Carlee Scott Update

Hey everyone!! I know it's been a while since I updated this blog. I'm actually thinking about not doing it anymore. Every time I have to sign in, it kicks me out of the other things I'm signed in to on other internet tabs. Also, uploading pictures takes forever and you can only do five at a time. Soooooo, I'm thinking about just sticking with Facebook instead. If you aren't a Facebook friend of mine, find me on there!!

I wanted to give a quick update on CS's medical issues. Today was a busy day for Carlee Scott. We had two important appointments that I want to update you on.

First off, she had her screening at a local elementary school through the Child Find Program. She did exceptionally well and I was really proud of her. Her scores for things like communication, fine motor skills, and concepts were great. Her score for gross motor skills was that of a 6 year old - cool! The decision was that she does NOT need to be in special ed. We already knew this, but hearing it from the professionals is nice. They did not test her for social/emotional issues, but according to the questionnaire I filled out beforehand, they share my concern for her in that area. CS tends to struggle with social and emotional issues, so we are proceeding to the next step. On January 20, I will meet with the Child Find person again to have an "evaluation." Carlee Scott won't be there, but basically it's an hour of discussion that will help them decide if she needs special services. If they think she needs special services (small group sessions and/or a Title One Kindergarten class...more one-on-one attention), then we'll meet with a counselor at the elementary school she'll attend next year (the one at the end of our street). I'll keep you posted on what happens at our Jan 20 appointment.

Secondly, we had a follow-up appointment with her Developmental Pediatrician. It was another long appointment (he is SO thorough!!), but we concluded that the INTUNIV meds are not working for her at all. He had suggested that one because it has been proven to help children not only with their ADHD, but also with their anxiety issues. It was not a good fit for her, so we are going to start Concerta tomorrow. Basically, Concerta is the pill-form time-release version of the liquid medicine she was originally taking. That medicine always worked well for her, but the ups and downs were the issue. She is now able to take pills, so we are going to give the Concerta a try (it's a 12-hour pill). I have high hopes that this one will work!! He also suggested an over-the-counter supplement (Melatonin) to help her sleep at night (something we've struggled with for a while). Dr. Clingen reiterated that we need to continue to work on her other issues which make her ADHD seem ten times worse: anxiety (especially socially), inflexibility, rigidness, intensity, and the high emotional ups and downs. His main concern is with her anxiety. If we can regulate her ADHD and find a good medicine fit for her, then we can focus on the anxiety issues. I am supposed to call him in one week to give him an update on the Concerta results. We have a follow-up appointment with him on January 25. Also, I requested behavioral therapy/counseling for Will and I and also for CS. Dr. Clingen was able to get us a Jan 25 appointment with Kathleen Knorr, who is a Board Certified Diplomat in Clinical Social Work (her expertise is in developmental behavioral pediatrics). Will and I will meet with her to develop a plan to get discipline help for us and behavioral help for CS.

So that's where we are at. Please continue to pray for this situation. There is no quick fix. We have lots of different puzzle pieces on our puzzle board that need to be fit together in order to complete the puzzle that is Carlee Scott. She is being patient as we go through this process and I am confident that we WILL get to the bottom of this! We WILL complete her puzzle!!!