Our Life With An Autistic Child: Week 161

We ended last week with uncertainty about the new medicine, Focalin, that Ryan began. But I guess it just took a couple of days for his body to adjust. He had a great week at school and when Dr. Hahn returned our call he suggested we keep him on it and see how he finished out the week with it. It really is like clockwork. Approximately an hour after taking the medicine it kicks in, and about 7-8 hours later it wears off and Ryan is as wild and unpredictable as ever. We're happy to hear about the progress Ryan is making during those 7-8 hours.

Here are some excerpts we received in Ryan's communication notebook this week from his special education teacher:

"Ryan got right to work this morning on his morning work. He was one of the first ones done. His writing about whales was very well done. He applied something I taught and reviewed with the class yesterday. New medicine must be working!"

"Good focusing again today, but a lot of tattling."

"Good day. Got right to work this morning again."

"Got right to work. Does not talk with peers at the table, but does talk to me a lot. Today's morning work was a bit challenging, but the great news is he didn't complain once. He had a worksheet to add three numbers. Second, he had to write about a new sea animal we have learned about. He only could write two sentences. I had another student give him a book to help him and he sat right down and started to read without complaining. In the past, he would refuse to read and write more. So happy to see this change."

While it is great to hear these positive comments, it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that we have Ryan on two different medications. For years we have tried just about every alternative from the GFCF diet, to special doctors, to supplements, to different therapies, all to avoid medication. We always saw that as a last resort. This medicine ordeal is certainly more of an art than a science and it may take a long time to find the perfect mix.

This year's Autism Walk in Westchester is on Sunday, June 2nd, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. and the walk beginning about 11 a.m., at the NY-Presbyterian Hospital in White Plains. If you can join us please let us know and we will give you more information.

Here are some pictures from this week: