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| Thu, 09-13-2007 - 5:21pm |
((((hugs)))) to all. I know this all is draining and overwhelming. I am there and could use a break. Besides Stephanie and her issues, I have diabetes and throat and feet problems and I am helping my mom out since my dad died in April. And DH's mother is at home, but in hospice, given 6 months to live and his dad is being a jerk about it all and not treating his wife with respect. We are out everyday almost with helping others, going to appointments and getting her out to socialize. I need a week off! As I am sure we all do.
Having gotten that off my chest, Stephanie saw her neurologist last week (she was epileptic, but doc thinks her seizures have gone, but she still likes to see her and she has been most helpful) and suggested we see a psychiatrist for fear issues, OT and ST. The psychiatrist we saw today and she wants to add PT and therapy for fears for now and maybe medicine if therapy doesn't work. All this in-between my doctor visits for my problems and all other things mentioned before. We homeschool so I plan lessons and teach, but we are involved with AWANA and a few homeschool groups to get her out. Atleast Fridays she has two classes that I don't have to plan, art and science and the classes are only 5 minutes from here. She is doing fairly well at home with one on one and I don't need problems with the school district yet so this works well and we have a flexible schedule, but it can be overwhelming.
We'll see how her therapies go. We aren't in ST yet, there is a three month waiting list. The psychiatrist agreed that this is a lot of therapy, but needed because Asperger's affects the child in all areas and she will benefit from the therapies. She has sensory issues that need to be addressed and her fears stem from feeling unbalanced and unsure of herself. She has social issues, but a lot of problems are physical. She is fearful of steps, hills, being alone in the swimming pool (she always holds onto me), doesn't like her eyes closed etc. We just started OT, she just was tested for auditory processing problems so we are just getting started. She is 9 and was diagnosed at age 7 1/2. We'll see how this all goes. It is good to get her the help. I just wish I didn't have all these other problems with me and family members :(
Debbie

Debbie,
Thanks for the update.
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
Thank you Paula. Yes, we are so blessed to have wonderful medical people around to get her the help she needs. It is overwhelming, but we need to do what is best for her. It is tough with all the other things going on. I need time for myself everyday. That is usually when everyone goes to bed. I might stay up a bit too late and really need the rest, but the quiet time is wonderful. I usually get one to two hours free time a night.
Good luck with Peter. It'll all work out.
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Where in PA are you? If you are anywhere near the East Stroudsburg area, maybe we could get together one weekend? Our kids are close-ish in age, and maybe we could go to a playground or go swimming or just hang out awhile? My husband and I co-own a vacation house out there and we come out most weekends. And sometimes during the week as well, as homeschooling does allow for flexibility. Although we also have lots of therapies and appts. in the City which then have to be rearranged, as it sounds like you will now have with Stephanie as well. It has been our experience that working with professionals on Malcolm's areas of difficulty has always been extremely beneficial long-term, so while now this will be hard to get going, I bet once you are in the groove this will really pay off where it counts, with Stephanie and her growth.
I feel for you, but remember, you will also need to be more self-ish with your time no matter how tough things are for others in your life. If you completely strip yourself right now, you will be no good to anyone else!!! Sometimes, it is more important to let a few balls drop down in priority for awhile just to keep some focus and get some rest. Take it from someone who really knows, and has this past year lost a lot of actual hair proving it...
(((((HUGS))))))
Sara
Hugs to you Debbie, your plate is too full, I shouldn't complain at all. I am planning to pull Sravan out, so it is one less hastle. You right about Asperger having issues in so many area. Sravan struggling area:
1) If the class is too noisy, cannot stay focussed on the task.
2) Have issues copying from the board.
3) Have issues looking into dictionary for word meaning.
4) Have issues accepting a losing game.
5) Things like Pokemon and Yu-gi-yoh, he is obsessing too much.
So homeschool might help me work on this 1x1, instead of pushing these basic skills to the wayside and worrying about the curriculum. Teach him to manage frustration.
Hi Anandhi:
Thanks so much for the hugs. I am worn out, but doing what I have to do. I keep pressing on.
Stephanie is like your son in all counts except for #5. I took her to a homeschool group class on Friday and one class was in science. There were older kids there that kept laughing and distracting her and the whole class. But even if the class is quiet, I can see her looking around and not paying attention. I first notice this when she was three and four at library story time. True they are younger and more immature then, but it continued as she got older. The other kids were paying attention the story being read and the pictures, Stephanie was looking around and focusing on other things.
I can see her having trouble copying off a blackboard. She has trouble copying from a book and copying and looking things up from a dictionary. I can see her struggling in school where they can't wait for you to catch up and there are so many other distractions.
I feel her self esteem is better for her being home. She usually doesn't focus on other kids are compare herself to others, but she might one day. Her struggles are usually within herself. If she feels she can't do things, she gets frustrated.
I wish you the best in your decision. I'm sorry, how old is your son?
Take care.
Debbie
Hi Sara:
Thanks for the hugs. We are in Allentown. If ever we get up your way or you are near us, I would be glad to meet with you.
Yes, homeschool is great for flexibility. I love that.
Yes, we are looking forward to how the therapies will help.
Thanks, I have to make time for myself everyday. DH sometimes doesn't understand, but I have to do what I have to do.
((((hugs)))) to you as well.