New update on my little one...

Just got back from seeing Nick in Atlanta this evening. On the drive home, the doctor called me and said that Nick has made a big turn around over the last several days, and he will be coming home probably on Friday. We had discussed last week that Nick would need to go into long term residential treatment for 30-90 days. Well, he has made such a good change in his behaviors and all since they took him off of the Lithium, and put him on Trileptal, that they have decided to let him come on home for another try. We are gonna give this a chance, and hopefully along with intensive therapy a couple of times per week, we can continue him on the track he is on, and get him more socially functioning. The doctor has suggested that there is a great possibility that he has Asperger Syndrome, which is high functioning autism. When he was a baby, we had thought he was autistic, but because he was so social, they ruled autism out. It is hard to define Asperger's in a child as young as he is because so many other things mimmick the diagnostic symptoms, but he has many of those defining characteristics now. I am currently in the process of trying to have him deemed disabled. By doing this, it will make him eligible for some more help. I have found though, that those of us who are working and paying taxes for all of the state funded programs are the ones who are least likely to get the benefits that we are paying for. Those who sit on their duffs, and refuse to work and help themselves are the ones who get to use and abuse the benefits. It sux horribly if you ask me... But what do you do... Anyway, Nick is doing better, and now that the tremors and slurred speech is almost all the way gone, (this is a direct result of the Lithium use for one week) he is calmer and looking for new direction for his aggression and anger. We are hoping the new meds and therapy will keep him out of long term residential treatment for some time. However, if it is needed, he can always go back. I will be so glad to get Nick home. I am sooo tired of driving back and forth the 200+ miles to Atlanta 4 times a week for an hour visitation. I miss my baby, and I am ready to get him home... Y'all keep your fingers crossed, and a prayer or two couldn't hurt either!!!! Thanks everybody!!! Susan

I'm SO happy things are turning around for him. I couldn't imagine what you're going through with all of this. I pray that the turn around is for the greater good and long term so you can keep him with you as long as possible! Thank you for the update!!! Much Dee Dee

just a note to let you know on the disability..you will be denied at least three times. just dont give up. also once you are denied talk to a disability lawyer. they helped me get mine and it was a three year process. good luck and god bless Patty

Thanks Patty,,,, I do know that disability is alot more difficult to get as an adult. But I am told it is not quite as hard for children. I know I am in for a battle regardless though. Susan

I was engaged to a guy who had Aspergers. It's a very hard disability to live with. He was on disability. I reallly don't like talking about it that much though b/c he physically hurt me and I moved back home. It's just hard to deal with in every way..especially when you Love someone. Hope the best for you and your son. Jamie

Oh Jamie... I am so sorry to hear that any man hurt you. They have not given me a definite diagnosis of that yet as it is so hard to diagnose in someone so young. But he is already had episodes where he has tried to hurt people, and I just had to get this treatment under wraps before he actually did get to that point. The thought of my child hurting someone in the future is what is driving me to get him the help he needs now. Thanks for your well wishes... Susan

Hi, Sweet Lady! I'm so glad to hear the update on your son. Do you know where Nick will receive his evaluation, long-term or short-term? I have worked with kiddos who have received services through Emory and the Marcus Institute. Our school district works closely with Emory...maybe your son's school district does as well. They are definitely knowledgable about Asperger's. The autism spectrum is huge. Getting help for Nick early will make a world of difference for your sweetie in learning his boundaries and life skills. Yay for early intervention! Prayers are going up for Nick and for you!!! Love, Becky

Hi Becky, Thanks for you prayers and well wishes... As for our school district being of any help... well, they are absolutely no help whatsoever... None other to push him out of his school, and place him in another school with self contained classrooms... which is in a very bad part of town. Anyway, I have done the research, and found some wrap around programs here locally and hopefully they can set me up with the help I need. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for it anyway. Hope to see you Saturday in Gainesville... And Nick will be with me... Y'all will get to see my little angel then... Susan