Update

So, it's been a few months since I last posted an update on Joe's progress. His teacher was using a checklist for him at school, but it didn't seem to make much difference, and so we discontinued it after a few weeks. He tried the ear protection, and it turned out to be one more thing to fiddle with. That too was discontinued.

He did have a fantastic report card; we are really proud of him. He got an A in Math (no surprise there), a C- in printing (again, no surprise at all) and the rest of his marks were Bs across the board! It's great to know that his other challenges have not been detrimental to his marks this year. He certainly has no issues with cognition and comprehension. That is a relief in itself.

Several things that have helped: the visual screen does help him. Being separated from the other kids, when he chooses to, helps as well. Turning his desk around so that he can't put his hands inside to play with whatever items he has in there, makes a big difference (he just can't resist otherwise).

We have started attending counselling at Pathways, a children's mental health agency. Our counsellor is absolutely fantastic; Brandon and I are really pleased with her. We are using the 1-2-3 Magic process with Joe. Just started this yesterday, but we're hoping it will cut down on the repeated requests we have to make in order to get him to cooperate; and reduce his arguments with us when we tell him he's not allowed to do something. He's been quite defiant in that regard and it's getting a bit ridiculous now.

He's also going to have a checklist at home, showing the things he's responsible for doing. He'll have a few chores and for those items, he'll get a small allowance. Other things, like making sure he puts his dirty socks in the hamper, or washing his hands before dinner, are simply personal responsibility items and those sorts of things need to be done every day. No allowance for them.

A friend who's son has Asperger's, has described joint compression to me and I plan to speak to his teacher to see what she thinks of it. He does have some sensory issues, but I think his is more a matter of avoiding unpleasant sensations (not liking wet clothing, for example), rather than seeking sensory input. Still, the joint compression could help him focus, so it's definitely worth a try.

We completed a Conners scale for Joe, as did his teacher. Based on that, the counsellor referred us to a behavioural paediatrician who will meet with us, and meet with Joey, and may recommend evaluation for ADHD. From there we'll know exactly what we're dealing with, and how best to proceed.

The good part of this is that Joe does seem to appreciate everything we're all doing to try to help him, particularly where it concerns school. I think school is something that has the potential to present the greatest amount of stress for him. Not many children want to stand out as "different". His teacher is fantastic in terms of stressing to the whole class that everyone learns in a different manner. Thank goodness for Mrs. K - she has been an absolute blessing to Joe and to us.

More updates to follow as we use the checklist and the 1-2-3 Magic program; and also when we get his assessment done!