I just need to tell people that understand (ASD related)

mjsweetgirl

DS1 had is 3 y/o well child visit today and it was a disaster. He didn't want to be weighed or measured for height. It was just so difficult to watch the nurse try and wrangle him even for the most simple of tasks. I found a toy truck (which he loves but we don't have any at home due to his sever obsession with them) and that was what got us through the rest of his visit. I feel as though our pediatrician is very well intended but doesn't get our life at all. He tries to be encouraging but throughout the visit I just want to ask for J's updated vaccination record for school and get the heck out. Its hard to hear that your son is not where he should be developmentally and that your pedi has no idea how to help you. I know we are doing all that we can for DS1 through preschool, going to an autism center 6 hours per week and doing ABA in home. But its still difficult. Ugh. Life just seems so hard right now and I wish that I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. Until then I think I'll hit up the Starbucks drive thru again today.

Shayna0182

Ugh, I hear ya.  Go get that coffee and drink one for me too!   Ds is ASD too, and when we were at the doctor 2 weeks ago,  I thought I was going to lose it because he was so obsessed with the door to the exam room.   The whole reason we w ere there was to have an xray on his finger, because he smashed in the door at daycare.  All he wanted to do while we were there was to open and close it.  He does the same thing at home, but dh and I handle it better at home, just us.

I wish things were easier.  I totally understand what you mean.  It's hard when it's your child, and all that you want is for your child to be "normal."  

malcivar

I'm so sorry.  My little guy used to be a kicker and screamer too - he punched one of the pediatricians square in the mouth once because she wanted to look in his ear; yep I said she.  He wasn't aiming for her or anything - he was just thrashing about and screaming.  So I know exactly what you mean about just wanting to say "Can I please just get my updated paperwork so I can get the hell out of here NOW?!?!?"

There is hope though.  I don't know what happened but about 2 weeks ago I had to take him and his little brother in because both had some major runny noses and coughs and DH and I got ready for when it was his turn ... and it wasn't half bad.  He still fussed a little bit - he did not like the tongue depressor at all (I was never a fan either - I'd gag) but there was no thrashing, no kicking and no screaming.  Only a little minor whimpering.  

I think it's that he's a little bit older now and that he was playing with his favorite toy for quite a while before the doctor came in so he was pretty mellow.  Maybe try that next time.  Don't get the toy when the dr comes in - pull it out as soon as you get there.  Probably not the best solution but it will get you through the appt - hopefully. 

houndbaby

Totally understand, we had to do a physical for pre-school last month and since we moved we have a new Dr. I know they try and work with him, but they don't seem to understand that "if you don't stand on the scale, you won't get a sticker", may work with a typical 3 year old, but my kid could give a *** if he doesn't get that sticker. And then I spend the rest of the time chasing him through the office or holding him down, it's miserable and I HATE answering all of the "does your child do this..." questions at the well checks, I wish we could just skip that

malcivar

houndbaby:

I HATE answering all of the "does your child do this..." questions at the well checks, I wish we could just skip that

Me too and up until my last visit, DH kept getting increasingly annoyed since it was our understanding that all of Chris's evaluations were forwarded to our ped.  Well, when I brought a form in from his pre-school to fill out, the nurse who filled it out actually made a point of asking me to make a copy of any of his new evaluations for his chart.  She then pulled me aside and asked me if I'd like a note placed on the file so they know he's special needs (apparently some parents balk at this) so they're aware when he comes in.  Apparently they make accommodations - as much as they can - if a child has issues being in the waiting room or what not. 

Hopefully this will also help with the checklist questions.  

pastalady

Yes! When I see how easy it is for parents with typical kids to do things like doctor visits, run errands, go out to eat I get so frustrated!

Dh and I say we could easily handle 6 typical kids lol. Still, I wouldn't trade DD for anything, though one easy doctor's visit would be nice lol! Hang in there and treat yourself to that starbucks!

lindzed

I totally feel your pain. The only thing that has helped me is to tell the staff exactly what they should o (I am super bossy) because I found they just didn't know.  I weight myself then hold my son and we take the difference (my son is the only person in the world I would get on a scale for).  The other thing is I use my pedi to fill out insurance paperwork and do lab work, but I had to accept that I know more about ASD than she does.