Before Dom turned 5 we wanted to get a second opinion on his Aspergers Syndrome diagnosis. We found out about Dr. Judith Lucas through internet research. She works for Albany Med at the Behavioral Pediatrics location on Clara Barton Road, if anyone is interested.
We had been to a dev ped before, and did not have the best experience, not with the diagnosis but with the bed side manner. Dom did not like the doctor and we wanted to find someone who could interact with him and actually see who Dom truly is at his best. From start to finish, it took us 6 months to see the doctor. Within those 6 month we had a parent-only meeting to discuss Dominic's needs, behaviors and concerns.
At the appointment, we were amazed by how welcoming her office was. Age appropriate toys, a writing station and comfortable couches, this is key for me! ha ha We didnt have to wait long till the doctor came in and she spent one whole hour with us talking all about Dom, observing him, having conversations with him and playing, it was very relaxing. She answered all of our questions and even discussed the biological background of Aspergers and how she sees him doing in Kindergarten next year and beyond.
Dr. Lucas said that she does agree with the Aspergers diagnosis as well as she sees him being a bit hyperlexic. This is the opposite of dyslexic, kind of. She sees Dom having an IQ of at least 120 and along with his reading skills and memory and retention, he does go along with that diagnosis as well. While Dom has getting older everyone would say oh he is such a smart little boy and i thought people were just saying that to be nice, but i guess he is extremely smart, and where he got this superbrain i will never know! Not from me, that is for sure. I looked up hyperlexia yesterday and some kids at age 5 are reading harry potter books! Dom is no way like that, he is only on step 1 books and dr. seuss, we will have to wait and see what Kindergarten brings next year.
Well all in all, our appt went very well and she wants to see us in September and also told us to look into the group CARD since they have events and speaking events that we might be interested in.
