DAC Appointment

Weight: 23.2 lbs, less than 5th percentile
Length: 31.5 inches, less than 5th percentile

Thursday Justin had an appointment with the DAC (Developmental Assessment Clinic) which is run by the neonatologists at the hospital where he was born. They were responsible for all of his medications, oxygen, nebulizer treatments, etc. so needless to say he had frequent visits after he was discharged from the NICU. They also monitor his developmental progress, thus the name, lol.

But I was pretty nervous about this appointment. Even though I think J has made great strides (all things considered) and seems to be on track developmentally I was worried about what the Dr's would say. Sure I can tell them all the things he's doing, but of course there are some things I may forget. And it's hard to get a full picture of where a child is developmentally just from an hour long appointment. And obviously there's the issue of his size and weight gain.

The occupational therapist evaluated Justin first and J did great. He stacked blocks upon request and then had a ball putting various sized pegs in the right holes. When the OT put it away he walked over to the OT's bag and pulled it back out. He was able to put shapes in the proper spots and called out each shape as he did it, except for triangle which he can't say. He got upset when the OT switched sides and sizes on him to see if he could put smaller shapes in the correct spots. Of course we all know how much J loves balls so when the OT brought one out he smiled and ran towards him yelling ball.

Then Dr. E and Elaine, one of the nurse practitioner's, came in and examined J. We discussed the OT's assessment. Overall J's doing pretty well, he's excelling in some areas but is behind in others (i.e. does not throw or kick balls, use 2 or 3 words together or ask for items by name). Since he still sees a Special Education teacher through the Early On Program they weren't concerned about his gross motor skills and cognitive learning. But they'd like him to get a speech evaluation, so I scheduled an appointment for the 1st week in December.

Diet wise Dr. E was happy. He asked about his activity/energy level and when I told him how active J is he said that's a good sign because kids who aren't getting what they need nutritionally would be lethargic and non-responsive. And although J is small for his age I FINALLY got someone to say "yes, he's small, but now we look to genetics". That being said we have a GI appointment Friday so we'll see what she says, but it should be good. J's eating has improved tremendously and he's gained 3 lbs since his last appointment a month and a half ago.

Here are some pictures while we waited to be seen. J loved scribbling on paper with Grandpa Smitty's pen. I think J may be left handed like me but he kept switching hands when he was writing so we'll see.