Okay, so this is where we’re at so far…
1) I’ve submitted the PANTER form (this is the form the Autism clinic supplies), birth certificate and care card to the community living association. This is the organization through which our $500/month flows. They’ve approved her designation. We meet with them next week to sign the funding agreement and talk about how the money can be used.
2) We’ve informed the school and given them copies of the reports. This morning I submitted a form to change her designation in the school system to autism.
3) We visited the family doctor to get medications altered. We’re trying Concerta again to combat the spikes and lows of Ritalin, but as happened last time, it’s starting to affect her sleep. So, we may have to lower the dose or perhaps we just need to increase her physical activity level so she’s metabolizing it faster. Cost of one month supply of Concerta $120! Thank God we both have extended health plans.
4) The family doctor will refer us to a pediatrician. We are going to go to a different pediatrician than the one we saw 7 years ago, because, while I’m keen on alternative therapies, I am NOT interested in being told that her problems are being caused by constipation and too much TV.
5) We’ve been looking into Fast ForWord. Not much information to pass on, but at least we’ve raised our hand to say we want it. It’s now just a matter of figuring out timing and location. We are also going to have son #1 do the programme.
6) Made an appointment with her psychologist to discuss treatment options through his clinic.
7) We will open a chequing account this weekend into which the $500/month will go.
Once the money infrastructure is set up, we will delve deeper into exploring all the treatment options.
Have you looked into melatonin for the sleep issues? I know several families who have used this successfully. I don’t remember if the children were on any medications, though, but I would inquire about it.
Dr. De Levie is a highly recommended pediatician in the autism world. I think he’s in Vancouver though.
PLEASE talk to me about the consultants in the psychologist’s office. I have info.
You’ve accomplished a lot already! Yay!!
I didn’t want to deal with any sleep issues independent of the medication since it’s the Concerta that’s causing it.
Our doctor had a pediatrician recommendation but I can’t remember her name.
Yes, let’s talk really soon.