No More Therapy

As of yesterday, June 5, 2008, the occupational therapist, Britta Hughes, told me that she feels Calen's not ready for structured therapy, and she is terminating his sessions. I was not surprised. After removing Calen from the distractions, he still intentionally dropped his toys on the floor, and did not cooperate with her. I agree with terminating the sessions with HER, but not with the statement "not ready for structured therapy". I plan on contacting his pediatrician today to see if there is another provider of speech and occupational therapies because as of now, he isn't receiving anything. One difference I noticed right away: when the sessions first began, an intern named Luke was working with Calen. Calen responded very well. The change in Calen's behavior didn't appear until Luke left. He graduated. I will see about finding Calen a male therapist. I actually feel a bit of relief due to high gas prices and having to leave work. The constant "go" has slacked some. But Britta was kind enough to give me her phone number and invite me to call her anytime to get ideas on activities we can do at home to work on his fine motor skills. I plan to do activities that include my daughter, and will emphasize turn-taking and sharing with each other. This can be a good thing actually. Britta was a bit impatient and never had kids. It's past time for her to retire. Luke was great and I wish he was Calen's regular therapist.

The battle continues with his daycare. I spoke with the owner yesterday on the phone. He is real piece of "work". He told me that he will call the State to find out some information about Calen being on the nutritional program. He stated that if it became too difficult to properly feed Calen, then the State would kick him off the food program, and I would have to provide all his meals. So I decided that he can't make a phone call that I can't make myself. I called the State's Daycare Division and again spoke with Mrs. Richards. She gave me the number to the Food Nutrition Division. There, I had the pleasure of speaking with Traci Person. She consulted her supervisor, James Peoples. I was informed that Calen will NOT be kicked off the program, and the daycare MUST comply with the doctor's note on Calen's file. The owner was concerned about reimbursement for Calen's meals (off all things to be concerned about when the whole thing is about my son's health). I was told that the daycare WILL be paid for his meals. She also was kind enough to fax information straight from the Minimum Standards guide concerning meals. I informed Mrs. Person that my son is autistic resulting in this diet and after noticing some improvement, the diet was endorsed by his pediatrician. What she sent to me was a huge help. When I dropped my babies off at the daycare, I made a sign for Calen's classroom door, and I made another with my phone number on it for the kitchen. Here's the kicker: a note I had made before was ALREADY UP in the kitchen. Well now they have 2 notes. Mrs. Person told me that if they mess up again or say that they cannot provide the indicated diet for Calen, that I should call back and let them know. That is considered a "deficiency". All this has to go on because of 2 dim-witted staff members and an owner who seems to only be concerned about getting paid. The owner was pushing for me to bring his snacks, and I refused. I told him to serve my son fruit. They had the nerve to say that they were concerned about him eating too much fruit. So I guess the crackers was supposed to be better??? I have a concern about my son eating too much junk food for snack if that's the case. But my point is this: a parent can decide to provide their child's meals but it must be in writing and included in the child's file. Had I just said "okay" to this idiot and provided meals and snacks, I would be paying out-of-pocket for his meals and the owner probably wouldn't even report it to the State. Therefore, he would still get paid for food he isn't serving!! Not to be graphic, but he can put his penis away because he is not screwing with me! LOL
Please check out the web site for the States Minimum Standards
www.dhr.state.al.us
check out page 30