Evaluation Question

[katiekat]

Last night I started reading "The Bipolar Child" by Demitri and Janice Popolos and I am blown away at how many of the things apply to Sean. In my opinion(and I am no expert but I do live with the kid) I believe this is the problem. Right down to the dreams about sharks and alligators and actually dying this book is Sean to a tee.

[charliegirl]

Maybe you are finally at the point where you can actually be getting him the help and treatment he needs to be the sweet boy he really is, but that his issues have been masking. It will be so wonderful for him to finally be able to control his actions and feel like he fits in.

[katiekat]

Well the guidance counselor called today on behalf of the CST to discuss our request for the evaluation. She asked me why we wanted it done. I told her that up to this point we have done everything they have suggested, that even the teacher said there has been no improvement in his behavior and that things are only getting worse and we want them to get better. I have basically written this year off as a waste and want things in place for next year when he is in school for a full day. So the good news is we have an identification meeting(I think thats what she said)next Wednesday.
Then we talked about how things were going-she told me that in school Sean looks exhausted. I told her this is probably because of the latest issue of him waking up 4 or 5 times a night and sometimes just staying up. By the time we need to leave for school he is back in bed falling asleep. I dont know why things just keep getting worse-the original issues are still there but for several months now new problems keep cropping up. I was thinking back to this summer and all the fun things we did and how bad things have become since about October. She did say she absolutely disagrees with the Aspergers possibility and she has spent alot more time with Sean than the psych.
Question: Who is the person who gives you a dx? Who will be the person to finally say Sean has such and such and this is what we need to do to help him?

[misty]

Katie, That psych or neuropsych you are taking him to will be the one to finally DX him. Keep in mind though that many kids are Dxed & then only later get a different Dx. Unfortunately, these Dxes aren't set in stone oftentimes.

How long have the sleep problems been going on? I wonder if lack of sleep might be making things worse than what they are. My daughter had sleep issues from age 2 to around age 10. Now that she's finally well rested on a regular basis her problems seem much easier to deal with. Oh, they are still there, but the edges seem smoother, if you know what I mean Shes not nearly as irritable or moody. Well, its just a thought.

[katiekat]

The sleep issues just started this week. Monday night to be exact. The person that is irritable and moody is me. I need my sleep.I have threatened him with a television free weekend if he wakes me up tomorrow morning,especially if it is still dark out.

[misty]

Well, maybe you can set out a bowl, spoon & cereal & tell him if he wakes up to eat breakfast & watch TV for an hour or so, so you can sleep a bit.

I hope he sleeps though. You BOTH need your rest.

[lostmyshoe]

Hey KK,

Just wanted to let you know I am keeping your son in my prayers and that you will be able to find the right treatment for him soon. I also pray that you all will be able to get some rest this weekend. Hugs to ya.

[katiekat]

We had our psychiatrist appt. today and for once I feel like someone is listening to me. I was so happy with her, I am willing to overlook the fact that we sat in the waiting room for an hour. Instead of saying(like everyone else does) how Sean's had this horrible life because he doesnt live with his "mom" and that's why he has problems she agrees that he just has problems. (That always gets me so angry because Sean does not nor has he ever had a bad life).
She said he definitely needs medication and right then I wanted to kiss her.
She said the school should evalute him and it all comes down to money. She said he is never going to learn and he will fall further and further behind unless they start helping him now.
She said it's very possible it is BP and perhaps other things as well. She validated my "gut feeling" that something is just not right. We have another appt. set up and in the mean time she is going to check into meds and the heart condition and what he can and cannot take. I feel like she is the first person that agrees with us that something is going on. I felt such relief when we left and my husband said I finally feel like someone is taking us seriously and we can start moving in the right direction.

[puzzled]

That is great news kk! Now you can start to move forward and get some help for him...I am so happy you found a good 'fit' right away...hopefully the waiting room will not be such a long wait every time!

[jfla]

KK,

I am so glad that the appointment went so well, you have the psych's suppport and that Sean will be getting the help he needs and deserves. My best wishes for you and Sean.