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OT - Today's Appt

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Firstly I have to say, Thank You to you gals for helping with my outfit - I definitely felt calmer and in control today and that helped me immensely.

G is being assessed to see if she has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, so today's assessment was a play based session where they video it and record her responses to specific questions/prompting etc. G and the 2 assessors were in one room and I was in the adjacent room watching through two-way glass.

It was very interesting and I could really pick up a lot of things that I hadn't noticed before, and could clearly see some of the difficulties she has.

So, by tomorrow (Friday) afternoon or early Monday morning, they are going to phone me back with an interim report, and have something to email to the paed in time for our Monday 11am appt. Monday's paed appt will also have reports from G's kindy, the Education Dept's special needs person and the report from when today's people went to her kindy and assessed her in that environment. So lots of supporting documentation to go through!

(G's dad has Asperger's Syndrome and that's the direction our paed is thinking G is probably heading, but because girls apparently present quite differently to boys it can be tricky to diagnose, hence trying to get as much detail as possible).

After what seems like an eternity (this has been going on for over 18mths now) I feel like we are slowly getting to the point where answers might not be too far away... and with answers, comes therapy and support that is, some days, in desperate need...

But, the thing that struck me most today was that the Occupational Therapist (one of the assessors) who is usually a very cold person and quite abrupt, was really nice today and didn't dismiss me like she has in the past - in fact, she was really reassuring & obliging when I asked if it was possible to have the interim report done for Monday! I don't know if it was because she is perhaps realising G does have some issues, or if it was because of my fab outfit!

Either way, I definitely felt a lot better and feeling better helped me deal with my anxiety.

So, thanks again! And I will let you know once I get the reports through...

Theresa

General

27 replies

Latest reply was from Katiepea

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Oh Theresa, I am so very glad to hear hear that today's session was productive.

I'm sure that your outfit looked beautiful. Whether or not your outfit impacted on how the others perceived you, I am so very happy and relieved to read that you truly felt your concerns were heard and acknowledged today, rather than dismissed by the medical team. As you said, you are your daughter's advocate - you really did her proud today!

AJ

Veteran

Oh so glad to hear that a diagnosis will soon be on the way and you will be able to get her the assistance she needs.

Often times, when we are confident in what we are wearing, we smile more and walk with more spring in our step. Regardless of how others perceive you, the internal calm you are feeling impacts how you communicate with others. So, yay for a positive experience all around!

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

So true and so very well said AJ. Clever lady!

rute

Veteran

Reading this and other posts I see that there are so many amazing and strong women around the world!
Hope everything gets solved soon and wish you all the best for you and you family!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

That is sounding positive Theresa, well done for pushing to keep things on track for your DD. Your outfit in the previous thread looked great.

Alecia

Veteran

Wow, you had a big day. I hope you get some clarity soon. I know a woman who was only diagnosed with Asperger's as an adult. She had had such a hard time during childhood and adolescence, mainly because she had gone undiagnosed. I'm glad you are on track to identify it (or something else) early.

Isn't it amazing what a great outfit will do for your psyche? It can be like the catalyst for a super power.

Queen Mum

Veteran

Theresa- I'm so glad the appointment went well and that you felt so confident! It does matter how we present ourselves and that we feel confident in what we are wearing.

It's probably not even a conscience thing but I can totally see how when doctors (or anybody for that matter) are dealing with someone who appears well put together, they probably see them on a more even level with themselves and deal with them as such. When they encounter people who are visibly a mess they perceive them as less educated and less "with the program" and would interact with them accordingly. I"m sure we all do that to an extent...

Tansie

I am glad it went well for you and that your daughter is going to get a diagnosis. Even though there can be that horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach when a diagnosis is needed, it is better to have it so then action can be taken. I'm not sure your outfit had an influence on the doctor, but as others have said, it is certain the confidence it gave you shone through!
I have a nephew in SA going through a similar process at the moment. I'll be thinking of you on Monday!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I'm glad to hear that it went so well, and that you will have some news so soon. The waiting is usually the hardest part.

