Travel'n Down to Nashville

After much hemming, hawing, a-strumming on the banjo and blowing into a jug, we've made a decision. We are a travel'n down to Nashville to see Dr Stephen Camarata of Vanderbelt University and his colleague (and probably more??? Just guessing.... the name and all), Dr Mary Camarata.

Dr Camarata is a nationally known expert in language disorders, including autistic disorders, mixed expressive and receptive language disorders, articulation issues, and other related developmental disorders. His resume is impressive, including:

• Over 30 peer-reviewed publications related to language disorders, development, and comparable issues;
• Director of Research in Communication disorders at John F Kennedy Center for Research in Human Development at Vanderbelt University
• Research evaluator/participant for the National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review
• Director of the Foundation for Late Talking Children

He knows his sh*t.

Recently, Dr Camarata was interviewed on CNN.

About 6 months ago I joined the Natural Late Talkers online support group to learn a little more about this "late talking" issue and to get a different perspective on what might be going on with the J-man. This group is made up largely of parents whose kids do not fit the DSM IV Autism diagnostic criteria, but yet struggle to get educators and professionals to think of their children in any other way. This is a smart group of people, who know the DSM IV very well, and are well informed about what is and is not autism. They don't want an "easier" diagnosis .... they want the right diagnosis. And the right treatment for their very unusual children.

And we fit with them.... their willingness to question, their desire for the right answer... whatever that answer may be.

A large number of these parents have consulted with the Camaratas because of their expertise in the complexities of severe language issues. They are, in many respects, the expert's experts. So we contacted the Camaratas and made an appointment to see them in July for a full evaluation. I don't know what they will say, but I guess I trust that whatever they do say will be right, be true, be accurate.

I just feel it in my gut.

So, here's to answers: good, bad or ugly.

I just wish I liked country music.