A little afraid...

[mskris]

Hi, everyone. As you know by now, ds is going to a new developmental pediatrician on 6/6. I am loathe to admit it, but I'm a little afraid.

I'm not even sure why! We've filled out and delivered all the forms (including the teacher's). She is using the Mel Levine created forms, which should give me some measure of confidence, since I've read his books and am very impressed with him.

I guess some of my trepidation is just going through all this again (it's been 4 yrs), and what else she might find (the counselor suggested Aspergers). Otherwise, ds has been doing pretty well in general, and his schoolwork (though typically inconsistent), is passable.

Someone tell me why I'm intimidated! LOL...that's not like me, as you all know! ;D I'm usually right up there with the doctors, since I work with them on a daily basis. Maybe it's because we've waited 3 mos for the appt and have never met this doctor face-to-face yet (only deal with her receptionist, who's a bit "chilly.")

I need a little confidence, guys! Bring it on! LOL and thanks!

Kris

[camismom]

I think you answered your own question in your post. Fear of them finding something else. But hye, if they do, and that's a big if, you can handle it!!!! You have handled it for the last four years.

You CAN do it!!

[finnmom]

Kris I agree with Christy, ofcourse you have doupt´s on this, we all would have, but then you know you have to do this so you can fight for what ever it is they find(or dont find). you do such a great job, just keep on doing that

[mskris]

Thanks for the support, guys (gals)! Yes, I am afraid he might be Aspergers, though I have major doubts, and everyone from the pediatrician to his friends parents' (who work with Autistic kids) has said "no way."

Also, Taylor has been doing really well lately, with very few issues at home or school. He still gets anxious sometimes (field day was last Friday and he hates Field day, so he was upset before school), overall, he's really been much better than last winter. He is even being a bit better with his sister, which was my big issue that drove me to the counselor.

One thing that I noted was when he filled out a mother's day form at school, he said he loved when we have "talks" together. So I've been making a real effort to connect one-on-one with him for heart-to-heart talks. I think that's really helping a lot. Geez, it takes a form at school for him to tell me! Wish I'd known a lot sooner!

Anyway, the strattera is still working for him, and he's still eating and sleeping, so I just hope the new doc doesn't suggest any changes.
I guess some of my trepidation is also that it's a new person - we were so happy and comfortable with our old peds neurologist - too bad he closed his practice.

Kris

[Linda]

Kris... I think part of the reason you are intimidated is what has already been mentioned...but also it is because it is your kid and I would be a little spooked too. Think Positive....at least you are going to find out what is going on.

[sportsmom]

This is my cheerleadeer saying you can handle anything the doc has to say. Good luck and like everyone else has said~~"Think Postive" You can do it girlfriend!!

[mskris]

Everyone:

Well, we had the appointment yesterday. I just have to say, I LOVE THIS DOCTOR!!!! What a great experience! She took 2.5 hrs with us, first with DH and me, then alone with Taylor for 30 mins, then with DH and me again.

Her conclusion: He has ADHD, Tourettes, and NOT ASPERGERS! She said she noticed his TS more than we had thought, because his tics are very complex motor tics that he's incorporated into his body language, sort of like a pitcher giving signals (not that frenzied, but you get the idea). She tested him and found that although he's left-handed for writing and drawing, he throws and kicks righty. She said that often, when kids are semi ambidextrous like that, there can be learning issues. She wants to test that theory further, discover his strengths and beef up his 504 before he gets to middle school (one year away). She told us that he's VERY bright and thinks that his average grades/school performance are him compensating for a learning disorder (ie, he can do better if we set it up so that he's taught to his strengths.).

She's so compassionate, warm, understanding, etc. I can't say enough goodabout her! Woo-hoo!! She agrees with me that his medication seems fine, and we should work on his school issues with other strategies.

I'm so psyched! Taylor liked her a lot, too, which is very important.

Thanks everyone for all your support. It seems silly now that I was anxious about the appt. I hope everyone here can find a supportive professional like this!

Kris

[Linda]

What a relief that must be for you!!Now you can go forward. It is really important that Taylor likes her too. There is nothing silly about being nervous either....I am sure we have all been there...I know I have.

[camismom]

I'm so glad to hear this! It's so much easier to deal with things with a good doc on our side!

[Amsmom]

kris, i am sooooo happy to hear this wonderful news!!

having a great dr makes all the difference in the world. ds and i are very fortunate in that his psych is WONDERFUL!!!!! having had a terrible, awful, no-good psych the first time makes me all the more grateful! i have so often wished that my pals on this forum could find such a great dr also. i am very glad you have!!!

[finnmom]

Kris, that´s just great, now you dont have to worry about asperger´s anymore and you can put your strength to help him in the hard part´s. It sure help´s to have a good doc on your side

[tridlette]

Oh, Kris! I am sooooo glad that this worked out for T. I guess I can stop beating myself up for not getting back to you with the recommendation that I promised you. (sorry!)

Now, maybe you can give us the doc's name and if I can convince DH that we need to follow up with someone better for my son, I can go in with a REAL recommendation instead of dealing with some of the quacks and fruitcakes that we have seen here!

GREAT NEWS! I am really happy... and maybe you can take the doctor's eval to the district and see if they can make some accomodations under Chap. 16 for him to appropriate classes. he obviously is artistically gifted, and I suspect he'd qualify for services with the doctors opinion... if that feels right to you.