Louise

Veteran

Glad today went well i think if you look confident it makes you feel confident good luck for Monday x

Debbie

Veteran

I'm so glad the appointment went well and you didn't feel that the therapist dismissed you. Looking confident does equate to feeling confident. I hope everything goes well for you on Mon.

puffenstuff

(website)

Veteran

Great to hear things are finally moving along for you Theresa - I suspect that the wait will be difficult and after so long it will be nice to know in which direction you'll be looking to for the future.

Isnt it funny how an outift can have such an impact on the way people treat you and even in the way you carry yourself. Big hugs to you and your littlies!

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all so much for your support - it really touches me.

Funnily I'm actually not even too impatient at the waiting at the moment - I think after so long another couple of days is just nothing! Certainly a change for me though - I'm Miss Impatient normally LOL

I am now a 100% convert to dressing to give confidence after yesterday LOL I absolutely know it made me feel good and regardless of whether or not it was the reason for better interactions or not, I am glad I took the time to stop and think about what to wear. (Although I suspect it did help me in the running shoe shop too but you can read about that on my blog rather than me boring you all here LOL)

I hate to admit it, but I think I'm very guilty of subconsciously judging people based on attire... even yesterday sitting in the waiting room, because Community Health is the public (read: free) system, it certainly attracts all types - yes there were some well presented folk like myself, but there were also a lot of really horrible casual shorts & t's (like I'd wear to mow the lawn in) and I did find myself thinking they were probably less "with it"...

Actually, the funniest part of the day, was watching all the staff walking around the building and judging whether or not their pants were PPL - 99% were not and it really really stood out to me ROFL

I'll let you know how Monday goes and I will definitely be keeping your thoughts in my mind.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Theresa, you are a strong, positive and capable lass. I'm so glad that you felt that you had a positive and productive day. I wish you all the best with the results of the report and know that we are here to support you in any way.

You are beautiful :0)

marianna

Veteran

So glad this appointment was more productive. Wishing you and your daughter all the best!

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Thanks girls.

Angie you had me a little teary then - thank you for your kind words.

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Theresa I didn't get a chance to read your outfit thread until after the appt had already happened. You looked lovgely though! Whether it was your dress, your confidence or just the right time, I'm glad you feel you are starting to make progress and get some answers about what's happening with your little girl. I'm so happy to hear you are advocating strongly for yourself and your family - good on you! Our medical system is far from perfect, but it is great to know that sometimes it can work and help make a big difference in people's lives.

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Oh just saw your post Tam - thank you!

OK, saw our Paediatrician today so have another update... ITS A LOOOOONG one!

Based on the results of last weeks assessment, letters/reports from all the other parties, my notes, and the paed's assessment, it appears that an Autistic Spectrum Disorder is not as likely at this point in time (they can't rule it out for later on though apparently).

But, what they think is going on is that G has an anxiety disorder... And I think this fits quite well actually - writing out my notes for the paed, it was really obvious that anxiety/lack of confidence was the biggest current issue she has and according to the paed, can be the cause of a lot of her other issues.

So, now I need to access therapy to help me devise strategies to help her reduce her anxiety and build her confidence. I have to make a couple of phone calls about that tomorrow. And we are tweaking some of her daily supplements (because of her allergies, her diet is so limited that she is on a number of supps, and increasing one of these can help minimise anxiety - if she tolerates the increased dose...).

I have mixed feelings about this though - I do think it fits and whatever strategies we can teach her will be extremely helpful I'm sure, but at the same time, I feel sad because the paed said anxious kids generally become anxious adults, and I've had enough of my own anxiety issues to deal with and I really don't want that for my girls. Of course, my anxiety/depression have also set her up to be predisposed to things like this...

But, my own anxiety is pretty much non-existent now, so I do know that with great therapy there is definitely a brighter future for her and she can be one of the anxious kids that DOESN'T go on to be an anxious adult. And getting on top of this now - at 4 yrs old - means we have lots of time to help her.

Thanks for baring with me as I've rambled away some more! I really appreciate your support.

