So, the past week or so has been a blur, to say the very least. After the conversation that started it all, I've basically immersed myself in an effort to get educated. I have learned a great deal, but my spidey senses tell me I've only just taken the first of MANY steps. I'll go into what I've learned in another post.
In order to properly identify ADD / ADHD, some thought and due diligence needs to be done. Our first step was a complete physical work up. This is to ensure that there isn't some underlying metabolic or physiological condition that masks itself as the trait. Check.
The next step was an extensive and grueling evaluation with a Psychologist / Behaviorist. We met with a well respected head-shrinker in Schaumburg, answering questions for 2 and a half hours. How was my pregnancy with Connor? hahahahahaha! He was ten and a half pounds at birth, how do YOU think it was? Does he eat well? hahahahahaha! He eats well. See previous question. How does he get along with his sister? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! After that, Connor went in to speak with her alone, answering even more questions. I considered holding a glass to the door. I didn't. He also was required to take a test on the computer, which (don't ask me how) established his levels of concentration and distraction. Check.
After that, his teacher will submit her info package to the Behaviorist for further evaluation. I gave her until Wednesday to fill it out, but if my past history of returning things signed in a timely manner is any indicator of paperwork Karma, I'll see it sometime mid-May. Just kidding, she's great!
Our next step is an EEG. I know you're asking, "Why, Megan, pray tell, would they need to do a brain scan?" I know this because I asked, too. They want to rule out petite mal seizures. Often times, when Connor "goes away", he's staring off into space, almost trance-like. He'll actually do it in mid sentence, or in the middle of writing a letter on paper from time to time. He snaps out of it after a few seconds, but this does simulate a petite mal seizure. It would be a huge mistake to treat for ADD if, in fact, the issue is neurological. Big mistake. I doubt that he's having these seizures, but err on the side of caution, I always say. That appointment is scheduled for tomorrow, bright and shiny early.
So, the waiting....
We hustled to get this ball rolling. I've made all the appointments necessary, pushing to get them done as quickly as possible. But now, we wait. All of the results have to be interpreted by all the doctors involved, and then the "diagnosis" can be made. If you know me, waiting isn't my strong suit, especially not with regards to my kids and their well-being. This will take, apparently, weeks. Weeks?! What?!! I want an Oompa Loompa NOW, Daddy!! Ugh.
So, we wait.
Before I sign off, I'll share my favorite Connorism of the day. Kinda broke my heart.
Me: Hey, Con, I wanted to see how you were feeling about all of this stuff. I figure it may be a little confusing, huh?
Con: No, yeah, kinda.
Me: Wanna talk about it? Is there something that scares you, or is bugging you?
Con: I'm just worried.
Me: About....?
Con: Well, see, if they say I have ADHD, then I'll be sad, because it's like I'll be in a different group or something.
What he was saying there is that he is afraid of the stigma, afraid of being "titled" and afraid of being considered different. Sigh.
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