Five months into Kindergarten, and Daniel is still struggling. Not with the concepts – he’ll happily talk your ear off about planets and how many bones are in your body, and his reading-writing-arithmetic is just peachy. No, it’s still the focus and distractibility that is keeping him from actually completing his tasks. So after our disastrous first attempt at an evaluation, I took another friend’s recommendation and set us up with a different office.
Oh, what a difference.
As you may recall, the first try involved a nurse practitioner who offered us a drug prescription within 20 minutes. This time? Yeah, a little different. We have FOUR appointments set up. Yesterday was our intake interview – mostly me answering a lot of questions while Daniel played with some toys in the office. It lasted an hour, and I felt like her questions and observations really started to get a sense of who my son is and what some of his strengths and weaknesses are. The next two are both two-hour testing/evaluation sessions one-on-one with Daniel, and the fourth is a parent meeting to discuss the findings and make recommendations. And all of this is with a neuropsychologist.
I feel much better about this already. I felt like the psychologist was really listening to me and understanding what I’m looking for. I got the sense that her focus would be to really find out what makes Daniel tick, and then how best to teach skills and strategies for him to manage his distractibility and for us to be able to parent him the best we can. Does that necessarily rule out some medical intervention? I’m sure not. But she has already given me the feeling that, whatever her recommendations may be at the end of this, they will be a lot more grounded in who my son really is and what he needs.
Holy crapoly, I needed some good news today. That is how we feel about being at LCD, like we are in good hands with people getting to know our specific kid, helping us parent him specifically. So glad you went for a second opinion. So happy for Daniel that you are his mom.
LauraC recently posted..This is not my story to tell
This is excellent Liz! I am so glad you got a second opinion!
Also, love that pic of Daniel with the camera – so cute!
This is excellent. So so good. Dan is a lucky boy to have you. You guys are all kinds of awesome.
Oh that is SO wonderful to hear. I’m following this story with such interest, since there is so much MISinformation about this topic out there in the world, and I know from experience you are a grounded, smart, well-researched mother who makes incredibly sound decisions.
I’m so glad to hear this sounds like the right step for your family.
Kate (This Place is Now a Home) recently posted..She Says… New Plan
How WONDERFUL that you have a team in place that isn’t seeking the “quickest/easiest,” but the BEST for Daniel!
Way to be tenacious and a marvelous Mama Bear, Goddess!
Please keep us updated.
What a relief it must be to finally have someone who is listening to you and trying to understand Daniel. I hope they continue to provide excellent support.
I am so glad to hear that you found a better fit. If this is going to be a learning issue it is great to have a good team behind you who can help you figure out what is best for him at home and at school. As a teacher I love a parent and doctor who really know a child and their strengths because it helps me so much!
So glad you were able to find someone who isn’t rushing to judgement and is actually evaluating Daniel. Hope you get the answers you need. It feels really good to have someone actually evaluate your child and not rush to conclusions and medication (not that medication is a bad thing. We are actually giving Michael Melatonin so he will actually go to sleep before 9pm and not stay wired until at least 11pm)!
Amy recently posted..Pictures 2012
Where’s the ‘like’ button? It’s amazing what a difference you can find in medical care. I have had this chronic cough that comes back every fall/winter/spring and usually lasts months. I’ve gone to countless doctors about it, yet they all seem to treat it as no big deal and throw some medicine at it rather than really listening and trying to help me find the root cause. Moving every couple of years doesn’t help when it comes to finding a good doctor who will get to know you, of course. But I’m glad to hear you’ve found someone who you feel like will listen and get to know you and Daniel and help you find the root cause and some acceptable long-term solutions.
Awesome news! I don’t blog anymore and haven’t mentioned it anywhere else but I have a big fat referral to see a neuropsychologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for Chloe sitting right on front of me. She’s been seeing a regular psychologist for play therapy and such for almost a year now and that’s great but2 I’m worried that her behaviors and such are part of a bigger picture and after her well visit a few weeks ago her pedi voiced the same concerns. It’s mainly to rule out mild Asbergers and the like – hell, hubby and I are both Social Workers in a State institution for developmentally disabled adults but when it might be our own kid we’re like a couple of damn ostriches. It’s pitiful really. Anyway – I’m glad you found someone that is taking the time to listen and learn who Daniel IS.
Have they mentioned a “504″ at school yet? The main reason for Chloe’s referral was to get an official clinical diagnosis so we can insist on a 504 at school. Her teacher is FANTASTIC this year and we want everything she does to get Chloe to participate and function during the day in writing for next year. The 504 will help us not have to start from ground zero next September.
Ugh – this parenting gig is some tough stuff, eh? Regardless, hugs and I’m so happy for you that things are headed in the right direction!!!!!
It’s a good visit on those rare occasions when you leave a doctor’s appointment feeling like you have a plan and solutions, and not just another prescription. I can sense your relief. Happy for you.