First therapy appt
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| Tue, 04-17-2007 - 8:00pm |
I had the initial appt with the kids' (8yo ds & 12yo dd) therapist today to set some goals for things we'd like the kids to start working on. I really, really like this therapist and her style. One thing that was a bit discouraging, however, was that a lot of the tips she'd suggest for working more effectively with my kids are things we've already tried to implement but that haven't been successful. I'm hoping that doesn't mean there AREN'T effective strategies available to me. I am going to try a couple of new things, and we'll see what happens.
I'm not sure whether I came across as over-stressed or whether the therapist just assumes that all moms of AS kids are naturally stressed, but she recommended we consider getting rid of the dog since I'm the only one caring for her, and the dog is a bit of a high-needs critter herself (dog has a lot of anxieties). On the one hand, it's true that the dog adds a LOT of work and I'm the only one doing it, but on the other hand, I do see some nominal benefit to the kids with having the dog around, and I think they'd be very sad if we got rid of her.
It was also interesting to have called to my attention how many things I forget aren't "normal" because I'm so used to adapting to my kids' behaviors. For instance, the doc suggested we consider putting ds on stimulants for his ADD. I've been the one fighting every step of the way for a dx 'cus I KNEW something was "off" with the kids, but even tho' I know my kids have problems, my initial reaction was "he doesn't have a problem for which he needs meds." Once I stopped and thought about how many, many, MANY times a day I have to redirect ds back to the task at hand, I realized that it might be beneficial (we're not doing it yet, but it's on the table of options as the doc starts working with ds).
I guess what's been most striking to me is that after all my efforts to get a dx and help for the kids, it's harder than I anticipated to confront the reality of what their problems actually are. Still, I'm quite excited about the therapist (and her intern) who will be working with the kids, and I'm quite optimistic about the strategies they have planned for helping our family.

I am so glad to hear you are on a good path.
- Christina mom to-
Chloe (10) Aiden(8)
Good start.
On the dog, it is a hard decision. We love our pooches and couldn't give them up but they are over all good pooches and a benefit. I am a strong believer in animal therapy of all sorts. Tough call
I am glad you feel good about the direction you are going in. There are times still I am hit with the weight of what it all means. I think it is either parent denial or we are blinded by the kids "intellect" type stuff where they don't *look* as stereotypically special needs, kwim? Sometimes it still really hits me when silly little things happen/
As for the ADD stims, well I have had a bit of a bad round with those so I am not the one to ask but I would go other routes first hindsight being 20/20 and all.
Renee
I'm really glad you found someone you like. I hope you find some things that work for your family.
Samantha