a visit to the specialist

Last week, SJ went to see his Autism specialist.  We see him once a year.  I was watching the neighbor kids after school, so my husband graciously took SJ. While he was at his appointment, my husband called home and I had a conference call with them on speaker phone.  The specialist checks SJ’s blood to monitor the metals and nutrients that he is getting. 

His casein (milk) levels were a little too high.  I told him we would try to watch his casein levels closer.  His gluten (wheat) level was way too high.  That is a tough one.  There is wheat in a lot of food, such as bread, pastas and cereals.  I have tried to buy the gluten free products, but SJ hates them.  They are so expensive and he refuses to eat them. 

He also told me that his iron level was low.  He asked me how much red meat he eats.  (That was easy...hardly any!)  I told him he eats some, but not too much.  He asked me if I was buying organic, but I was honest and told him no.  The organic beef is so expensive! 

All of this was normal discussion for one of his appointments.  After this, he got into the tough part of the conversation.  He was very disappointed with SJ's IEP.  He felt it was very flimsy.  I told him that he just has a speech IEP and they are not as detailed.  He didn't seem satisfied with my explanation.  He wanted me to request that the school check SJ's IQ.  He was concerned that SJ is falling behind due to his expressive language deficits and comprehension difficulties.  He suggested that I ask that they administer the WIAT and the Wechsler tests.  He said depending on his scores I might have to his IEP redone to make it more specific.

"What more can the school do?" I questioned.  I mean SJ already has an aide, gets speech and occupational therapy, and gets adaption when necessary.  He said they could provide tutoring. "Oh, I didn't get to tell him that yet, honey," my husband said.  "Doctor, we already arranged to have SJ tutored weekly by a reading teacher," I told him.  "How long are his tutoring sessions?"  he asked.  "Once a week for an hour," I replied.  "Well, that's good, but it would be better for him to be tutored twice a week for 2 thirty minute sessions," the doctor said.  "I don't know if that will be possible, but I can ask," I said.  "What is the difference?" I questioned him.  "Well, the first session is like putting gas in the car.  The second session is pressing down the gas pedal," he said.  "Okay, I will try to get him tutored twice a week," I promised.  He also suggested that his teachers or aide have him use a computer to help with his writing.  I told him that I would pass that suggestion along to them. 

Next, we moved on to what supplements he takes.  Nothing changed there.  He is still to take Magnesium, Zinc, Fish Oil, Omega D3, Calcium, Therabiotic and a multivitamin.  He gave my husband a prescription to get SJ's blood drawn again.  I told him I would take him over the Thanksgiving break.  He told me that SJ was doing better, but reminded me once again to watch the gluten and casein.  I said I would try, but I am not going to make SJ eat things that he hates.  Hopefully, his next blood screening will show our efforts working.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.