When 'Yes' Means Everything: Doctor Questions with a Nonverbal Teen

Going to the doctor with Noah is always an adventure. If you read about his EEG or our general doctor visits, you already know. One of the hardest parts of having a kid who is only somewhat verbal is that Noah cannot always explain what hurts or answer the questions being fired at him.

Take the recent ear saga. The doctor asked, “Does your ear hurt?” Noah said, “Yes.” The doctor followed up, “Which one?” Noah proudly answered, “No… two.” Because yes, he has two ears. The doctor and I laughed, but we were still no closer to an actual diagnosis.

Other times it goes like this: I notice Noah tugging at his ear, acting off. I bring him in. The pediatrician asks, “Does your ear hurt?” Noah says yes. “Does your head hurt?” Yes. “Does your toe hurt?” Yes. And just like that, we are back at square one. The true diagnosis is less medical science and more game show guessing.

At least now Noah knows his body parts. When he was younger and a doctor asked, “Does your head hurt? Can you show me where?” he would confidently point to his backside. Those are the moments you just slap your own forehead and hope the doctor has a sense of humor.

I have gotten better at spotting when something is wrong with Noah. He rarely runs fevers, so strep throat and sinus infections were usually discovered not by symptoms, but by me thinking, “Something is off,” and dragging him to the doctor.

Basically, I am Noah’s unofficial translator and full-time medical detective.