Thomas had another evaluation this morning.  The specialist who did it was impressed with how hard he works at even the simple things, like being social and wanting so much to please her in his academic endeavors.  She knows more about sharks now than she did this morning.

But she said there are considerable deficits.  While he knows all the associative things (cake, candles, etc.) and actions (singing, games, etc.) for the word "birthday," he can't tell her the date of his birthday when asked.  Something gets lost, conceptually, in the who, what, where, why, when, and hows of the matter.

On the plus side, she said he is extremely visual.  There is a big, wide open door when it comes to reaching him on an academic level because he is so visual and he's remarkably eager to learn.

She did say that she is not at all in any position to diagnose, but if Asperger's is a diagnosis, she won't be surprised in the least.

In short: she hasn't told me anything I didn't already know or suspect.  She confirmed it.  Now she writes her report and sends it to the doctor that evaluated him last week, where it will be combined with the volumes of paper work I had to fill out and hopefully come up with a concrete diagnosis or at least a course of action towards a diagnosis for him.

St. Thomas Aquinas, patron of students and namesake of my son, pray for us.

If you have a quick moment, please say a prayer to St. Anthony for us today.  John has lost his keys. 

***UPDATE***

The keys were in the front pocket of his pants.  My husband is a talented man.

Dear phishers and spammers,

        It is true that I really do enjoy seeing big numbers on my browser while it loads my email inbox.   I'm sure it is loads of fun to change your name a hundred times a day just to send me the same email.  You're very thoughtful that way.  I bet you can't wait to go to work in the morning, knowing that I will be the recipient of your many enticing offers and lofty promises. 

        Please keep in mind that I'm educated enough to know that a new watch will not increase my ability to beat up the pimp on the street corner.  For all I know, you bought it from the inside of his cousin's trench coat while he was in between his daily flash at the passing school busses.  Thanks, but no thanks.

        Another thing to remember (at least to appear as a more legitimate source of amazing bargains) is being able to properly spell each of your pseudonyms.  While I am sure you're just trying to be creative, "Jenna" is far more effective than the phonetic "Jen-nuh."  That said, it does bring a smile to my face because I think of Sloth from Goonies, dressed as a pirate and yelling, "Hey Jen-nuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhh!"

         Lastly, wanting me to spread the love is admirable.  However, wanting me to (expletive) the (expletive) with every (expletive) to "put a smile on my face" is just gross.  That's for retarded dogs and the occasional mad cow.  In fact, it is generally impossible for people to do the things you suggest to me no matter what pill you're offering.  I'd normally try to applaud your efforts to make it seasonally relevant with the approaching holidays, but you're uncanny ability to be obscene tanks any effort you make to pitch your product.

        Gook luck with your numerous annoying endeavors. 

Sincerely,
Meghann