Psychologist and Psychiatrist and Neurologist – Oh My!

Alex’s teacher and I completed the Connors 3 evaluation for Alex’s behavior at home and school and the results where very similar. According to the magical all-powerful computer generated test, Alex seems to have some difficulty staying focused and could possibly fit under an ADD diagnosis, but the psychologist also sees some strong sensory integration symptoms as well.

I took the results to his pediatrician and discussed what our options would be. He was reluctant to start him on a medication because of the sensory integration factor. Our next step is to see an ADD/ADHD specialist at the Avera Behavioral Health Institute in Sioux Falls, SD. His pediatrician also referred us to a neurologist in SF because of Alex’s headaches and “head banging”. I don’t think I’ve discussed that last part on my blog before because it tends to freak people out. Alex has this bedtime routine where he sort of rocks himself to sleep. He started it when he was about a year old and in the beginning, it freaked me out as well. I was a young mother and rushed him to doctors in the beginning because I was worried about autism…seizures…. you name it, it’d probably thought about it. His doctors said the same thing – it’s just his way of relaxing….like sucking his thumb. So, I left it alone until the sensory integration part came up – which has now led to him having to see a neurologist. I feel a little like everyone around me is saying “this is what’s wrong with your child” and I know that they all have Alex’s best interest in mind – but it’s overwhelming.

Alex is doing really well in school right now according to his grades and the papers he is bringing home. He was so excited last night because he past three timed math exams in a seven day period. I’m a bit concerned that all of this attention to his learning will become discouraging for him. It’s difficult to know if you’re doing the right thing and having to make these decisions alone has made me feel so incredibly isolated. He is such a bright kid and I just want him to do his absolute best and not have a roadblock that discourages him.