Action Stations

We had a phone call from a clinical psychologist at Redbank House. It is a child and adolescent mental health clinic. Our GP and Paediatrician referred us there to help us deal with E's anxiety. She was very good to talk to. She said they do a comprehensive assessment, diagnoses, then sit down with us an formulate a plan for treatment, if required. She can't give us a particular time or date, but she said she is hoping it will begin within the next five weeks. This is very good news as they are real experts, and the waiting list is usually very long.

We have also seen the psychologist again. We talked to him about E's increasingly stereotypical autistic behaviors, like hoarding and grouping items, lining them up and so on. He said for a lot of PDD kids, it's a form of play, so needs the same restrictions as you would give for any other activity. For example, there are only certain places he can do it, he needs to pack away afterwards. He said to give him plenty of tins and boxes and hidey holes (which we have done already), but to make sure he keeps them in his room and can only have one box out at a time.
We also talked to him about starting preschool in 2 short weeks. He suggested husband face should take him, and that E and I should have as much time apart as possible between now and then. He said we need to continue taking him unless the school say they can not deal with him. I am really stressed about it, but trying not to show it. I am still reminding myself that it's not preschool he hates, it's change, but it is good for him in the long run.

Otherwise, things are going reasonably well. He is generally a pleasure to be around, but he is often stressed and anxious, or obsessing over something. I wish we had a way of being able to get him to really relax. The most relaxed he ever is is when he is with my Mum's dogs. We are definitely getting dogs when the kids are a bit older!

M has just turned two and is becoming increasingly challenging. It can be a difficult age, but also an exciting one, as she is so interested in everything and enthusiastic about so many different things.

I really am very lucky.