Yesterday was a big day!
I had a 2 hour appointment with a psychologist, who asked all manner of questions about EJ. It was hard, especially as I had to answer some pretty personal questions about myself and talk about EJ's birth in great detail. Turns out he isn't as unscathed as we thought.
Anyway, long story short, the verdict is this: EJ has some issues with self-soothing, which could be a result of his being unable to be held much as a newborn while he received care in the NICU. EJ has anxiety as well as well as some speech issues. We have been given a referall to a psychologist to help him with his anxiety, we have a referal to a speech pathologist to help him form his words better to communicate better, to eliminate that form of frustration. We also have a referal to a Occupational Therapist, because E's anxiety seems to be sensory based.
This is a good outcome... we are on waiting lists for the help that he needs. We just need to sit tight until that comes.
One good thing though is that EJ started freaking out in the psych's room - and she watched me calm him down multiple times. She said she had nothing to suggest for me, because I am already doing it and I am doing a really good job. Awwww... that's nice to know, because sometimes I feel like I am drowning and don't have a clue on what I am doing!!!
I would like to acknowledge some really great support I've had during this time: it's been tough on me emotionally and psychologically, and it's not over yet, but we are coming to the end, so it's all good.
Mum - thankyou so much! For watching E when I need to go places he won't like. Thankyou for your input, your suggestions on what to do with him, for letting me probe you to get some idea of what on earth is wrong with this kid!! Thankyou for watching the other two when I have appointments for him. I really do appreciate you.
Donna - thankyou so much for talking to me tirelessly about this whole process. Thankyou for sharing your own experiences and holding out that hope that everything is going to be ok. Thankyou for being such a positive light in this whole thing, and for giving me a shove in the right direction when I first thought that something just wasn't right with EJ. I appreciate your support and above all your friendship. You should open a shop!
And more results... I got my two assignments back. I got two HIGH DISTINCTIONS!!!!
*Skip does a little dance*
I'm so happy with that!!
I'm looking forward to the arrival of my next course. :) Not sure when that will be, but hopefully soon.
2 comments:
Well done on your exam results....and its fab news re EJ. I do know the pain and burden of it all with our boy. I also know the anxiety. My Jazi gets like this thanks to being in NICU. We got onto it early on with the help of tresillian and she is doing really well now. I will be praying for you and your family!!!!
Congrats on your results - you did really well!!! So glad you're also getting some answers with EJ. Hope the psychology & speech path helps.
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