Molly’s story of diagnosis and family support

Jamie Ryan explains, “With kids like Molly her senses don’t quite work the same way ours do.“

Signs of her daughter’s Asperger Syndrome, a mild form of autism could be seen as early as a month old.

The family realized that, only after she was diagnosed at age 2.

Carilion Clinic Pediatric Specialist Dr. Colleen Kraft has been treating Molly from the start.

She says, “The prejudice is always to say well something is wrong with that child she should be disciplined her parents really should do better with her… When in fact her parents are doing everything they possibly can.“

Including underwater therapy and therapy using different sounds.  You wouldn’t know from watching her play with her older sister that she also has Bi-polar Disorder.

Medicine that is used to treat seizures often helps children like Molly.

Dr. Kraft says, “With a child with bipolar disorder its almost like their mood and emotions are doing that seizing.“

Jamie says it’s important to be an advocate for your child, “The most important thing I would say to any other parent going through this who has questions about their kid is not to give up not to just take any answer that this is normal or typical.“

To find out more about registering for the Strong Roots Conference being held this weekend at Hotel Roanoke click here. 

Jamie says this kind of conference completely changed her approach and understanding of her family’s situation.