Update on the Boy

John had his assessment. They want to put him in an "intensive outpatient therapy," where he would go to therapy every day instead of going to school. They would help him keep up with his schoolwork and use different kinds of therapy and rewards to help him. As concerned as I am about him, it really felt like we were diving off the 10 foot board before we'd ever even set foot in the pool!

So last Sunday we went to the bishop and told him what was going on. It's not that I didn't like the place, but it just felt like it was too much too soon. The bishop gave us the number of the bishop of LDS Family Services near us. I spoke with him last Monday. He was fabulous! He agreed that the assessment seemed a bit over-zealous. He was also honest about the fact that it seems that John needs a deeper level of therapy--more experience than the folks at Family Services could provide. He referred us to a doctor in Dallas who is a clinical psychologist and has experience with young children. He's also a former bishop, so he'll have a better understanding of what our family believes and what is expected of John.

This doctor called us back on Monday evening. He wants to meet with Richard and me alone next week--to answer some questions and get a feel for the family dynamic, etc. Richard and I are going on Tuesday. I feel much better about this option so far.

We want to help John, but I just don't think that intensive therapy is the right path just yet. It's not that we want to sweep it under the rug, and I believe that this idea is the best for now. We're not diving off the 10 foot board, but we're not wading in on the shallow end steps either. A good middle of the road.

This is the hardest thing I've ever dealt with in our family. The time spent reading scriptures and on my knees while making these decisions has been a blessing. I feel confident that we will help John and he will be a happier little boy. And Heaven knows, if he's happier...the whole family will be happier!