Today was the day

[StrugglingAgain]

Today was the day that we took ds to TX Children's Hospital for a multidisciplinary evaluation. Of course there's more to it, but this was a start. He was evaluated by an intern for 1 1/2 hours. During that time dh and I had a visit with the attending Child Psychologist. The time we spent with him was enlightening to say the least. We discusssed his medical background with regard to his bio-parents. He said, plain and simple, ds has suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome. All of his symptoms are classic. He said we'll be able to go into more detail at a later date, but he gave us a few clues as what to expect for his future and a few behavior mods to get started on. He said in regard to the ODD part.....he will probably always have a hot temper and will probably always be a bit argumentive. He also said he won't ever be a rocket scientist (he was serious....we only live about two miles from NASA). We told him we'll be happy for him to be an average, hard-working individual like most of the USA! I'm hoping after we see some of the results of the tests (there are more to come) we'll have an idea as to how we can help him get in touch with this temper and what he can do to deflect it and how we can teach him. I already see there's going to be some big time changes in his IEP at school, also. He has major Executive Function problems and surely there's a way to work around them or WITH them. We just got home and I'm still digesting some of the things the doctor told us and I'm exhausted. I'll keep everyone posted as the next appointments are scheduled.

[Amsmom]

oh s/a what a huge eye-opener for you. i am so glad that you got to speak to the dr and got such valuable information. you are on the path to getting the right assistance for ds and you will feel the good results.

[finnmom]

S/A, DITTO to what Amsmom said, at least now you know what to do and what to expect :DYeah, mayby e will not be a rocket sientist, but so what, if he can do well in live :DKnowlidge is always good, it´s easier to help him now!!

[Kaiti]

S/A I am so glad you got some answers

Now you can start to get things together for his IEP and other things.

Just remember we are here, and vent when you need to

[camismom]

I echo the others ...I'm glad you are finally starting to get some answers and get some clues on how to help. I'll continue to think of you and hope things even out soon.

[tridlette]

Hey! Great start!

BTW, I am MARRIED to a former rocket scientist, literally, and it is no bed of roses! (DH got BORED with the Hydra 70 rockets and moved on to tilt wing aircraft at Boeing!)

Then again, my Dad was a missile scientist, so I should have known better!

Read up on life long consequences of FAS, and you will be a better, stronger family!

EXTRA HUGS from Mont Co for you!

Laurie

[milesofsmiles]

Great news, well worth the wait. Now we have something to work with.

Miles

[AnneM]

Oh S/A !!

This is such a GIANT step FORWARD in the answers to so many of your questions !! ... Oh THANK GOODNESS at last someone is beginning to really ANSWER those questions!! ...

Please, please keep us posted ... I am CERTAIN (in fact I KNOW!!) that since being told this you have done a lot of research on fetal alchohol syndrome ... are you finding that things are making some sense??

[Linda]

In a lot of ways I bet your mind is somewhat relieved now that you are starting to get some answers.

Remember we are here for you.

[SKay]

It's good to be getting some answers and some tips on working with the weak areas, isn't it? Keep us posted.

[sweety]

:)I know there are bullitin boards like this one for FAS because my sister frequently talks about the one she belongs to. I have an adopted neice who has multiple problems, not only from FAS but from poor nutrition before and after birth and no prenatal care. (the child was placed with my sister at 5 months) They have lots of info and support. Good luck and