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Mom on the Run
Member Since: September 10, 2007 Last Signed In: July 21, 2008 Blog Views: 2626 Send To A Friend Sign Guestbook Add as a Friend
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One Year Later
So, it's been one year since Bee was diagnosed through Alta. One whole year. Fifty two weeks. Three hundred and sixty four and a quarter days. And we are still waiting for services.
It's so frustrating. We have been able to get so many other services going for Bee. He's had private occupational therapy (OT) for over nine months. Private speech therapy for over six months. Private play therapy for over five months. The school district has put him in some good programs as well (additional OT, preschool communication class, adapted PE). And yet Alta is lagging way behind. Way, way behind. What do we do? How long is too long to wait? How can a regional center go on and on about how Early Intervention is the key, and not have enough providers for services? We're not the only ones waiting. There are many, many kids like Bee -- some with more challenging issues than his, waiting for the help they are entitled to. The diagnosis made him eligible for services through the regional center. It's unconscionable that these wait lists are acceptable to Alta. Status quo, for them. It's not their kid. Bee is doing so well, but some of his behaviors are getting more difficult to handle. The Big Man and I are scared. Scared of what things will be like if we are still waiting a year from now. We try to remain positive, but it's hard as the days/weeks/months go by. We don't even know if there's an end in sight. We know that Bee will be okay, but it's hard not to play the "What If" game in your head over and over and over and over again. On a more positive note, Bee had his MRI this morning and all was well. They had to sedate him, as he's too young to stay still for 45 minutes... watching him pass out in our arms was a little unnerving, but the Anesthesiologist and the other medical assitants were very supportive. He woke up quickly afterwards, and asked for cheese. :) 3 comments from 3 users
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posted by
craftynat
on Dec 18, 2007 at 09:28 PM
Hi, I can relate to your story. My daughter has been a client of ALTA's for 15 years now, since 18 months of age. It can be so tough waiting to get services when it's your child. I applaud you for all you have got going for Bee outsid eof ALTA. Proactive parenting with special needs is a must! Be vigilant with the school system as well, they sometimes want to slack off as time goes on...... From my standpoint, ALTA is hurting. I lost count as to how many case workers we've had over the years. Sometimes, no case worker at all- because the workers leave and replacements seem hard to come by. Funding is always an issue with ALTA as I understand it. Based on some of my past case workers, I don't think the pay is sufficient to get the good case workers to stay, much less want to work there in the first place. ALTA is a much needed resource in our community. Perhaps a few more parents should get on the Board or get politically involved to champion for quicker response to client needs and more funding. Please keep being the voice for Bee and persevere.... After all our children are worth it! posted by
creatress
on Dec 19, 2007 at 10:52 AM
First off, YAY on the good MRI!!! I'm so glad that went well. Now, onto ALTA. I think you just continue with what you are doing. Don't count on them for anything. If they are able to come around and give you some help and services, great. But don't wait for it (not that you are). You should be able to get some behavioral help through the school. I'd also check privately (if your insurance can cover it). The other thing to watch for (all good parents of special needs kids need to watch for this ) is not to over-therapize him. I don't think you are and yes, early intervention is key. But of course, they all need time to just relax and be themselves as well. I know I'd get tired of being over-analized and forced to make all these changes all the time. It's important to see his strengths as well as trying to help his weaknesses. Again, I think you already do all this... just pointing it out. It's easy to get over-involved in the maze of therapy and wanting to help. You don't want to convey the message to your special needs child that they need to be "fixed" as much as "given tools to function the bes they can in our society."
posted by
blahblahblah
on Dec 19, 2007 at 03:36 PM
Thank you both for your responses. I really, really appreciate it. I wish I could do more when it comes to Alta, but right now my focus is on Bee and Lee. When the boys are a bit older, I do plan to turn my attention to Alta. They are, in theory, a valuable resource; but they need to get back on track.And I do struggle with "how much is too much" when it comes to Bee's therapy. I think that we are okay for now, but I worry how he will react when we do get ABA therapy up and running. I guess I'll deal with that when the time comes. But we have, in the past, cut back on therapies that we feel aren't working. Like music therapy - boy, was that a bust! :) Thanks again!
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