Thank you ladies for your encouragement! We took the step of putting him in school not knowing for sure where the $ was going to come from. So far both months - the extra money has been there....to the exact dollar in fact this last month. That confirms for me that he's in the right place for now. I personally have struggled with being organized all my life
- and he really needs set structure and schedule to do well. Am asking the Lord's enabling for me in that regard and trying to make some changes here at home for him too. Different ways in handling sibling spats, setting up very clear rules and consequences, and we're trying some extra B6, magnesium, and omega 3's for him too. (Neurologist had put us on some medication - we tried that for 5 days and it was heart wrenching to see my son turn into somebody else. Yes, he was calm, but there was no joy in his step or on his face.
He begged us not to take the meds because they hurt his stomach, and made him so sleepy during the day, but at night time he had nightmares and couldn't sleep well...and since we were leaning that way anyway, we took him off)
My youngest child has major sensory issues as well and also may be on the autistic spectrum. (she's 5 now) She's seeing an occupational therapist once a week now. Part of the problem has been she needs so much of my time as well - so him going to school has truly been a blessing in many ways. I'm able to focus on my middle child's schooling, and then work with her as well without being emotionally and physically drained from dealing with my oldest. (I had been going through LHTH with my dd but then stopped for a few months as problems with our oldest seemed to escalate....so need to start her up on that again as she absolutely loves it) We're still struggling to know what's best for her next year for kindergarten....
We never had heard of Temple Grandin until a few months ago, and yes we saw the movie...helped us understand a little more how our little guy thinks. Also just now we are going through a book on aspergers by Tony Attwood. As parents, we have spent many tears and prayers over our oldest. Before he goes to bed now, I "squish" him with a body ball....almost my entire weight (and I'm not a small woman)
on the ball on his body while he's laying down - and he absolutely calms down from his bouncy, flying off the wall, spinning around self. The first time I did it, he said, "that feels SO good, Mom." and now he begs for it every night. We are also in the process of trying to get him a weighted vest or belt (for self calming during the day) as he truly does seem to settle down with that extra sensory imput.
Anyway, again thank you for your input. It's good to know one is not alone...and at times as parents we have to make gut-wrenching decisions, but have to make them trying by the Lord's grace to do what is best for each of our children. At these times we especially need the Lord's strength and encouragment and He has done that through each of you....thank you!
My second son is very active, maybe even borderline ADHD, but HOD is such a good fit for him. All the various activities, the reading, the notebook pages, etc. He truly is learning and I am finding a new gratefulness for HOD.... Our other son is doing well in the school setting as well.... We're trying some natural supplements with him too just to see how he progresses...but wanted to express how thankful I am for HOD. God is faithful....even in the midst of hard times and when things don't turn out how we might hope. 