Sundown

I had such a fabulous day at work. Our first true, not for inter-rater reliability, autism evaluation was conducted on Friday. It came together like clockwork. The psychologist came around 12;30 and shortly after the Developmental Behavorial Pediatrician. The patient was young but separated from his mother easily. The test was easily administered in about 45 minutes and we probably took another 45 minutes to clean up and score the ADOS. Agreement on scores was perfect. I left that day with a feeling of elation. This is how it is supposed to be.

Trent arrived from Daycare the same time I got home. I needed to get Pugly's pills before the vet closed and get to Mom's at 5:00 to meet the plumber and sign the order to get the sewer line replaced on Monday. I could tell Trent was confused but didn't notice that it was any greater than usual. While we were talking to the plumber, Trent went outside and began pulling weeds in Mom's backyard flower bed. When I looked back around, Trent was pulling up Mom's big beautiful evening blooming plant. I asked him to stop and Mom looked over my shoulder and was telling Trent to quit pulling her plants that those were her favorites, etc. Trent lost it. He said lots of things that didn't make much sense and took off to the front yard noticeably upset. He started off down the street. I tried to call him back while he screamed at me. I told him I would have to call Garrett if he didn't come get in the car. He came but his face was red and he was screaming and pulling on his clothes and taking on and off his seatbelt as we went down the highway. We drove around for 45 minutes, 45 long minutes. Tonight, Trent had over filled the pond and I went out to turn it off and he lost it again. I probably spent about the same amount of time trying to get him inside and get him still enough to relax. I guess I had my teeth gritted because my jaws are killing me. I assume that we are looking at "sundowning". I hate it!

Sandy wanted to know

Sandy is here tonight to see about a blog. She's not so sure yet. But I think I can hook her in! Let me know if you think she should.

Work Continues to be Good

September 10th was our first Autism Evaluation. September 12th they filmed the 'medical minute'. Earlier they had interviewed me by phone for an article in Northwest Texas Healthcare System Health News that is mailed out to the majority of homes in the Amarillo Area. Yesterday deliveries were made. Before I was even aware the mailing had taken place, I received our first call for an evaluation and information about the new Autism Program at Northwest. UHS corporate and marketing are really supporting this program and it is such a personal lift to feel that people are so appreciative of what I bring to Northwest Outpatient Services. I'm thankful that I was hired at Northwest and appreciative of the amount of support there is all around me at Northwest. I have great co-workers as well - Louise (our supervisor), Buffy, Ginger, and Glynda.

9/11

Work works

Ya know, work works. It keeps my mind off of the things I can not change in my life. This week has been especially rewarding for me. Those who know me well know that I'm a little techie, love the diagnostic portion of autism and working with children with autism. My other passion is augmentative communication. I ushered in augmentative communication into Amarillo 20+ years ago.

Last week 2 of my adult patient got new augmentative communication devices. It is so exciting to see that special look that says, "I can talk again!" or with children, " I can tell you something and you understand." I also got a middle schooler. So I'm charged up about that.

This week on Monday, the hospital filmed me for a 'medical minute' to talk about the early intervention for children with autism that NWTHS is launching. The hospital has been very supportive of letting me get it started! Two psychologists have signed on to participate in all of the testing with me. Our new Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician also plans to attend and assist in some of the testing. What a team! We tested our first child today for inter-rater reliability at no charge to the family. I was very pleased that we were in agreement with the scoring. The psychologist is going to develop us a template to use in writing our reports and we are underway. We still plan to visit many of the pediatricians' offices with information. After that, I think we will be very busy. I'll regain some of the feeling of self-worth and the brain will be totally engaged in what needs to be done. How blessed I am to have found a position that allowed me the opportunity to put my specialized training to work.

Worn and tattered

Today was a day of feeling 'worn and tattered'. Trent has been in the bedroom trying to sleep but popping back up in about 12 minutes. He's also said 'when you get through I need to talk to you". If you asked what he wants to talk about, it is to tell me that he's going to a new doctor tomorrow so he can drive again. He's taken off the belt to his pants when I told him to put on his seat belt. He had slipped outside again to trim something. I had put away the clippers so I wasn't too worried. Nope, he'd gotten a pocket knife and was whacking away. Looked dangerous to me and I didn't want him to stick his other arm when swiping. Everything is just fine with Trent. It is just fine to trim the ivy this way and he certainly wouldn't cut himself. Right! Coax and beg, then say 'is Cookie still inside?' Then he's off to find her and forgets about trimming the ivy.

Mom began calling this morning. She said she was just lonesome. I told her that we would be picking up water at the Water Still in just a moment and we'd bring her lunch and some bottled water. When we got there, she just needed to know why we didn't bring her some milk. So I leave Trent and pick up milk, etc. Then Mom rolls off a handful of "I needs". And she is entitled to do that. I'm just without the energy to follow Trent around then try to get something done when he lays down for a whopping 12 minutes while paying Mom's bills and being her personal mind reader so I won't forget what she didn't tell me she needed. Well, that is a personal best run-on sentence. I'll finish right there.

Trip to Queen City

Well, we made our trip to Queen City and back. Piney Woods has a true meaning now. Dense woods, no neighborhoods with streets to be found. On the great winding road, you find clusters of houses nestled. Queen City football continues to need improvements and Brett is in favor of them coming quickly.

Landry loves his baby sister. Memaw and Papaw love them both, but I'm afraid that Jentri got the majority of the attention for the weekend. Here are a few precious pictures of the grandbabies.