The last 2 weeks have been quite a ride on an emotional roller coaster. We have been blessed with 2 amazing sons. Cameron is 7 and Henry is 21 months.
We always knew that Cameron was special, heck aren’t all children, but Cameron had his little quirks. He made these little sounds like chattering as long as we can remember, structure and routine were always inevitable, sleeping through the night became a thing of the past at 15 months, loud noises were horrifying and list goes on. When Cameron was 4 his pre school teacher had suggested that maybe Cameron had issues with ADHD and/or the Autism Spectrum. I put it in that file we all have labeled “not my kid” and went on about our lives. It would still come the mind here and there over the next 2 weeks when I had a friend who worked for me sit down and ask me some questions about my little guy. I was forced to open that file because she was right. Cameron did have some of the characteristics and you know we might get some answers.
We made an appointment and thus our first ticket was purchased you could say on the Autism Spectrum Disorder Ride of life.
Cameron tested right on the edge for Aspergers, ADHD was a definite and OCD was a great possibility. We started on a all natural approach with fish oil and behavior modification and we rode that part of the ride for about 6 months. We did see some changes but not enough to give Cameron the quality of life he deserved.
Back to the Doctor for the follow up appointment we went. Dr. Hoffman had still decided not to formally diagnose at this time because of Cameron’s age. Unfortunately Mr. Miller could not be there with us and I had to swallow the pill of agreeing to medications for our son. This was much harder than I thought it would be too accept. I felt that I had failed as a mother, what could I have done differently? Answer: NOTHING! I needed to do this for Cameron and he needed it. We saw great changes.
Over the next year Cameron started kindergarten and did great. He was writing his name and writing sentences. Doing just great and adapting to life in school.
This year we started 1st grade and have hit a few speed bumps. Reading is not going well at all and he is behind the other students academically.
After a disappointing first conference Mama got upset. Mr. Miller referred to it as they “poked the witch”. I kept my cool but after being up all night 2 weeks ago Thursday and burning up the Google button a few calls and emails were made that Friday morning. We had some positive results and new that Monday was going to be a long day with meetings and Doctors appointments. We met with the Resource Teacher and Principal, spoke with the Public School District about an IEP and then went to the Doctor. We discovered that the missing link was a formal diagnosis. I didn’t think that would be so difficult, after all we all knew it was there but maybe just maybe if it wasn’t written down it wasn’t true.
Well its true and it is a fact of life, ticket 2 purchased for the ride. Cameron has officially been diagnosed with Aspergers, OCD and ADHD. Reality is that just because it is in his file now it won’t keep him from really succeeding in life. I still found myself on this roller coaster of emotions. Truth is I still find myself reliving the last 7 years and my pregnancy with him. What could I have done differently, then I snap out of it and say get a grip and move forward. I just wish I could on a regular basis.
We have changed a few medications and are getting ready to become dairy/casein free for the next 2 months. I know we tried the dairy free route before but I found it intimidating and we failed miserably. We are researching and have found that we should gradually wade into these waters and it will be an easier process.
I am asking for suggestions to help us on this dietary change. I have a little guy that loves his yogurt, cheese and ice cream. He does enjoy coconut ice cream so I think I might have that one worked out.
Like I said in the beginning it has been a wild ride we are on. I wouldn’t change it though. I have an amazing, smart, bright, silly, genuine and loving little boy who loves life and all it has in store for him. Who could ask for anything more?
You are an amazing Mom, I can just see that in all you write. ((hugs)) Being a parent is not for the faint of heart and when things don't go the way you expect and don't fit in the file box the way you planned...that adds extra hills. I have no experience with the diet you mention but I do know someone who has seen wonderful results with her son following a gluten and casein free diet. Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteWe love you Maeghan! Reading your blogs always inspires me to be a better mom! You rock!!
ReplyDeleteWow. You are in for a tough road.... the diet thing is hard. My good friend went through similar times with her own kiddo. I know that taking him off of wheat (gluten) was a huge success for his behavior. He is medicated also, but for kids with autism, sometimes meds need to happen. My friend struggled with this for years, finding balance between enough meds to help her son function in school, but not so much that they lose their spunky spirited kid. He has high functioning autism and some other impulsive/adhd issues. This year, at the age of 12, he was officially no longer eligible for special ed. My friend called me, in tears, so happy that they had finally balanced things out enough for him to be "normal". They still have little quirks to deal with, but they really feel like they've won the battle and their son is thriving! Many blessings on your journey ;)
ReplyDeleteHang in there Meaghan! You were chosen to be Cameron's mom for a reason....he needs you and your giftings so much. you all will be in my prayers as you continue to discover the best for Cameron and your family. hugs to you!
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