Delays, Splinter Skills and Crystal Balls

From Laura Shumaker's blog at SFGate.com. Good timing for Developmental Disability Awareness Month.

Can you imagine what it feels like to hear that your child has a developmental disability?
Here is my story:
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“Matthew was tested by a speech therapist, and a psychologist already,” said my husband Peter, “I don’t get why he needs to see a developmental pediatrician.”
“Because a developmental pediatrician will look at Matthew’s development from a medical perspective and make referrals to other specialists if needed,” I said, though I agreed that it was a little ridiculous to test him again so soon.
After testing Matthew, the developmental pediatrician started by giving us the most encouraging news of all. “Many areas of his delay are quite mild,” he said, “and Matthew has splinter skills, which are areas where he is at or above age level. With continued focus on speech and language, I’m optimistic about Matthew’s prognosis.”
Peter and I looked at each other and pumped our fists. Good news!
“This is wonderful!” I exclaimed.
“The fact that a significant delay exists is evident,” the doctor hedged.
Uh-oh.