Jumping Hurdles with Roaches?!?!

     Caleb had an opportunity today to be the "expert" and share his knowledge of the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach with four different elementary and intermediate classes. I am beyond proud of how brave he was and how seriously he took this request. Communicating his thoughts and ideas has always been a challenge for him in general, so to share so openly and confidently in this forum is a MASSIVE hurdle in every way. He researched and organized his facts and information, made appropriate eye contact as he presented and even made some jokes. And I mean who can't take a kid seriously in a lab coat!? My heart was so full today as I watched Caleb shine as I know the young man he is destined to be... TO BE CONTINUED.....

Connecting the Dots...

    
     It's not uncommon after having a chiropractic adjustment that Caleb will use some extra time during the day to rest or sleep.  His body is accepting and responding to the adjustment and that's a good thing!  After his appointment today, he had an extra long nap.  When he got up, it was almost as if someone flipped a switch.  THAT KID WENT TO WORK!  He shoveled the driveway with his dad (with a winning attitude), came in and "reset" by taking a nice hot shower, did some school assignments without hesitation, did his sensory exercises, brushed his teeth and went to bed without a fuss.  As my husband came into the bedroom to get ready for bed himself, he made the comment that days like this are without a doubt proof that the Neurosensory Program Caleb is participating in is working.  Then he took a deep breath and smiled and said, "It's nice to see and hear the REAL Caleb with no interference or obstacles in the way."  After a long pause, he said he "gets it."  THAT'S MUSIC TO MY EARS!  It has always been important for my husband and me to work as a team, but especially with regards to Caleb's care, the consistency and follow-through is critical.  If we can't see eye to eye or work together effectively, it can adversely affect much-needed progress.

     So what is there to "get in the way?"  The brain's primary purpose is to control and manage every other system in the body.  The communication between the brain and body has only one path, and that is through the central nervous system.  If there is interference within the central nervous system, that communication will be interrupted and the body and brain will not function the way they were designed to.  The spine serves the function of protecting the nervous system.  If any part of the spine is out of place, it puts pressure on the nerves, causing the body and brain to be out of sync.  With routine, specific and gentle adjustments, those areas of interference can be corrected, reestablishing communication between the brain and body.  That is an essential ingredient in the recipe for a happy, strong and confident boy!!!

Not all days are as smooth sailing and seemingly perfect as this one, but we are having more and more of these days.  And, after so many years of having mostly battle line-drawn days, this is a refreshing wind of change!

BIG Changes

    The middle of the school year is a great time to reflect on growth, reassess strategies and tools for learning and reorganize goals for the months ahead.  For us, this has usually meant recognizing that we were really seeing more of the same, spinning our wheels gaining little ground.  Since Caleb was first diagnosed, we have sought to provide support that would not only help him academically, but also help to bring fewer outbursts of anger and frustration, less anxiety, and greater attention and focus.  One of my heart's greatest desires has been for his confidence to grow.  

     I am not exaggerating when I say that there were times that Caleb would ask us if we wished he was never born, or he would even go so far as to say HE wished he was never born.  He would threaten to hurt himself, threaten to run away or would just completely shut down.  This is a heartbreaking thing to hear and witness as a mom.  The helpless and hopeless look in his eyes would cause tears to fill mine.  I would have borne the weight of it all for him if I could, but that's not how it works....

     This school year, however, is different.  Throughout the past few months, we have already been seeing some great progress for ourselves at home, and have been over the moon thrilled with the feedback we have received from his therapists and other family members. He's been less reactionary, more content, more confident and more connected.  He's taken ownership of his own nutrition and has been diligent to do Dr. Jim's "exercise homework assignments."  He's doing school work more independently and his grades are climbing out of the red.  Even better yet, we have already begun reducing the dosage of his medication and anticipate one day being medication free!!!!  The best gift so far, though, is the smile I see on that face.  Happy and carefree, beginning to enjoy his own journey the way that every kid should.

