Jack went back to the clinic in October, which was a tad later than what the Dr. had in mind, but that ultimately ended up being the earliest appointment I could get. His EKG was normal, but his blood work showed an elevation in liver enzymes, two low liver counts (he's anemic like his mother), higher cholesterol levels, and he also had higher-than-normal blood pressure when we went to the appointment. He also weighs 122 lbs, which really isn't very much less than what I weigh. All of this is due to his meds, because they cause him to eat. His diet isn't great because he is so picky about food (which is partly a sensory thing), and I'm now looking into meat-free versions of his favorite meat. Sigh. The Dr. did leave him at the same dose of medication he's been on since the end of 4th grade, because it seems like the school is better managing him.
I don't like the idea of bumping up his meds, however we're in a spot at the moment. This year has (so far) seen mostly an improvement with physical aggression, but an increase of negative comments and generally disrespectful behavior. His Intervention Specialist has changed things up with his behavior chart, with 3 basic goals he needs to meet on a daily basis- included would be a goal for completing his homework and turning it in. If he does not meet his goals for the day, he does not get any electronics after school. This is how we handle it anyway, but the IS wanted to incorporate what we're doing as part of his chart/goals/rewards &/or consequences at school. This is great (though Jack wouldn't agree), however it seems like half of the time, he doesn't earn his electronics. I don't see a decrease in the negative comments just because he wants to earn his tablet or DS after school. In fact, he's even earned electronics at school but not bothered to bring in anything. Clearly this isn't the motivator it was before. There's not much that motivates Jack these days. Electronics and TV. We'll be ditching that next. Oh, and cutting off internet access from his tablet and any other device that connects.
This last Thursday, he got really upset when he realized (before school even started) that he was missing a homework assignment. He blamed everyone else, as per his usual. It escalated into this horrible freak-out in front of his class, which they generally try to avoid. He really went after the IS (in front of them, apparently). One thing after another escalated his anger, and he really unleashed it. He spent the rest of the day (which I guess was most of it) in the office with the principal. Not a great day. By any stretch. Jack and I discussed it after school, which lead to more anger from him. I haven't been attacked like the IS has- he hasn't dared - BUT he has no problem repeatedly telling me how much he hates me, and that I'm the worst mother, etc. I do my best in these situations to remain very calm, because I don't need to feed into whatever power trip he's on. In those moments, he doesn't care what you have to say anyway. He's in his own little world where everyone is out to get him. Seems to me this could be partly due to his meds, but I don't know. I just don't know how to get through to him that he cannot hit people. He thinks it's ok because he doesn't like the IS. Problem is, it could be anyone there. He doesn't seem to discriminate. He could have the most awesome teacher in the world, and I have no doubt in my mind that he would treat him or her the same way.
So this school year Jack has: kicked a hole in the wall of the new building his classroom is in, has broken a classroom clock (which fell when he slammed the door), put soap all over the bathroom mirror.. it's ridiculous. That word is so inadequate.
There has been one shining moment in all of this, which is almost miraculous. Jack's school had a cartoon artist come to visit, so in preparation for that artist's time with the 5th graders, the students had to create flip books which would then be animated by the cartoonist. Jack had such a fabulous morning that his art teacher gave him a special opportunity to have about 15 minutes or so with him before the rest of the students came in for his presentation. This guy was so impressed by Jack's flip book that it was the star of his presentation. I got a phone call from both the principal and his teacher, an email from the art teacher, and comments later by others about just how wonderful it was, and what a career-defining moment it had been for some of them. I was quite literally in tears for days over this. As well, the cartoonist himself wrote such a nice letter about Jack, and paid him such wonderful compliments.. it's the most happy I've been for Jack in such a long time. It was wonderful to see him in the spotlight like that.
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