Update - Pedi is onboard

Hiccup15

We had an appointment with the Pedi today. It went very well. I knew I could have DS1 see a Developmental Pedi without our Pedi recommending it, however, I wanted to give her a chance, because I want to be comfortable with his doctors knowing we are on the same page. After bringing up my concerns she recommended DS1 see a psychiatrist for counseling and a plan for his behavior and anxiety. I mentioned I wanted him to see a developmental Pedi and she agreed that it would be a good idea. 

I feel terrible that we didn't start this process earlier but I am thrilled that we are finally getting the ball rolling. 

Hiccup15

Oh and does anyone have any suggestions on how to prepare DS1 for these appointments? Specifically the psychiatrist since that is who we will probably get in to see first. His anxiety has been terrible recently. He gets scared, runs, sometimes falls to the ground shutting down ect.. just for appointments for DS2 and it's worse for appointments for him, where the whole time he is just trying to get out while screaming. I'm thinking with the doctor and place being new it will be difficult for him. 

newbee36

What usually works for my son is mentally preparing him ahead of time. Mention that every day... That on that and that day you will go see a doctor. Explain that the doc. may ask him things.There won't be any needles involved. Good luck! 

And it is great that your Pedi is onboard! I agree that you shoul be comfortable with your kids docs.

marchbaby

My 7 year see's a therapist and when we first started talking about him going we said it wasn't a big deal, she was going to talk to him, maybe ask him to draw some pictures etc.  His main concerns was that she wasn't going to give him a shot and that he was a "terrible drawer".  I explained she would not give him any shots and that he was good at drawing but it didn't matter anyway.  He literally kept explaining to me for days how he draws people and they aren't good.  He is a perfectionist and hates doing something if he doesn't think he does it well.
 
After his first session he asked when he was going back b/c he seems to enjoy it.  We even gave him the option of once a week or every other week to give him some control and he chose weekly.  It helps that she gives him hot chocolate and talks about his favorite sports with him and has made up games around sports, ha.