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“Wait. Was that really it?” I look to the doctor for confirmation and watch as he gives me a subtle nod.
The doctor turns to Callie, “Miss Vaughn, can I tell you something?”
“Go right ahead, Fred,” Callie replies primly, and I resist the urge to chuckle.
“I had my receptionist get you something you might like. Why don't you go tell her I said she should give you the surprise little gift for being an absolute delight?”
Callie nods, and even though she has appeared to enjoy the doctor's company, she looks all too happy to leave the room. We both watch as she skips out the door, and when she is completely out of earshot, the doctor turns back to me, eyes looking more serious than ever.
“I think Callie might have autism spectrum disorder. I cannot draw conclusively on that as I like to study my patients more than once. It could be that she was just in a mood today or generally in a phase that all kids are. I cannot be too sure until we have had a second and third appointment. As many as it would take for me to draw a sure conclusion.”
I nod, a little shocked that the teacher had been right. Even though thinking back on Callie's behavior has raised suspicions, I had hoped that the doctor would clear my doubt.
“Do you think that it's likely?”
“She appears to have some of the symptoms, so yes. But like I said, it could just all be pre-teenage hormones. We cannot be sure until we continue to have sessions with her.”
I completely approve of the man's professionalism and thoroughness.
“I think I like the sound of that.”
“Yes, Mr. Vaughn.”
“If I am going to be sitting in this chair pretty regularly, we'd better stick to first names,” I tell him.
The doctor nods with a smile.
“I completely agree.”
“So,” I begin, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. “Do you think she's on the spectrum?”
“Callie does appear to, quite frankly, be high functioning. No further symptoms are alluding to that.”
I frown confusedly at him.
Fredrick grins and goes ahead to explain.
“Callie appears to know how to carry out several activities by herself and talks and responds adequately. She does not appear to experience the more severe type of ASD.” Fredrick responds and then leans comfortably against his chair as he continues. “I would say with a 90 percent certainty that she's a level one if we are to classify as such.”
My head is reeling from all that the doctor has explained, making me realize that I know next to nothing about autism. I make a mental note to read up on it as soon as I get home.
“Mr. Vaughn.” The doctor begins. “I mean, Sebastian,” he corrects himself. “There's something you must know.”
I cannot remember the last time anyone who wasn't a close family member referred to me by my first name, and it sounds a little strange to hear.
“Go right ahead,” I encourage.
“Callie must be watched carefully, especially as she continues to interact with her classmates. The fact that she is finding it very difficult to get along with her classmates is very telling.”
I nod and stand on my feet. That is enough for the day.
“And also," The doctor continues as he gets up and moves toward me. "I think monthly appointments will help. I would advise that we meet as often as your schedule will allow.”
“I can make that happen,” I tell Frederick as he walks with me down the hallway where an excited-looking Callie runs down towards us, holding a portrait of the most beautifully drawn waterfall.
“Dad, look!” Callie calls out excitedly.
I turn to the doctor, bewildered and needing answers. I had thought the gift the young man had been talking about was just a few pieces of candy. The portrait looks like it cost real money.
