SNOW IN MAY?

It's hard to believe that it's already mid May, yet this morning while at work, there were enough snowflakes falling to make me don a toque and winter jacket.  Throughout my experience with ASDs, and in particular Asperger's, I've learned that Jacob's behaviour can change just as quick as the weather.

I can't wait to have some ice cream by the bay.

Last week Jacob did pretty well in school, despite only going for 2 days, due to a lengthy illness.  Then this morning it seemed that his behaviour plummeted much like the temperature.  Now, we have learned that Jacob's empathic ability is often through the roof as he can always sense our stress and anxiety.  On Wednesday, we have our first appointment with Jacob's new ASD doctor.

We don't know why, but this meeting seems even more dubious than any previous doctor visit, not because of Jacob's recent run of poor behaviour, but because we're, for the first time in our lives, are open to giving Jacob medication to help him keep his cool during pressure situations.  Nothing is for sure, but we can't help but have fear for our son.

Then today, we spoke to another mom who happens to be our friend, as well as a fellow aspie mother.  And wouldn't you know it, her son also has the same doctor.  And after speaking briefly with her, my wife was put at ease, because this new doctor isn't a big fan of medicating children with ASDs and only sees meds as a last resort.

I know meds aren't that big of a deal, as I'm sure many people just like us give their kids meds, but it's a gut wrenching decision for us.  We're hoping that with all of the ABA training that we're currently involved in, that we'll be able to continue without medicating our son.  On that note, we've also enrolled in a new therapy program that entails multiple in home visits, phone in sessions, one on one time with Jacob and in class workshops.

The sad thing is that we often enjoy our summer due to the relaxing nature of the season, but of course we're willing to do anything to help Jacob.  All we can do is stay positive and focused, and pray that things become easier for him as time goes by.  But the one thing we always say to our selves is that every grey cloud does have a silver lining.  And we're sure that this current cloud over us does too, even if it's a snow cloud in May.