We have some diagnoses.
*AD/HD - Hyperactivity/Impulsive
*Learning disability in reading
*Learning disability in writing (this was a very weak area)
*Significant weakness in working memory
*Processing speed is lower
Here are some of the recommendations.
*medication for the ADHD.
That's really not a first route I want to try. We'd need to meet with a pediatric pyschiatrist for this. *OT eval and therapy to assess his fine motor and writing abilities
*a LOT of ways to present information for reading, writing, math, etc. I will need to make some changes in how he is taught or presented information. Will probably try to meet with a specialist to help me with this.
*Evaluating his hearing to determine if there may be auditory processing
*possible therapy
The bright spot was hearing that cognitively he is very smart. Also, his executive functioning appears to be intact. His strengths are in visual processing and verbal processing.
From here, I'll be looking to set up more appointments for him to see what our options are for helping him. Hearing that he is in a "window of opportunity" is good as it means this is a critical time to help him. It is also a little scary as I don't want to mess him up. Based on the recommendations (learning around as few students as possible, quiet setting, allowed to move/stand when working, lots of physical activity), I'm so thankful that we are homeschooling him. It would be very hard for him to be in a traditionaly classroom.
None of this was a huge surprise - though I would have loved hearing less. One of the things we had to do (parents) was to fill out some questionnaires about Isaiah. Mine pretty much highlighted his areas of struggle. The tester told me that I was correct in my suspicions. It is a nice thing to know your child well, though this is one of those times I wouldn't have minded being wrong (meaning there was no problem at all).
More to learn. More to research. More. More. More. I know God is carrying me because the load is just too much some days. I've cried several times - not just because of the diagnosis, but also the bigger picture.
I would love continued prayers and encouragment. I know that I need to depend on God to give me the support I need, but sometimes it just is nice to hear that I'm doing a good job. That I can do this task I've been called to. That I am capable.
Having so many issues - and all so different - can feel very daunting. Sometimes I feel so inadequate. He is strong though. My plate seemed quite full awhile back and yet there is still more room. Some days I feel so burdened and yet I also feel blessed beyond measure. Through all of it, He is there. He is good. He loves me. I know this to be true. I'm blessed and I'm thankful!
Thank you for praying for us. My next round of requests will be in another week when we have a series of medical appointments and procedures. We'll be awaiting more news and hoping not to be facing surgeries. I'll be sure to let you know.
I'm very thankful for the many friends and family that have helped to carry the load for me so very many times over the last 2-3 years. It's been a path with turns and twists I never expected. It would have been much harder without your prayers and words of encouragment.
Love,
Leslie
Posts
I am sorry you did not get the answer that you wanted. I know that the big picture can sometimes seem just to BIG to handle. However, God will give you the strength to get through this. Just remember to take every task one step at a time. Small Bites!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Dawn
From the mother of a child w/ autism, you *can* handle this! There are several things you can try pre-medication, including essential fatty acids, epsom salts baths, dietary changes, that may make a huge difference. A DAN! (Defeat Autism Now) doctor may be helpful for you (there are enough similarities between ADHD and autism that it might be worth looking into). Carol Barnier's new book, "The Big What Now Book of Learning Styles" has been helpful to me. There are many wonderful resources ready for you when you are ready for them. Praying for you tonight.
ReplyDeleteDawn and Penny,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragment!
Penny - Thank you for the recommendations. They will be good to look into. I appreciate the vote of confidence too. (((Penny)))
Thank you both for praying.
Hugs,
Leslie
My daughter also has some of these issues. She's 11 1/2 now and things have improved since she is older. I have several recommendations for you, especially pertaining to auditory processing. We used Earobics with ver good results, it's a little pricey, but not too bad and we were able to use it for a good while. Start with step one. (You can find it for purchase on the web for about $60) There are 5 games. I had my daughter play each game once (each day) then she could choose which ones she wanted to play more of. It came highly recommended by her therapist and helped so much. I'm gonna look to see if there is another way I can contact you w/o it being a comment (maybe there is an email option) and give you more info. Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteKristie
www.squeeli2.blogspot.com
I just wanted to tell you what I have found helpful for my ADHD child. I researched everything I could get my hands on because I did not want to put her on medicine. I found a website discussing the link between phosphate and ADHD. I bought the book and read it and started implementing the diet. It worked. I now have a calm, happy child. And guess what all the problems with learning improved also. Anyway it was hard switching the way I cook (I put the whole family on the low phosphate diet). But it is worth it. We are all eating better now.
ReplyDeleteHere is the website: http://www.phosadd.com/
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteI have never posted a comment before, but I've been reading your blog for some time. I also have a daughter with Down Syndrome - Lydia, age 10.
I wanted to encourage you as you face this diagnosis with Isaiah. From reading your blog, I know you are doing a great job! You can handle this.
I also wanted to suggest that you check out ICAN. We just went on program with our 16 year old who has learning disablilities. One of the wonderful things about their therapy is that it is very family based and works very well with homeschooling - which we also do. You can google them or email me privately.
anne.c@cze.com
Anne
Leslie,
ReplyDeleteI know how very hard it is to get those types of diagnoses. My oldest child has Aspergers and significant learning challenges. High IQ but a lot of processing issues.
If you need to talk to a "been there done that" mama, I'd be honored to listen. Email anytime. Things are a little calmer here...We were in the hosptial Sun-Tues but are seeing some improvement with the new meds.
Kristin (Amblin)
I'm sorry for the diagnoses, yet thankful you have answers and a direction for the future. I'm praying for you as the Lord brings you to mind!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Pam in SE MI