Levi screamed his way through games at AWANA tonight. The game was kickball and he was happy when he was kicking or running bases, but the outfield was just too unpredictable for him, I think. You never know where the ball is going and he is still just a little guy, so the big kids kept getting the ball in "his" area. We ended up skipping that part for most of the game, because sometimes it's just not worth it to try to force something he can't handle.
It was one of those times when I just feel like I have no idea how to help him. BUT...the game leader and other leaders are wonderful. I have told them that I view the whole thing as a kind of social therapy for him. When I need help, they are happy to help and very good at loving on my Hannah-girl, who is in the same class and has to pretend I'm not there so I can deal with Levi. They are also perfectly willing to just take my smile and nod as "I've got this" and keep doing what they are doing with the other kids. I shadow him all through game time, give deep pressure while he sits on my lap during Bible time, and work with him one-on-one for his memory work.
It's a hard 90 minutes, but when I leave there, I don't feel like he is too much trouble. I'm not crazy or imagining his issues, and we are accepted just as we are.
Showing posts with label autism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label autism. Show all posts
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
ADHD musings
Levi has two official diagnoses...ADHD and SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder). We are close to an Asperger's diagnosis for him, but that may take a bit to sort out because he is only 5. I think it's just a matter of time before that official diagnosis.
But...I find myself questioning the ADHD for the past couple of weeks. I decided to not give him his meds while we were camping two weekends ago, and he did so well that I haven't given them since. Is he still a wild man? Yep. But what I am seeing makes me think this has more to do with the SPD and his near constant state of sensory overload than it does with ADHD. I think ADHD is just so common and "understood", that it's an easier diagnosis to give than any version of ASD (autism spectrum disorder).
The biggest change? Very little crying and whining in the evenings. This is the second ADHD medication that I was able to link to that in Levi. No more. We're done. I will learn to deal with Levi as Levi needs. We will work on his diet. We will pay close attention to his sensory needs and try to head off problems before they begin.
We will love and train up our child with the understanding that God has created him as an amazing individual. If he needs to jump 14,389 times a day...that's perfectly okay. :)
But...I find myself questioning the ADHD for the past couple of weeks. I decided to not give him his meds while we were camping two weekends ago, and he did so well that I haven't given them since. Is he still a wild man? Yep. But what I am seeing makes me think this has more to do with the SPD and his near constant state of sensory overload than it does with ADHD. I think ADHD is just so common and "understood", that it's an easier diagnosis to give than any version of ASD (autism spectrum disorder).
The biggest change? Very little crying and whining in the evenings. This is the second ADHD medication that I was able to link to that in Levi. No more. We're done. I will learn to deal with Levi as Levi needs. We will work on his diet. We will pay close attention to his sensory needs and try to head off problems before they begin.
We will love and train up our child with the understanding that God has created him as an amazing individual. If he needs to jump 14,389 times a day...that's perfectly okay. :)
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