A is for Alastair and...

The six months that have passed since the last time we updated this blog have been a wild time for the Rushes. As I'm sure all of you already know, the implacable and handsome Harvey Ian Rush joined our merry crew on June 13th.


Harvey is a cool customer - pretty laid back and already his brother's biggest fan. At three months old he's holding his head up very well, has rolled over a few times, and has a deep love of gnawing on fingers and baby toys. Did I mention how much he loves Alastair?


Alastair is growing into his new role of big brother. He gets very excited when during a calm moment we put Harvey in his lap. He'll hug him, push him away, then want him back. They'll be partners in crime before we know it.


Though he has adjusted pretty well to the new guy in the house, not all is going well for Alastair, which brings us to the real reason for this post. Alastair has been diagnosed as autistic. The biggest red flag is that he is still not talking. He babbles a lot, but not at anyone in particular and with no discernible words. This was one of the concerns we discussed with his doctor at his two-year checkup. At that point the results of an autism-screening questionnaire recommended that we have him properly evaluated. The process took a few weeks, but ultimately he was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum last Wednesday.

This is an intensely bad news/good news situation. The diagnosis is bad news, but it also opens up many opportunities for early intervention and therapy for Alastair and networking and support for us. With his diagnosis Alastair is eligible for up to 10 hours of in-home therapy through Connecticut's Birth to Three early intervention program. That will be starting very soon, something for which Emily and I are very anxious.


We are trying to keep moving forward without getting too trapped by our worries, fears, and myriad questions. Alastair is the same charming kid he was a month ago, still loves his books, wagon rides, and the playground. Now we know that he needs us to help him learn things his way, something we will tackle with all the gusto, good cheer, love, and baked goods we can muster. [It's been a very baked-goods-filled few weeks here.] We're a touch exhausted, but we're optimistic as well, and will try to keep everyone informed as we learn more and have progress to report. We appreciate your thoughts, well wishes, prayers, or whatever cosmic good vibes you can send Alastair's way.