Autism As A Whole

Recently, I found myself reliving this nightmare. My oldest son, Buddy, who had a lot of early intervention as a baby, is having immense difficulties in school. He is performing below grade level and doesn't have any friends. I was not blind to the issues at home but I was unaware they were happening at school as well. He cries in school if he drops a pencil and has trouble doing his work as well. I got a phone call from his teacher the other day because she saw his head jerking back and forth. She said it was happening every 5 seconds. This is exactly what I had discovered in December but it had gotten so much better. 

In all actuality, I received three phone calls regarding his head movement. This is concerning. After the calls I scheduled an appointment. The doctor said he feels that Buddy has Tourette's Syndrome. I am not sure how to feel. I knew something was going on with him and the Developmental Pediatrician could not see him for seven months. After the doctor stated this he started talking about medication and that scares me. I do not feel as if medication is entirely bad but I can say that I would prefer to try as many natural treatment methods possible before medicating him. I don't know if that is even possible for Tourette's. I do know that many people do not need medication but it becomes an issue if the tics interfere in their daily life which is the case with my son. 

He has serious difficulties reading and although Math is his strong subject, if he has to really think about the problems his tics get really bad. I also spoke to the nurse and she said that he was having accidents in school. She said that she felt it was happening more after severe episodes of his tics. I am not sure what the significance is if any but it is just a thought. I really am not to educated on this issue, but I will guarantee you that I will have lots to learn and share through this journey. I have already learned that it is common for people with Tourettes to have symptoms that mock ADHD which is what they originally thought was going on with him. Interesting eh? 

I have found a different Developmental Pediatrician and a Neurologist that will see him in March. That is way better than 7 months. I hope we can get answers and better understand what he is going through. When I explained the school issues, home issues and the Tourettes the pediatrician scheduled two consecutive visits to ensure that we can get to the bottom of this. They also sent out packets to fill out regarding ADD and Aspergers. They feel that his symptoms seem very much like these disorders and Tourettes is common with forms of Autism. 

Now that I rambled about all of the jumbled mess I have here, Thanks for being a wonderful support and I hope that you can take something out of my posts that help you in your journey. 

Then there is Princess who seems to be going through something that resembles ADD but I am in denial. I changed my header and intro to thoroughly describe my family. Writings seems to have eluded me and I couldn't put it into words. I feel as if every time a child seems to hit a rocky road, people are all too quick to throw a diagnosis out but ADD does not occur overnight so maybe it is just a stage. The secondary thought is maybe I am in denial. I am going to try Focus Formula because it an all natural formula that helps with ADD. I will definitely report on my findings. 

Why is it so hard for me to accept this. I dealt with Chucky's diagnosis, but it was so clear and evident. I just can't seem to wrap my head around all of this. I think dealing with one special needs child is hard enough but now there is two possibly three. Buddy's teacher, OT, and school nurse called me today regarding his "Tic". It was really bad the last two days and they saw it. His teacher said that he was twitching every five seconds and it was interfering with his work. Now I am worried. The last time he had an episode it lasted a week and ended with a three day headache and neck pain. I hate to see him suffer and go through all of this.

I called the doctor who wants to see him and refer him to a neurologist and a developmental pediatrician. Now can you understand why I am overwhelmed? I feel like I keep hitting brick walls. I called RCAL, which is the Resource Center for Accessible Living, because I was feeling overwhelmed with all the advocating necessary between Buddy and Chucky, I could use some help. In my head I feel as if some of Princess's problems may be related to the lack of time to spend with her. I know she needs me I just can't seem to stretch myself far enough. I am always on the phone with one specialist or teacher after another and if not with them my kid's father. It is overwhelming and I wish I knew how to manage it all.

RCAL arranged for a student to come to my house as an internship and do respite for Chucky. I hope that after they become familiar with each other it will free some time for Princess. This will allow her some Mommy time and Chucky Cheese gets some individual one on one attention. As if he doesn't get enough already...LOL
This is when I wonder why it is so hard. I love my children even with all of their quirks and I want them to succeed. I just can't see all the answers. Everything seems so far out of reach right now, but I am sure that I will overcome this. This will get better and we can continue down the path of discovery.