Let me begin by saying, Tyler’s psychiatrist is wonderful. He has over 200 patients ranging in ages pre-k through 80 years old with the same diagnosis Tyler has (and even though as a parent you KNOW the diagnosis will be there forever to hear those age #’s makes you take a gulp of reality!). What I like about his style is he know that one size DOES NOT fit all. He doesn’t discourage parents from choices that they want to make, he provides a lot of information and allows the parent to choose. He has seen holistic approaches do well with some people, he’s seen complete dietary changes help others and he’s seen the full need for medications. He is fully aware of side effects of medications and will even share those with you while in the office and discuss dosages, etc. So he truly is one of a kind!
First off MEDICATION VACATION continues!!!!!! YIPEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
The doctor is always pleased when a medication vacation can take place, as it truly is giving the organs a break. Abilify, though it is a great medication for the issues we targeted associated with Tyler’s diagnosis has many unwanted side effects. So the lower the dose or these medication vacations are truly a blessing.
He liked the packet I put together for him and was looking at it and wanted to hand it back and I told him, no that was for his hard copy file, he thanked me for that as he was looking at the regimen the pictures, ingredients, etc.
We reviewed Tyler’s prescription on an “as needed basis” but we both agreed not to write one at this time since I have some left over since I am not using them. He indicated that if they expire and I need some, to call the office and he will call in a prescription to the pharmacy before I can come pick up a prescription.
We discussed continued work on behaviors since “boys” grow into men and can truly hurt their parents/caretakers, etc without meaning too. He said he’s seen parents with broken noses, black eyes, broken arms, etc and it wasn’t an intent by the patient, and sometimes it’s just hard to control their reactions, but still doesn’t set aside that the physical damage was done and the patient should always know the harm they have inflicted. He said, yes, there are some patients that know what they are doing but also can’t control themselves to stop. I told him, even in all the calm, I am fully aware that it’s like a volcano, you never know when an eruption may occur. He said, KNOWING that is half the battle! So, I will continue to work on “calming” skills with Tyler. It’s not a perfect world, even I lose my cool more often than I care to admit (I will say not nearly as often as I used too though) but my thing with Tyler is I want him to not act aggressively towards teachers and students or family members for that matter. The problem with this I have learned, is I haven’t been able to find that “defense” balance mechanism which his mind could tell him – defend yourself – but that’s a worry for another day LOL.
We discussed that all the things we (and when I say we, I mean Tyler, me, therapist, tutors, teachers, coaches, family and friends) are working on with sensory issues, calming issues, communication, comprehension, speech and cognition are the target areas we need to stay focused on.
So all in all it was a great visit. If things keep going as they are, then keep doing what you are doing for now So, the end result today, was keep doing what I am doing, and we will see him again in 6 months, and if we need to go back sooner, we can.
Autism Plus More 