She has had an incredible year since I wrote last. We've seen changes in her development, we've seen changes in her successes, and we've seen changes in her diagnoses.
A year ago I was waiting for her first day of preschool. This year, we're experts. Mommy walks her to school, we get to her class, she gives Mommy hugs and kisses and then Mommy is the last thought on her mind for the next 6 hours.
School begins in a few days... ten days... yes I've counted them... it's time to prepare Mommy for the inevitable journey back to school. You would think Mommy's ready for this, but it's not any easier than it was last year. Sure, I didn't cry last year when I dropped her off. I might even make it through this one without tears. But guess what comes next year? Kindergarten.
Yup. The real school deal. But wait, there's no need to be thinking of that now. *sniff* This is about what's happened for her over the last year.
We started her school year in September 2011, and she started therapies. Speech, Gross motor and Fine motor. She was integrated through the "Child Development Program" into the "Head Start" classrooms at the local elementary school. 3-4 hours a week she spent with her therapists at school. We saw significant progress.
Fatefully, in October, at her first parent-teacher conference, I was alerted to some concerns. Never mind that I spoke with her teachers every day:
"Fiona has several problems focusing and sitting still for different projects. She continues to need quiet time for unexplained and sudden tantrums."- Teachers
"Fiona expresses frustration with focused tasks, often getting up and leaving the area to find something else to do for a short time. She complains and tantrums when touched. She is often frustrated, acting out during group tasks."-Therapists
We began to wonder what diagnoses had been missed. Over the next several months, we had ASD ruled out and possible ADHD ruled in, with co-exisiting ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder). The processes to have a child diagnosed with anything here in New Mexico, no matter your insurance, is like digging your way out of bricked room with a plastic spoon!
Finally, in May 2012, we found a specialist pediatrician to formally diagnose the ADHD and ODD. By the end of June 2012, we had the diagnosis, and a new therapist.
ADHD- Hyperactive/Impulsive type- Children with this type of ADHD show both the hyperactive and impulsive behavior but can pay attention. They are the least common group and are frequently younger.
Most children diagnosed with ADHD have at least one coexisting condition. These conditions often express the same symptoms as ADHD. Coexisting conditions include: Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder or Conduct Disorder, Mood Disorders/Depression, Anxiety Disorders, and Language Disorders.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder- Up to 35% of children with ADHD also have oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. Children with oppositional defiant disorder tend to lose their temper easily and annoy people on purpose and are defiant and hostile toward authority figures. Studies show that this type of coexisting condition is more common among children with the primarily hyperactive/impulsive and combination types of ADHD.
Sensory Processing Disorder- (SPD, formerly known as "sensory integration dysfunction") is a condition that exists when sensory signals don't get organized into appropriate responses. Pioneering occupational therapist and neuroscientist A. Jean Ayres, PhD, likened SPD to a neurological "traffic jam" that prevents certain parts of the brain from receiving the information needed to interpret sensory information correctly. A person with SPD finds it difficult to process and act upon information received through the senses, which creates challenges in performing countless everyday tasks. Motor clumsiness, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, school failure, and other impacts may result if the disorder is not treated effectively.
Want more information? ADHD & ODD and SPD
My little miracle sure has some hurdles in her journey! We're seeing a behavior therapist now, outside of the school. We're ready for the new school year and her Speech and Motor therapies to begin again.
She's grown and Mommy has learned much in how to help her succeed and gain joy past these hurdles. We're looking forward to learning even more together in the coming year.
She's been such a blessing in my life! What struggles have you faced with your own kids? What accomplishments have they made in the last year? Share with us!
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