What are we gonna' do?

Ya' know, that's a very good question.... I think we have a plan now, but it seems like an eternity waiting for the doctor to follow through.

We went to visit with Dr. McInturff, our pediatrician, a week or so ago about Bryson's diagnosis and the report from Dr. Christensen. As we talked about Bryson's needs, how he responds to our help and guidance, and what the immediate struggles we face right now with his Asperger's Syndrome are, we began to formulate a plan. First, we talked about the ADD, and that it is most likely a by-product of the AS. His doctor thought that we should hold off on medication, until we try some other things first (Yea... We really weren't comfortable with what to do about that one.) We brought up the possibility of changing his diet, thinking that maybe dyes and chemicals in processed foods may be causing some of those issues for him. His doctor agreed that the more natural and whole the foods are, the better they are for all of us, and said it wouldn't hurt to try that. But because he's already such a tiny, skinny kid, and a pretty picky eater, he cautioned us about taking away too many things he will eat. We decided that because we're so close to summer, and the ADD probably won't be so prevalent when he's not involved in school, he recommeded furter testing and some occupational therapy to help him learn how to deal with the AS issues first: the over-stimulating environmental experiences, texture sensitivity - like scratchy clothes, being able to focus enough to do things he doesn't want to - like reading, memorizing things like his address and phone number, and so on. He also recommended some counseling. When he mentioned this, I kind of chuckled and told him that I thought WE were the ones that needed counseling. Sometimes we feel like we're doing all we know how to do, and it's still not enough. We need to meet with someone who can help us take this stuff to the next level and figure out how to reach and help him when he's having an "AS Moment". He smiled, and told us that that's what he was thinking...that the counseling would have a family spin on it, so it would be able to help him, and at the same time, help us help him. He said he'd contact Dr. Christensen and get those referrals taken care of.

Ahhhh.... Well, it felt good to talk about our next steps, and start a plan in motion, but it was kind of frustrating at the same time. I don't feel like we're much farther than we were a month ago, but I know these things take time. I'd really like to get some serious help this summer so we can see some progress before school starts again. It's just so hard to wait. When it comes to my kids and helping them find success and happiness, I'm really not very patient. I might have to call the docotor tomorrow and see where we're at. And then, most likely, wait again!