     Even if you feel like you're at the end or your rope, don't give up!  Keep asking questions, keep knocking on those doors.  Keep seeking wise counsel.  Learn from the triumphs and mistakes of those around you.  Your answers are out there!  We are thankful for ALL the support Caleb has received over the years.  Each therapist and educational support teacher has been sent by God for their divine time, purpose and place.  Thankful for all we have learned over the years and the tools that we have received to support Caleb at home.  However, some of what we have done has just been putting a band-aid on a wound that would likely never fully heal.  We weren't addressing the problem at its root.  We are now digging deep to get rid of anything that is keeping him from reaching his fullest potential and performing at his best... FEELING HIS BEST.....  SMILING ALL THE WHILE.  My heart is full, and I know we've only just begun.

Pieces to the Neurosensory Puzzle

     Before beginning the Neurosensory Program, Caleb underwent a series of tests and screenings to determine the best course of action for going forward.  Spinal scans and x-rays helped to pinpoint exact areas along the spine that would need to be adjusted in order for the line of communication to be open between his brain and body.  The dietary changes and exercises won't be fully effective if there is interference to the central nervous system.  In addition, it was recommended that all gluten and dairy be removed from Caleb's diet.  Both can cause a significant inflammatory response, so in order for the brain and body to heal and function fully, it's important to keep away from triggers to inflammation.  For a child that is a picky eater already, this could potentially present a new challenge, but it's one that we're ready to accept!  As far as the third aspect to the program, Caleb was given a series of specific exercises to do at home.  These exercises are designed to allow for proper development of the neuropathways needed for learning, communication and movement.  Each exercise was explained and modeled FOR him and WITH him.

     When we first prepared to do these at-home exercises, Caleb touted the ease with which he expected to do them.  "How hard can this be?"  Well, since they're designed to correct something that has been out of sync for who knows how long, I had a feeling that he was about to meet an obstacle that he would have to learn to overcome.  Tears filled his eyes as he realized his body wasn't as easily cooperating as he was expecting.  He was quickly frustrated and exhausted, but persevered.  Hard work is good.  When you know it's going to produce desired and positive results, it's even better.  He's a champ and fighter.  He'll get there....I have no doubt.  Onward and upward!

Doing Something New

   
     When seeking treatments and therapies for a struggling child, it is sometimes difficult to know which directions to go and what paths to take.  The well trodden path offers many medication choices, routine trips to psychologists and psychiatrists, visits for Speech, OT, PT, individualized education programs (I.E.Ps)....  all of those angles of therapeutic care have their place and all have been integral parts of Caleb's progress.  For each one, we have been eternally and incredibly grateful.  But suppose there were a different option?  What if there were a path that merged alongside these others, offering a way to allow the brain and the body to work in harmony as God designed?  What if that path paved the way for success WITHOUT medication??? 

     We are taking a leap and trying something new and I am so excited to see where this path takes us.  Today, Caleb began participating in a Neurosensory Program at McFadden Chiropractic Wellness Center in Sewickley, PA.  The program is designed to target neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sensory Processing Disorder and Learning Disorders.  This program has a three-pronged approach and is tailored to each individual based on the areas of need.  Through specific and individual chiropractic treatments, dietary and nutritional recommendations, and neurointegrative movement therapy, the desired outcome is for each individual to maximize their fullest innate potential.  It's in there!  I'm looking forward to seeing it come to the surface. 

     It was incredibly easy for Caleb to feel at ease and comfortable with Dr. Jim.  He was treated with respect and received openly and warmly.  There's a light-hearted and fun atmosphere in the office, so any anxiety quickly left once he entered the room.  Everything was explained thoroughly, but at a level that Caleb could understand.  It's important that he understand this process so that he can feel confident about investing the work into it.  It's also critical that a doctor/patient relationship be built on a foundation of mutual trust and open communication.  I'd say we are off to a great start!  Stay tuned!!!