We've always had a bit of it going on here...but as my youngest moved into Puberty this summer....it has reared it's ugly head tenfold. I personally distinguish the OCD behaviors vs the 'quirks' of his Autism by the thought that these are even more difficult to shake off (or redirect). Take the above picture...for some reason...these had to be lined up by color, balls matching and in order of the color on the pole (wicket?) Now, how functional this made choosing your color...but do MOST ppl need this? No...and it became a 'sore spot' when it came to the activity itself. His 'peers' like to play the game 'off the record'....NOT him...by the book only.
Since September we've started some meds with him to help with the OCD, anxiety and some of the ADD problems. This past year is the first time he's ever been on meds......I just felt it was time. Parts of his life were out of control...ie....staying up till after 2am 'thinking thoughts'. Mr M admitted to his Dr that 'there isn't ONE minute my mind is quiet'. How sad....how maddening that must be for someone.
Mr R has started a job. Bagging groceries at a local market. Well....I thought this was going ok......but just recently learned there are problems. He's now on a 2 week 'trial' to see if he can pick up the pace...and keep his job. I had RISE (a company helping disabled individuals in the job field) go with him to discuss this with his boss (this is how I found out there is a problem). Mr R doesn't discuss it...he tells me everything is just 'fine'. Today he admitted that his OCD is causing issues. The way they want them to bag....and the way things come down the belt are 2 different stories. He keeps going over in his mind the 'training video' they watch about the PERFECT BAG.....he gets stuck and starts unpacking and repacking the bags (much to the delay and dismay of the customers). *sighs* He's got 2 weeks to improve his technique.
Still haven't gotten to the DMV to get his permit. Time is flying by with no slow downs. Am hoping next week to get him in there so he can take some over the road lessons with the company that provided the course.
Well...I'm done with Physical therapy....I've resigned my position at the Nursing home. I'm officially unemployed. *nother big sigh* I have to find a job that doesn't require such repetitive lifting...and within the hours I can manage (with the boys needs involved). Right now, that would be like 8:30am to about 2:30pm. No luck so far....called 3 different places that had ads.....all wanted evening hours. NO can do!
I've also 'given in' and went for PCA services for Mr M....he needs alot of cares (due to severe sensory issues) and my back is just not up for it by evening most days. We'll see how it goes....I hate having staff in my home. I've been doing this crap for over 19 years now (my eldest had staff at age 3).
On a positive note...Mr R is doing very well with his classes this year. Beings he's a Senior....I'm real proud of his keeping up with his studies. Mr M is struggling a bit....but much better than last year (he's half reg ed, half spec ed this year). Math seems to be his...tough subject this year. Its a matter of pace...not the math itself. But I'm hopeful!
Autumn has arrived....quite soggy too! The mentioned on the weather that we broke a Century old record for August, Sept, Oct rainfall. The record was back in 1900...and we surpassed it last night. Oh well...if the pond fills up...we'll try ice skating this year!
Again...I'm still catching up with all my webstuff...and friends. Hope to get to everyone's blogs soon!
DES
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6 comments:
Good for you! I feel exhausted just reading it, let alone doing it!
Best wishes
Nice to hear from you again! It sounds like you have been quite busy as well. I'm seeing more OCD-related behavior in my son as he gets older (he is 8 1/2 now). He is getting more quirky, but at the same time he is getting more verbal and is sharing his thoughts with us more. I have a feeling that my son has thoughts running through his mind all the time too.
Take your time coming by-my blog is completely boring.
It IS great to hear from you and to hear how your older ones are doing.
I thought it interesting about you putting him on med and he's in high school, right?
Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. I may be doing it myself one of these days.
Take care!
Let us know how the meds are working, if you can.
This is wonderful news that Mr.R has began a new job! I am kinda like this myself when packing grocery bags. The hubby moves in and does it quicker because I take forever.
I pack things by catagorey-where they go-what they are-how they are packaged. The cat food can not be with the people food-cans must be seprate from jars-.... They must all fit like "puzzle peices". I pack and unpack.
Mr M is almost 15 now...yes..he's a Freshman in High school (still can't believe that one). His meds are needing tweeking, but the one for the hypermode is working great. The OCD stuff is still not at its best. His anxiety level is much better.
Mr R's job is in trouble. Not sure if this is going to work out for him. But hey...its a learning experience (just like the letdown will be). These kids REALLY need job shadowing/job coaches....you can't send them out there and expect them to be 'just fine'. I'm hoping to speak to the Spec Ed team this week about HOW they approach all this next time.
Thanks for the support and the comments!
DES
Good luck with the meds rweeking, its great when they work well!
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