Notes:

Life with Autism... extremely difficult. There are not words to explain what our little family goes through dealing with and loving each other given the obstacles of Autism. Frustration festers as time after time I try to come up with new methods, rewards, punishments etc to deal with less desirable behaviors. Mckelsie does not "fit in the box" that everyone thinks she should and never will. That is "ok" with me. It's family, friends, teachers and society in general that we have to contend with who have their own views of what a parent ought to do for a child with any behavioral issues. I get so tired of "explaining" Mckelsie to anyone and everyone. My baby girl deserves the very best life and that is what I'm striving to give her.



We had a doctor's appointment with Dr. Paul Carbone, a behavioral specialist, who works with Autism regularly. It went well. He gave us some direction with regards to medications and is willing to work directly with the Neurologist to help facilitate these changes. He's recommended to the school district that Mckelsie be tested for Autism. Once that happens she will be able to have further resources directed her way. Hopefully with the added help of occupational therapy, speech therapy and medication we can provide a bit of normalcy to our lives. Unfortunately I'm learning that the school/government system is not willing to help diagnose my child with Autism as then they would definitely be obligated to provide additional services for her.



We've increased one of her medications and will slowly go up a bit more. She seems to be doing well with the subtle increase so far. We have not seen any seizures since last week, Tuesday. She slept alot of the morning but by the afternoon was doing much better. Wednesday she was completely defiant and refused to go to get up, get dressed, brush her hair etc. She did not want to go to school. I ended up finally getting her there but not without a completely erratic hair doo, Mckelsie in tears as well as myself. Behavior is the same...extremely emotional and touchy. We did have a really good morning today. A rare occasion that I value very much.

The goal as of today. Increase her Klonopin to 2 mlg's a day. Keep her on the regular dose of Trileptal. If in about a month or so we do not have any success with her behavior address the issues again in an email to Dr. Carbone. Requested the Autism testing in the school district and keep focused on them completing that. Follow up by email with the doctor in about two weeks. Stay sain.