Free Menopause to Matrimony (Fortytude Series Book 2) by Shelly Hickman Page A

forward to take the slip of paper from the doctor, he holds onto it a moment longer until she looks him in the face.
    “It seems you’re already convinced this is her diagnosis,” he says. “We don’t know that yet. There could be any number of things going on here, but as I said, it’s just too soon to tell.”
    She nods and he releases the paper to her. “Should I not let her use the iPad anymore?” she whispers.
    “I can’t answer that. Even if this is autism, it can present in so many different ways, depending on the child. That’s one of the reasons it’s hard to identify. For now, my suggestion would be to try to involve her in activities that force her to interact with others, especially others close to her age.” He places a comforting hand on her shoulder and gives her a little pat.
    “Does it matter what kind?” Carly runs a hand through her hair. “I mean, should we involve her in something related to music? Or would that make things worse? Should we stay away from it?”
    “I think music would be fine. I just don’t know what’s available to a child her age. You’ll have to do some digging. When my kids were little, most programs were for those three and over, but one of those organizations may be able to help you with that.” The doctor types his final notes on the laptop, then continues in a soothing tone. “Even just focusing on improving her interactions with the family would be a good start. Take the time to make her look at you when she talks to you, and when you talk to her.”
    I reach over to lightly caress the baby soft skin of Claire’s arm, and all I can think about are the social difficulties that may lie ahead of her. There’s a heaviness in my heart. “Her use of that thing”—I motion my head toward the tablet—“should probably be limited, though. Right?”
    With a tight smile, he closes his eyes. “Even if there were no other concerns, it would probably be a good idea. Just take things slow.”

 
    TWELVE
     
    After the appointment, Carly and I really don’t have an opportunity to talk, without Claire, about this difficult news, and the first thing I do when returning to my office is go onto my computer to learn more about Asperger’s Syndrome. Even though Dr. Barker said the term has been officially dropped, I figure this will be the best way to find additional information about the behavior Claire has been exhibiting.
    What does this mean for Claire? For Carly and Jason? Visions of a normal, happy life for my daughter and her family rapidly slip away as my fears get the best of me.
    As I read through various websites, Dr. Barker’s statement about autism being tricky to diagnose is repeatedly confirmed, and there’s no denying Claire shows many of the signs. There’s so much information, it’s hard to know where to begin. I Google “Asperger’s in toddlers” to see if I can find anything about early interventions, and stumble upon a site that shares articles written by parents and those affected with the disorder themselves. A post on the subject of eye contact, written by someone on the autism spectrum, draws my attention because of the doctor’s earlier recommendation.
    He explains how he doesn’t understand eye contact, that it’s a foreign concept to him, and likens it to looking into flashing headlights. Though on an intellectual level he recognizes the societal importance of communication through the eyes, it’s a great source of stress to someone like him, and he doesn’t agree with forcing autistic children to engage in it. Never knowing what his eyes may be conveying to others, the experience is nothing but torture for him.
    I pause to sip my coffee and wonder if Claire faces similar anxiety when she looks into someone’s eyes. It’s true, rarely does she do it, and it worries me that she may already be suffering in silence, not being able to express her discomfort. And now I’m just confused. Should we make her do this or not? Everything