Medical Assistance......

We have begun this year’s medical appointments, check-ups, referrals and so on.

Every year, as many families will know, we begin the process of checking medications, therapies, interventions, etc, then tweak any that don’t suit for something more in-line with what is required.

I totally get that this is something that is needed, although I am

over the whole issue of having to travel here and there outside our region to source the correct services.

So many things had happened during the last months last year, the many highs and lows, always rushing here and there trying to get things done, filling in time, solving issues created by other people, and then suddenly we just STOPPED and thought ……no, we need a break, we want a time-out.

We then took a step back to chill like a normal family for a change!

With so many hurdles still confronting us I sometimes wonder how much more we as a family can endure without snapping ourselves?

With A.J.’s medical list already including Spinal Scoliosis, we definitely weren't prepared for another major addition to the growing list of concerns and issues; we were shocked, after receiving regular perfect results, we were informed his latest diagnosis of vision impairment ‘Inflexible Focusing Mechanism’ and ‘long sighted’.

This result has A.J. facing the realisation he will be wearing glasses.

The visual stigma may be a long-term medical condition, only time will tell, depending on how he will react to the treatment.

Unfortunately due to the effects of his sensory issues he is unable to cope with the pressure the glasses cause on his nose, resulting in frustration and refusal to wear them.

           

The general process of this year is still running smoothly, with some minimal sensory meltdowns surfacing, we are grateful that A.J. has been coping well with self-regulation, and with the understanding from the school, and a few calls to leave school early, he is happily accepting the routine.

Looking ahead towards another new pathway in A.J.’s journey, we prepare to step in the direction of teen and adolescent years, then realising how scary this path may actually become when presented with the choices he will have to face alone, will he be able to cope, will he know how or even want to take that step forward.

Knowing the older A.J. becomes, the more noticeable his differences are and the harder the outside world will be able to cope or deal with these so-called issues while confronted with his meltdown moments, caused by the frustration of compensating his differences to what he thinks is needed to fit into society, while inadvertently exposing his weaknesses directly to them.

A.J.’s birthday is coming and with that he will enter the world of ‘Teenager’ finally becoming 13 and ready for everything he wants to face, and what will that be???

Spending time with our dog - Tess and jumping on the trampoline.

What does he want for a gift? -‘Lego Minecraft’ and Sony 3 games……of course!!’

“Oh and can we have fish and chips in the park? I really like that”

The letters have started coming in to address A.J.’s Autism assistance, re-applying for acceptability to acknowledge officially his disability. This will cover till he is 16 and then the process will begin again; but for today we make appointments to see the professionals and fill out silly little forms and process all the requirements and then wait, for however long they choose to take, to send me back the answer, hopefully, the confirmation that all this help and assistance will continue.

Happy Birthday ---- A.J!