at that last line!

  • Tara R.


    Fingers crossed for both of you. I know what it’s like waiting, but still hoping not so much, for a specific diagnosis.

  • Momma


    So that was my really good laugh that I needed today! Jared was right that I would find it here!!! I thought all kids said things like that as soon as they learned to form sentences? If that’s all it takes, then I know quite a few in our neighborhood who need to be in speach therapy! Here’s hoping the county continues to pay for it!

  • DysFUNctional Mom


    Oh, you are SO in there!!

  • Junk Drawer Kathy


    I love how you could cram so many linked examples in that last sentence. And I’m pretty sure you could have written a whole paragraph that way. I love your kid!

    Crosses fingers that he can keep his speech therapy.

  • Ashley


    heh. Good luck!

    And food? Who needs food?

  • Undomestic Diva


    Sweet! Then I’m signing my 4 year old for therapy DAILY for the time I asked him “Who is the *best* mommy EVER?” to which he replied, “Well, you’re the best *motherfucker* ever…”

    Huh. Bastard. At least the kid’s not a liar, right?

  • Mama Dawg


    See, you knew he was saying those things for a reason! 😉

  • The Dotterel


    How about… “you’re not old exactly, daddy – just well, elderly…” Thanks, Sally!

  • Tom


    It’s like they were following him around with a microphone. Or have been following your blog.

  • melissa


    i’m working on getting my daughter a diagnosis to get free in school learning help…
    tomorrow we go to the neurologist.
    because, like you, i can’t afford the hundreds of dollars/mo extra for tutoring without giving up things like electricity, running water and food.
    good luck hon!!

  • melissa


    and seriously…
    comments like that…
    my kids would all be riding the short bus if that was what qualified them.
    yeesh

  • the*4*of*us


    Can I just tell you that if I ever had the opportunity to meet your son, I would be a nervous wreck. Seriously!
    thanks for your comment on the cloth diapers, but it has nothing to do with saving the environment—it’s saving $$ 🙂

  • Heather


    HA HA HA HA HA.

    i hope it went well, i’m crossing my fingers!

    :]

  • the planet of janet


    well, you’ve got THAT one locked in!

  • Angie


    YES! I’m so glad your brilliant boy asks those questions. I hope you get to keep his speech therapy.

  • BabyShrink


    Yeah, I know, we have those weird questions on a bunch of forms. Goofy shrinks!

    Won’t the county continue to pay simply on the basis of his need for the speech therapy? I bet his speech pathologist can demonstrate his need for it. Or, what about his school district? Can’t they pay? His PUBLIC school district is legally obligated to provide him with the services he needs, even if he attends private school. (Although most schools will deny they have this
    responsibility)… but it’s the “squeaky wheel”, right?

    Good luck!!!

  • LiteralDan


    My son had speech therapy for awhile, so I know how huge a help it can be.

    That question bodes extremely well for you, but in case they don’t say it’s enough to warrant continuing services, I recommend you gather any materials the therapist can offer you, and prepare to walk him through all the exercises you can remember.

    Good luck!

  • Mrs4444


    That is really strange; that you would need some other diagnosis to get speech therapy. In my district, all you would need is a speech problem that interferes with communication/social interaction. I don’t understand why that need couldn’t stand alone. Sheesh!

  • meleah rebeccah


    ha ha ha ha…Yeah, I think your son has ‘inappropriate comments’ covered. And, he is sooo darn cute!

  • kristi


    LOL…my son is autistic and he just says what he sees…not good at all!