| Melissa was healthy as an infant until at about 10 months. Her growth rate began to slow; she ate poorly, and would vomit during the night a couple of times a month. Lab worked revealed nothing. She continued to be in the �normal� range of development, however, that range is quite broad. Concerned about her relatively slow speech emergence, we had her assessed and it was felt that she was within the lower end of normal and to continue to watch her. By age 3, her hair was short and friable and she appeared frustrated with communication etc. She was examined at length at Children�s Hospital in Seattle and we were told they couldn�t determine what was wrong and to bring her back in a year, and just on a long shot they would do a urine test for a urea cycle disorder but it was highly unlikely that was what she had because of her developmental status. We were soon told that she had argininosuccinic aciduria. Her 8-month-old brother was then tested positive for the same disorder. Melissa took Arginine and Formula 80056 and was placed on a protein-restricted diet. Special Ed. Preschool and speech therapy was begun. She has never had an elevated ammonia level on testing. She has had Sp Ed services throughout school, mostly in an Inclusion setting, receiving appropriate modifications. She has danced since age 3, participated on a swim team, taken piano lessons, played softball until age 10, and participates in the Ski Club at High School. She was diagnosed with ADD in 6th grade. She always had mild problems with focusing but they became more pronounced at about that age. Presently she is on a 45 gm/day protein allowance and takes 3gm/3 times a day of Arginine, Adderall for ADD, and Zoloft for depression. Coping with delays are quite difficult during adolescence. Her challenges mainly lie in the areas of abstract reasoning, language comprehension, and problem solving. We just had an extensive evaluation done at the CCDD at Children�s Hospital in Cincinnati if anyone wants more specific parameters. Socially, it takes some time with her before her deficits become apparent as she compensates quite well. Melissa plans on a deferred HS graduation, although she will have graduation status and to continue post-secondary education at a Vocational Technology School. She is a lot of fun to be with and has had great courage dealing with her challenges. |
| Melissa Scott Loveland, Ohio |
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| Melissa's Information as of June 2004 |
| Contact: Julie Scott (mom) E-mail: [email protected] Protein Allowance: 45 grams per day Hometown: Loveland, Ohio Medications: Arginine, Adderall, Zoloft Birthday: May 1, 1986 Other Diagnoses: ADD, Depression Siblings: Ryan (not affected), age 19 Developmental Status: Mild deficits Jason, ASA, age 15 Kyle (not affected), age 11 |
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