This is my beautiful, intelligent and artistic daughter Madeline. At 5 years old she was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, ADHD combined and Sensory Integration issues. She is in regular classes, receives OT, Speech & Social Skills training at her school. She also takes non- competitive Gymnastics classes once a week which is excellent in helping her with focus and coordination. She has intense interests in Dinosaurs & Meteorology. She loves playing online games and lately has been drawing up a storm in her sketchbooks (this is a new hobby). She would prefer not to interact with children her age, but will most of the time, and is still working on maintaining eye contact. She has an incredible memory and is an AMAZING reader! She has come a long way since her diagnosis and talks about wanting to to college to be a Scientist. She is a very sweet little girl and does not let her challenges hinder her. In many ways, her diagnosis makes her all the more special in many good ways. For parents out there dealing with a new diagnosis, I know it is hard, it is scary and it is heartbreaking. But fight hard and make sure you can get your child access to every resource possible to help them. We love our little girl, our youngest, the only girl out of 3 children, her "normal" is our "normal" and we love every amazing thing about her!

Anonymous
Atlanta, GA