More Changes...

Yesterday Honeybunches had an appointment with his Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician in Boston.  That is a 2+ hour ride from where we live.  He had great behavioral all the way there, while waiting for his appointment, during his appointment and on the way home. He actually slept about 1 hour on the way there and a little more than half way home.  That made the ride more pleasant lol. Yes, he slept well last night too.

The Developmental Behavioral Pedi was concerned with his weight.  According to her scale he's 119.  For that, she suggested I consider talking with his pdoc about lowering his Abilify which she believes to be the cause. I don't believe now is the correct time to make med changes, with all the other changes happening in his life. 

 I asked her if she thought he'd still meet the criteria for Autism when the DSM-5 comes out.  She said it's usually the parents of children who are really high functioning that are concerned.  In other words, it sounded to me like in her opinion he is not and I should have nothing to worry about.  That was bitter sweet news.  My brain was thinking, I'm glad I don't have to worry, but it made it clear she doesn't consider him high functioning.  He's not low functioning IMO either, so he must be in the middle? For some reason my silly brain was thinking he was high functioning.  I guess because I don't have any examples.  He's the only child I know, whom I know has Autism, so I have nobody to compare him too.  I used to work with one child long ago, but it was obvious he had Autism.  He was nonverbal.  Honeybunches can talk, so I thought that made him high I guess.  Another part of me realizes he has his delays and struggles. I guess it was just hearing her opinion of him not being high that was a bit heartbreaking, although part of me knew it.  To hear the words spoken just made it all so more real.    I think as he gets older his delays, especially his social ones, are becoming more prevalent.

More changes are coming for Honeybunches.  He's been seeing the same counselor whom I will call L since he was 4 years old.  He's 10 now, so it's been 6+ years that he's seen her.  She told us at his appointment tonight that she is finally retiring.  She's 67 years old.  His next visit in two weeks with her will be the last.  He wrote on her white board "I feel sad" and drew a sad face. He had some of her stuffed animals say they will miss her.  She gave him two beanie babies today and said he can have the rest of her stash of them at his next visit.  I asked if I had to do another intake to get him a new counselor.  She told me "No".  She's writing up a bio about him and will find who she thinks will be the best fit for him in the office.  It's a large agency with many counselors. She did have one 20-something year old man in mind.  She introduced Honeybunches to him.  Honeybunches made me so proud.  He initiated a handshake while he said "Hi.  My name is ____.  Nice to meet you."  That was the first time I've seen him introduce himself so professionally.  He sure is growing up!!!! I told the counselor that Honeybunches will need somebody who is determined and will stick around for a bit.  She said she'll talk to this man to see if he is taking new patients and to see if he would be a good fit for Honeybunches as she thinks he will.  We'll know more at his next visit in two weeks.

With losing his aide at the beginning of the month and now losing his counselor whom he's seen for so long I wonder how stable he'll remain.  It is all a lot for him to deal with.  

Honeybunches has been a bit irritable since the time change. His new aide underwent restraint training late last week.  I think Honeybunches must have been surprised when she restrained him yesterday.  IDK the whole details of what happened.  All I know is that he was really testy.  They tried ignoring his behavior at 1st, then things escalated.  He was escorted to the time out space.  He was restrained for a few seconds and then began to cry.  He said he was mad at Daddy for not taking him to the railroad tracks.  IDK what that was all about.  DH said he told Honeybunches "Maybe" they'd go to the tracks.  Honeybunches never understands maybe.  In his brain either things are or they are not.  Today he had a better day at school.