The PDA Way

Last week, after a long time on the diagnostic pathway, Little C finally received a formal diagnosis of Autism. ADHD was mentioned but we’re not clear if he has this diagnosis yet. The appointments were quite gruelling for all of us. Once we get the report I think we’ll have a better idea of what the actual diagnosis(s) is/are. Medication has been recommended. Two different drugs.  I’ve wondered whether to share this or whether there are some things that should be kept to ourselves. The subject of medicating a 6 year old is really quite personal and controversial. But as this issue is causing me a lot of turmoil, and I’ve already shared a lot anyway, I’ve decided to include it in my blog. I also hope, as always, that it may help other families in the same situation. The consultant foresees Little C needing ADHD medication. There are issues as to which one as Little C is so small and underweight and ADHD meds can suppress appetite. Little C also has tics which are currently quite se...

So we did it. We made it to Wales …and back! The weather was gorgeous and we had the best time.  The car journey was a bit stressful and Little C refused to have the transdermal anti sickness patch stuck on him. He did agree to have a Kids Quells though. We set off at 8pm (motorway closure at 9pm meant a change of the original plan) and he was wide awake and very anxious but very determined. I was proud of how brave he was as I could see the panic so clearly in his face. I was glad when 30 minutes into the journey he fell asleep (part sleep, part Quells sedation I think judging by his inability to hold his head up!). He was still fast asleep when we arrived at the caravan and I carried him to bed. He woke up giddy and bouncing with excitement the next morning. He had a great day playing with a friend at the park on the caravan site but by tea time we could tell he was starting to worry about the wedding the following day. He was asking a lot of questions about what would happen. We...