Caydee Update

I thought I had posted here at least once recently, but I guess not.  To update everyone, Caydee was screened by her primary doctor in November for some behavioral diagnoses.  Unfortunately, the doctor was not able to come to a definitive answer and referred us to a specialist in Fort Collins.  Since then, we have had an initial appointment followed by three 90 minute evaluative sessions for Caydee.  The last two sessions were last week.  We receive the results on Friday evening.  I still feel a little unclear on what they tested, but I know it included such things as cognitive development, emotional development, and IQ.

In this time, her behaviors have continued to be difficult and defiant.  The specialist at the Neuro Development Center gave us a discipline system that is working well at home most of the time.  Unfortunately, her behaviors have escalated at school.  She has had three detentions in the last week.  She continues to struggle with group work and socialization.

We have tried a few interventions at school.  The first is a set of headphones that cancel sound.  They work well when she needs them, but she will also use them to purposely tune out people, including teachers, when she doesn't want to hear them.  Her Nana also made her a weighted lap pad (see the picture below for a similar one).  It is too soon to know if this will help, but she was initially excited about it.  If you would like more information, here is link to an article that explains it well.  http://occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com/archives/article-archives/benefits-of-weighted-products-for-managing-sensory-processing-disorder.aspx

A lap pad similar to Caydee's

I am so very nervous and scared for the results.  It feels like it will be a turning point, potentially putting a label on Caydee.  Will I see her differently once I can put a name to what has been happening?  I know I will still love her, but I really don't like labels.  I think this is because I am so concrete.  I tend to forget to look past them and see the person behind them.  I fear it will become a crutch for me.

I have a greater fear though.  What if they cannot figure out what the cause is?  To have spent the last four months on a fruitless search for answers would be devastating.  I am so tired and worn by this battle.

One of the great blessings in this is that God has given me an incredibly busy week, leaving me little time to think about anything.  It really is good.  Because when I start to consider what Friday will bring, I can't breath.  Literally.  My chest tightens.  My heartbeats seem to thud out of my chest.  I tingle. 

Please pray for peace (and maybe a little sleep).  Please pray for answers.  Please pray for whatever God calls you to pray for.