As the Director of the preschool he attended, I was a witness to everything. I remember peering into the camera, watching him in his classroom, and every so often I would stop what I was doing and just stare in disbelief thinking, “is this my child?”. I knew that his behavior wasn’t appropriate but I was told time and time again to, “be a mother, not an educator!” or “you’re just too overprotective!”. I even had moments thinking maybe it was because he knew I worked at the preschool and he wanted “extra attention.” My motherly instincts echoed something different.
I reached out to CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education) who thought I was missing a screw myself. I explained that I felt my son was having difficulties focusing and with his speech and was misbehaving due to frustration. When the test results were placed in my hand I was not surprised but my heart still ached. His language skills were delayed and it indicated he had difficulties with attention. I didn’t want him to be looked at as “different” in or out of school.
My husband was in denial, in fact my entire family was, when he was diagnosed with a speech and language delay. I remember crying in the shower and having deep discussions with my husband when he told me I was overanalyzing, I felt insane. I was sick to my stomach and was so torn. I needed to do what was right for my child so I took him to a neurologist where he was diagnosed with a mild case of Aspergers syndrome and ADHD.
Determined to avoid medication, I transferred him to another school that had all necessary services on site. He received OT (Occupational Therapy), PT (Physical Therapy), and Speech and Language services. I researched online about these types of therepy and found some info at www.bshcare.com/therapy-services.html. They offer the same activities for seniors who need recovery. At least I know there is nothing extraordinary about these therapies. He thrived and he was happy there with all the support he needed. Later, he attended public school and was placed in a mainstream classroom, he regressed and took a turn for the worse. My son’s year in public school was my worst nightmare as he was so unhappy. He became a boy I no longer knew.
We revisited the neurologist and this time my husband and I made the choice to place our first born on medication. Like many others, the first medication was not the right match and we went through several in order to get where we are today. It was a rough road but we made the choice to medicate because we needed our boy to remain focused in class and receive the education that he so well deserves.
For more extensive information and a resource for preventative health information please visit UHC Latino
Today, he is in a ICT (Integrated Co-Teaching Class) and has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) that allows him to work at his own pace. He is currently on one medication with minimal side effects and I have my boy back! He is happy, healthy, and progressing nicely in his third grade class and I couldn’t be more proud of him for facing his obstacles proudly and with determination.
That’s a watchful mom! In my days, nobody noticed I had difficulties… Even at school, a private school! Anyway… Yes, I agree meds are sometimes needed to focus… and get over the school years… You are a great mom for having followed your instinct!
Laura,
Thanks for reading an responding! Many children go undiagnosed because parents don’t know what signs to look for or they are in denial.
Many times I did question if I was doing the right thing but my <3 led the way.
Big hugs and thanks a million,
xoxoxoxox
In the 60s, my parents were told my brother had a learning disability and would never learn to read or do math! Can you imagine? Today he has two science degrees, so I guess they were a little off on their prediction! So glad your boy is thriving now – it’s because you and your husband persevered!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting Liz. Sometimes others aren’t always right. I guess it’s what the parents know as well as the school. Some people with disabilities are the smartest people because they are able to over analyze and use various strategies.
Thanks so much!
xoxoxoxo
love it!!! you are the best!! thanks for sharing your experience at this topic. Many parents don’t understand how important it is sharing for supporting others who may be living the same and have no clue on how to handle it.
Eli,
Thank you for reading and commenting.
That’s why I am here–I hope to help others parents follow their instincts and be the best advocate for their child.
Hugs!!!!
xoxoxoxo
I am so glad that you followed your instincts and kept pushing to get your son the treatment and educational plan of action that he needed to excel and succeed! So often we go against our instincts when our instincts rarely ever fail us!
One of my cousins went through hell with his ADHD, it wasn’t diagnosed for a long time and he was just considered at ‘an risk youth’ but his parents much like you did with your son kept fighting, you’d never know it today that’s for sure!
I hope to meet you in person in Miami!
Tracy,
I appreciate you reading and commenting.
I truly agree it’s important to go with our instincts!
I am so happy your cousin received what he needed as well.
I will search for you in Hispanicize to give you a great big hug!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Sometimes following your instincts forces you to come to terms with a reality that is difficult to accept. Kudos to you and your husband for being proactive and taking charge of your child’s needs and not allowing him to another statistic.
He made such a good impression on me yesterday. He was outgoing and kind and funny. Really a special kid.