Wow! I can't believe I haven't posted since June! Since it's Jan. 5, I have been reflecting on the events, growth and progress that took place in 2015. Our journey with D has quieted down considerably over the past 6 months. I thought this would be a good time to post an update and share some positives for which I am grateful.
As you may know from past posts, our youngest went through the IEP process at the end of last school year. He was placed at a school that can meet his behavioral needs and provide substantial support that can move him forward. He spent the last 2 weeks of the school year getting acquainted at the school. He was also accepted into the 5 week summer program. He did really well over the summer and we were very pleased with his new situation. As the new school year got started in August, our son's transition was a bit rough. For the first time in this situation, he had schoolwork to complete that became consistent. He struggled with wanting to complete his homework. He went from a first-year, gentle, female teacher to a seasoned, male teacher. He tested the new boundaries before settling in to better behavior and work habits. After getting accustomed to his new classroom situation, he was eager to share with us that he was one of 2 fourth graders in a fifth grade classroom. He kept telling us he actually skipped fourth grade and was now a fifth grader! In truth, his abilities were such that he could handle the challenges of being in a mixed grade classroom. He has been doing well academically.
We continue to make alterations to his medication, not being convinced that he is receiving the maximum benefit from it yet. It's been over a year, but we are moving in the right direction. The school and doctor are in close communication, making adjustments as they go. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder has not seemed to prove itself true. The consulting psychiatrist for the school did an evaluation of our son and also met with me for a 90 minute session. That opportunity was a gift. It provided additional feedback that was most helpful.
At the school, the students are considered to be at 1 of 5 levels, level 1 being poor and level 5 being the top level with extra priviledges. Each student starts at a level 2 when they begin at the school, giving them opportunity to move up or down as needed. At this time, D has moved up to a level 5 and has been at that level for a significant period of time. When he has been at a level 5 for 30 consecutive days, he is considered for a very gradual, careful transition back to his home school. The staff do everything they can for a success and ,hopefully, permanent transition. We may see that before the end of the school year. He receives group therapy and individual therapy with his assigned social worker at school weekly. The positive reinforcement is abundant and offers incentives like shopping for snacks or small prizes at "Paw-Mart" to some larger things like an in-school movie and a field trip to a local bowling alley. The school hosted a holiday party given by the wives of the Chicago Bears where the students got to meet a retired player and also #33, Jeremy Langford, who is a rookie we've been keeping a closer eye on since his visit.
All in all, D is doing well and feeling successful. At home, he still struggles with outbursts, but seems to be improving with each med change. We had a good break over Christmas. Yesterday morning, he gladly got on the bus and seemed excited to return to school. I am thankful for our forward progress. In addition to the support at school, we have been involved with family therapy with a couple independent counselors. It has given us support, as parents, and D seems to have benefited from it. I am not sure what benefit our other boys have received. I am trusting that the growth we've seen will continue. Life is still chaotic much of the time and the dynamics when the boys are together tends to be difficult, but I am optimistic for the future. We savor every step of progress and prayerfully keep moving forward, trusting that God will continue His work in the hearts and lives of us and our children.