Oh and FWIW this is what I wore today - I'm about 5'4" and our paed only comes up to around my shoulders, so I feel like a giant and only ever wear flats around her LOL I also know she takes me incredibly seriously and I didn't feel the need to be dressed to be as "in control" with this appt - I love that she always says "OK, so what do YOU think about this" or "what do YOU want to do about it" etc.

http://i294.photobucket.com/al.....180005.jpg

Kate

Veteran

Theresa, I'm glad that it sounds like things are moving in the right direction towards helping your daughter! Anxiety is tough, but it's certainly not the worst problem out there. I have a several close friends who have anxiety issues and are medicated for it, and they are still able to keep it together and have good social lives. And as you said, you have plenty of time to help keep your daughter from becoming an anxious adult. I also think that anxiety can be easier to "work-out" than autism spectrum disorder, so I think overall this is better than what you were fearing. Best of luck!

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Theresa, I'm so very glad that you are starting to get to the bottom of this. The fact that you have been able to get so far already is going to help her immensely! You should be so incredibly proud of yourself!

I can really sympathise with how much this must have impacted on your daughter and your life. I myself developed an anxiety disorder after my home was substantially destroyed in a natural disaster (with me still in it!). I know first hand that it is absolutely no fun at all to have to try and function 'normally' and get on with day to day living whilst you simultaneously battle with the life or death "fight or flight" reflex being switched "on" for long periods of time. The surges of adrenalin also really get the nervous system out of whack too.

I can say, that truly there are some really wonderful cognitive behaviour therapies that can really do wonders to help your daughter cope with her anxiety issues and improve her confidence.

The biggest thing will be for you to find a psychologist you and she, like and trust.

Now, excuse me for being mother hen for a moment here, but just in case you were unaware, if you are unhappy with the Community Health services offered, I would be pretty certain that your daughter would qualify for between 6 - 12 sessions with a psychologist under provisions under the Mental Health Act (I think that is what it is called), where Medicare will reimburse you up to $75 out of pocket expense per session with a qualified psychologist/social worker. Fees for pscyhologists are usually around $80 - 100 per hour. The amount of sessions eligiable for Medicare can be extended by the Dr if required. You need to see your GP about this as a first step to get the correct documentation submitted to Medicare before you can start claiming. (Sorry if you already knew this - thought it might be useful to know as a backup if necessary!)
x

PS - By the way, I thought your outfit looked lovely and very yummy-mummy today!

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Lordy, my post was longer than yours, and it isn't even my thread! Sorry!

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Kate.

LOL KP I like that you can out-write me!!

And thank you for all that info - I did remember that there was something I could claim, but wasn't sure exactly what. I'll definitely be keeping it in mind as I make the phone calls tomorrow.

How old were you when your anxiety started? (I can't totally understand why you developed it though - my gosh that must have been horrific). I think that's the thing that's the most unknown to me - she's only 4yrs1wk so it just seems so very young...

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Theresa- that;s wonderful that you have such a supportive ped, and that you're getting some answers. Love that outfit!

Carole

Veteran

Great outfit! You look awesome in leggings...I just want to say how fortunate your daughter is to have such a loving and proactive parent determined to get her the best in care.

anne

Veteran

Theresa, I have been thinking of you about all this, but struggled for words to say. Glad to see others inputs!

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Thank you all so much - your support is FAB!

Today I'm feeling really really comfortable with the path we are taking and feel really positive. I do love our paed - she is very supportive and fabulous with the kids (unlike our old paed who'd try to avoid touching them grrrr).

I've spoken with her Kindy Teacher this morning and she also thinks this is perfect and will be of the most benefit to G with the view to getting her to school next year.

Definitely feeling a whole lot more relaxed now! Gosh its nice to actually have answers rather than questions!

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

Glad you are feeling very positive today Theresa. It is good news I believe!

I was 32 when I developed the anxiety disorder following the disaster. I can recall having had panic attacks growing up though from since I was a little girl, so I'd say it was always there lurking in the background, just waiting for something to trigger it off. (At least it was an impressive trigger, I say. )

Something to keep in the back of your mind is that an anxiety attack isn't always obvious to the outsider. I could appear to the outside world like everything was (almost) fine when I would have an attack triggered (mostly because I was trying to protect my kids from watching their mum have a melt-down), but inside, my goodness, I'd feel like I was going to die. It was horrible.

I am very glad to say that cognitive behaviour therapy with a trained psychologist has really, truly helped me get my anxiety under control. I can deal with the anxiety issues before they got really out of control. Even though she is young, I honestly believe that learning these skills will do wonders for your little girl! x