Friday, October 17, 2008

Patrick's Diagnosis

Edit
Patrick has definite autistic markers, but is also showing a lot of ADHD markers. After a 3 hr appointment and 8 forms asking questions about his personality we are a bit closer to finding out what we can do for him. The two drs that we met with yesterday are going to meet and discuss what was found in his mental and personality/behavior that would qualify him as a certain Autistic. The teacher has two or three forms to fill out yet about his behavior in school. And we need to do conferences at the school. Once those are all done we will meet again for a feedback session and see what we can do from there. The ADHD can be treated with meds, but that isnt necessarily the best route to go so we will see about that. The autism will need lots of training to get over the sensory issues, the personal space issues, the attention issues, and the overstimulation issues. You may ask what our ultimate goal is here...well it is for Patrick to lead as normal a lifestyle as he can with successes just like any other person. We want him to be able to function in society by being able to figure out himself what needs to be done from beginning to end to accomplish a task whether it be tying his shoes or if he so desires designing with a CAD program. He will have to understand the consequences to actions and be able to think ahead. I am not sure how we will accomplish all this..right now as always I am just going one day at a time, sometimes just one minute at a time. With a lot of patience, repetition and caring I hope to get him where he needs to be.

Feel free to ask questions, offer suggestions, or if you know of something out there or another person who can help feel free to give them my email address.

1 comment:

Bruce, Annie, Avery & Jack said...

One day at a time thats how we all have to live right ! You guys have got it together for Patrick ! You all will be fine. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of love! OK now I have said this before We need to get together!!!!