Well Checks

Other parents couldn't care less about well checks. I know this because they tell me so -- "Its no big deal." "You stress out about them." Etc. Other parents don't have kids with issues. Sean has typical premmie issues -- as much as one would like them to go away, premmie issues can last for a long time. Ryan has premmie issues as well (though fewer than Seany) and a whole different set of issues that come with spina bifida. Andrew is blessedly 'normal' except for the skin on his scalp we're removing this year, he's an average in every way 5 year old. And I thank God that he is so lucky. Then we come to Alex.

Alex's problems present in all variety of ways. He's at the top of his class academically -- his teachers have always stressed how absolutely SMART his is. He's kind, sweet, empathic -- unusually so. He is hyper-sensitive -- emotionally and to stimuli (touch, fabric, sounds, sights, etc). He toe walks. He is never still -- not in his sleep, not ever. He stutters and stammers, though not all the time. He's self esteem isn't great. He is never silent -- he hums or breathes loudly. He almost has a tick with his shoulders. I could go on.

For at least the last 3 years at his well check, hemming and haing, the doctor tries to decide if he should be evaluated for something neurological, suggestions of Aspergers (a type of autism as far as I know), or an unknown thing besides the ADHD are thrown around during his hour and a half well check. (Andrew's well checks last 20 minutes, he's pronounced perfect and we move back to Alex.)

This year, a new doc saw Alex and saw something after spending 2 minutes with him. She is sending him to a developmental specialist to evaluate him for autism or a neurological condition. She said the usual its border line. Its like they never know what to do with his menagerie of symptoms. Then he did his shoulder tick thing and his weaker right side presented itself and she determined something is going on.

The kicker, sometimes if something is found, its hard to get insurance for the kid. Fabulous. Do nothing and do nothing to possibly improve Alex's quality of life. Do something and possibly have to foot the bill ourselves. This is why an person with a child needs a job with health benefits -- the kid qualifies automatically.

So, right now, I feel relieved that I'm not crazy to be concerned. That all these hour and half long doctors visits that I dread may lead to an actual evaluation. I don't want something to be wrong with Alex. But if there is, the sooner it can be tackled and treated the better off he'll be. I've learned that early intervention is the key.