Day 16
Look at him. You would think such a beautiful child, so peaceful and relaxed would be low maintenance, wouldn’t you?
I woke up the other morning with a Josiah related ‘to do’ list racing through my mind and quickly jotted down the most pressing items:
1. Learn about Abilify. (medication) What are the side effects? Would it be good for Josiah?
2. Read up on Obsessive Compulsive behaviors in teens with Down Syndrome/Autism.
3. Read more about Gemiini Program. Check reviews. Consider subscribing if promising.
4. Find solution to shoe issue. How can we keep Josiah’s shoes on his feet? Try Crocs as a possible solution.
5. Learn about Consumer Directed Services. Do we want to go this route?
6. Plan now for the summer months. What will Josiah’s day look like? Day hab? In-home care? Find, interview, hire summer help if necessary.
7. Check into private O.T., PT. and Speech for summer months.
8. Schedule appointment for orthotics fitting. Order Josiah a new pair.
9. Reschedule Josiah’s dental appointment.
10. Research ways to help kids with sensory issues successfully endure hair cuts, nail clippings and face shaving. Trim Josiah’s nails.
11. Learn more about essential oils with Autism/ADHD. Try some?
12. Discover/implement ways to keep Josiah from self injurious and aggressive behaviors.
13. Find activities (anything) Josiah might enjoy doing/engage in. Try some.
14. Receive training on new behavior plan. Implement it immediately.
15. Video tape episodes of erratic/energetic behavior for consult with psychiatrist
16. Purchase carpet sample pieces, velcro to table for ‘stress reliever’ for Josiah
17. Revisit daily picture schedule system. Revise/put into place again.
18. Search on line for more ‘string toy’ beads. What are they called? Find some. Order.
19. Research effective solutions to mouthing. Implement strategies to deter this behavior and replace it with something better.
20. Find effective way to encourage Josiah to keep his glasses on.
21. Schedule appointment with neurologist.
22. Make phone calls to those who have some wisdom and have offered advice. Take notes!
Writing this all down helps. It keeps me on track and I absolutely love the thrill of crossing an item off the list.
Just thought of another one…
23. Find a charitable organization currently seeking to reward overwhelmed, exhausted mothers with an all expense paid ‘Calgon Take-Me-Away’ trip to Bora Bora. Win it, then anonymously give it away to someone walking a much more challenging path.
Now, THAT would make my day!!