Disorder of Childhood ... in response to a question

Benji was diagnosed with Disorder of Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence NOS nearly two years ago. Essentially what the diagnosis says is that the child is not developing typically and there is a suspicion of a disorder in place. Having the diagnosis of Disorder of Childhood NOS gives the developmental pediatrician room to do more testing and more observation. Many childhood disorders can not be correctly diagnosed until the onset of adolescence.

313.9 Disorder of Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence Not Otherwise Specified

This category is a residual category for disorders with onset in infancy, childhood, or adolescence that do not meet criteria for any specific disorder in the Classification. (taken from www.dsm5.org)

In Benji's case, at the time of diagnosis he had speech apraxia, mild hypotonia, and sensory integration disorder. To be on the conservative side, doctors are waiting to see what age and therapy takes care of for him. It is fully possible that the speech, tone and sensory issues are all related to his heart surgery that was required to repair his aorta. It is also fully possible that the onset was coincidental. Benji does have difficulty in social situations. He is also very focused on things of interest and distracted when it comes to lack of interest.

To be honest, we are praying that Benji is cured of all of the issues and not have any diagnosis. Until that time however, we will be working with his doctors to determine what it is that is going on. One of the hypothesis that is in contention is that Benji has a form of Asperger's Syndrome. This may or may not be the case.