Here is a brief summary of the things we discussed with the doctor:
1) Leg cramps - Isaiah continues to get "Charlie Horse" cramps in his legs while he is sleeping. We notice them more after he has spent a lot of time in heavy physical play, such as climbing or running. Usually after one dose of Tylenol, the cramps go away for the night. For now, we are to try 1 tsp of Tylenol every night before bed.
2) Constipation - Isaiah often goes 4-5 days between bowel movements. When he starts to get backed-up, he becomes quite irritable, eats less, and misbehaves more. The doctor suggest trying Miralax, as we have been trying fiber gummies but they obviously aren't doing what they should.
3) Toilet training - my BIGGEST frustration (and source of feeling like a parenting failure). Isaiah talks about the potty, yet he absolutely REFUSES to go. The doctor said that the worst think we can do is fight with him about it. He has to decide. We need to determine some type of reward. She suggested making an attractive Treasure Box with fun prizes from the Dollar Store. As a teacher - HELLO! I certainly can handle that, though I don't think it's going to work for getting Isaiah to go. I'll try anything, though.
So, bad news - there really is no way to convince Isaiah to go on the toilet. She does think preschool will help motivate him to go. Good news - we can have a prescription written for Pull Ups because he is over the age of 4 and has an Autism diagnosis. Next on the list to do - call insurance to see if they will pay for Pull Ups. If not, apply for Katie Beckett - which I probably should do anyway.
4) Diet - Isaiah has not been the best eater lately. Because he is still such a small little guy, the doctor suggested I follow-up the diet discussion with our regular pediatrician and possibly get a referral to see a pediatric dietician. At least when he gets picky he eats fruits and vegetables! It's protein and iron that we're concerned about.
5) Perseverative behaviors, such as Coke machines and elevators. Three things to try - distraction, substitution, and foreshadowing with the use of social stories. I'm going to try to find a special toy with buttons that we will allow him to push in place of the Coke machine buttons. I think we're going to need lots and lots of prayers to get him out of this behavior...
We won't see Dr. I until next summer. I'm glad we'll be going back because it's always good to stay connected with a specialist just in case. I'm even more glad that Isaiah is making so much progress and doing so well that we don't have to go back sooner. :D
- becky
