Update after Honey's testing

[Honeysmom]

Honey's school finally got ahold of that doctor today. She won't be seeing him again, she told to school to tell us that she is referring him to the Autism Clinic at Marshfield. So now she thinks I am not a crazy lady and is referring him. How nice of her, she could have at least called back herself...(little vent, done now )

Anyhow, the school is not giving him speech and language through the summer b/c I didn't realize that I had to specifically ask for summer school to be written into his IEP. They kept saying that they didn't provide it. Now I know for next year.

So I called Humans Services in our area and what a golden call that was! They approved S&L therapy for the summer at the hospital 5 minutes away for Honey, and they approved him for a program that will provide money for special caregivers when we are away AND provide money to family members who will take him for the weekend to give us a break and a day or two to devote to Avery since Honey pretty much takes all of the time and enery up. Even without a dx, due to his test scores, he is eligible!! I might not loose my mind afterall!

I also was encouraged to apply for SSI for him. Aparently it takes 6 months for an application to go through and our insurance is not going to cover all of the things he needs so that will help out. If for some reason the Autism would decide this is not the problem, I can withdraw the application. I actually didn't know that I even should apply for him, I didn't think they provided stuff like that.

It is a good day so far, I feel so productive!!

Becky

[HooDunnit]

Oh, what effective advocacy work you have done!! That seems almost too good to be true. And you're not losing your mind, even. Some people don't realize how much stress a family of a special needs child can be dealing with. Everyone has a different opinion, and some days the doctors all have different opinions.

[finnmom]

Becky

That sound´s good Now you have some back up when you feel that live is just a little too much to handle Parents of special need´s kid´s do really need some special help too, sound´s like you´re getting it. Well done mom


As for the diagnostic part; you did see this coming, didnt you? I remember that you already startedt to consider autismn with Honey. It´s hard, but I think that knowin it help´s in the long run Keep us posted about the autismn center-research.

Marja

[vickilyn32]

I am so glad that you will get some help. It is hard to admit that we just need to get away from our kids sometimes. I was lucky to have a mom, step-dad, babysitter/bestfriend, father, step-mother and younger sister who would take one or two kids when I just needed a break. Heck, they would take them just so they could see more of the kids. With DH a truckdriver this really helped me keep my sanity. They kids also liked the one-on-one time they got to spend with me or the grandparents. Dont forget to have some one-on-one time with Honey also, and let Avery have some fun time with another family member. Sometimes when we are stuck with the kids problems all the time, we forget how much fun they can be. Lots of luck, it sound like you are finally getting somewhere. I am glad.

[camismom]

Great news Becky! Honey is so lucky to have you!!

[catseye]

Thats great! I forgot about the "respite" (I think that is what they call it) care money... We never use it... Wishing you and honey continued success!!

cat

[Honeysmom]

Marja, Yes, I did expect it, it just makes me mad as heck that no one would listen to me. They had to hear it from the school before they stopped calling it a parenting problem . I guess that is what gets me the most.

I don't know if we will ever use the respite care, but maybe for a weekend for Grandma here and there. She is driving about 3 hours one way right now to pick them up and bring them back about once a month, or I will loose it.

Sometimes I feel really bad that he gets so on my nerves, but I can count to 10 or 10,000 and he'll come right back and get under my skin again. I know half the time he doesn't even realize that I am b/c I don't want to be snapping all day, but once in a while I wish I had a punching bag. In fact, DH says he's going to get me one for Christmas. Sounds good to me!!!

Becky

[finnmom]

Honeysmom said:

Marja, Yes, I did expect it, it just makes me mad as heck that no one would listen to me. They had to hear it from the school before they stopped calling it a parenting problem .

AARRRGGGHHHH That suck´s, to be frank. Oh I hate this;"you´re a mom, what can you know "-thinking. Then some hot shot-psych. tell´s the same and they agree totally an start arranging thing´s

And hey, You´re only human, of course Honey get´s under your skin some time´s, you´ve been handling this so well, keep up the good work It´s hard to take the first step of using the respite-care, but isint it quite comforting to know that you have the oppoturnity

(((((((((hug´s))))))))))))))))

Marja