The Diagnosis

" Your son has PDD-NOS, with ADHD symptoms.", is what the neuropsychologist in December said to us after three days of thorough testing with Christian.

When we moved to Georgia, going on 8 months now, something in Christian changed. After school every day we noticed how depressed and irritable he was. After completing his home work he isolated himself in the bedroom for the rest of the evening. I won't go into great detail about what happened because we are trying to move forward and a forgiving heart is what I pray for daily. Although the wounds are healing, they are still tender. We decided to remove Christian from this school and his last day was November 18, 2011 (a national holiday at our house-Ashlee's birthday).

Taking a leap of faith I home schooled Christian until Christmas break and we decided to have a neurological psychiatric evaluation done on him. The neuropsychologist agreed that removing Christian from his former school was in his best interest. She also strongly suggested we enroll Christian in a private school with smaller classrooms to help his social deficits. We prayed, searched, and interviewed a few schools when we stumbled upon Westminster Christian School. It is so quaint and you feel the love when you walk through the door. His teacher is amazing and has a very gentle, firm and loving heart. His class is combined (3rd and 4th grade) with a total of 8 boys. Yes, that's right, the class is ALL boys - I pray for his teacher daily. I firmly believe God had directed us to Westminster and this was affirmed when I received a hug the first day from the principal after she saw how nervous and scared I was about leaving my precious child. Please allow me to take a few steps back and explain the diagnosis.

Here is a well worded description from Autism speaks website: Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is one of the autism spectrum disorders and is used to describe individuals who do not fully meet the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome. PDD-NOS may be thought of as “subthreshold autism," or a diagnosis one can give a person who has “atypical symptomatology.” In other words, when someone has autistic characteristics but some of their symptoms are mild, or they have symptoms in one area (like social deficits), but none in another key area (like restricted, repetitive behaviors), they may be given the PDD-NOS label.An individual with PDD-NOS may have completely different strengths and challenges than another individual with the same diagnosis. One treatment that is the most significant and most effective for one child may be completely unnecessary and ineffective for another. As a result, treatments and interventions must be very individualized based on the information gathered from the thorough assessment.

Christian is a well functioning individual who's disability isn't visible or noticeable to most people. Basiclly his quirky behavior is what makes up the PDD-NOS. This diagnosis has given Rande and I a better understanding of Christian and how to address or just accept certain behaviors.

Here is a list of his "quirkiness":

• Christian is 9 years old and has a blanket - this is how he self sooths when over stimulated
• He OBSESSES over particular things
• He flaps his hands or snaps his fingers when he is really excited
• His mouth, has no filter - he tells it like it is
• He doesn't handle change as well as most children
• Christian is extremely intelligent, therefore, we have to be cautious and discern wether he is manipulating the situation or not
• Christian cannot handle large crowds
• He needs "his space" and has no problem invading yours
• Christian can emotionally drain us by the end of a difficult day - he is more challenging than a "normal" child
Some of you may think that it's a "parenting issue" and "Autism isn't real" because it's diagnosed so much these days. Yes it is real and yes it is being diagnosed more now. It has always been around - but people weren't diagnosed due to insufficent information. I also firmly believe that the medications out there today have an effect on the precious children we mothers carry in our womb. I was on an antidepressent when I was pregnant and I believe that it is partial cause to Christian's diagnosis. This antidepressent is NOT reccomended anymore for mothers who are pregnant or nursing. 10 years ago, it was safe. I also believe that there is some relivent information concering the vaccines we are subjecting our children to.
Are these things that we can live with? Absolutely. We love Christian for who he is. God gave this precious child to us and I believe that his "quirkiness" makes him special and God has a big plan for his life.

Now that I've filled you in on the PDD diagnosis, what do you think? Buckle your seat belts and be prepared for what I have to say next.

Disclaimer: The following is strictly MY OPINION. Each child is an individual and so each case needs to be examined separately. I am not a doctor, but rather a mother who has been given the duty to care for this gift God has given me. Through God's wisdom this is what I believe.

First of all I want to define what ADHD is. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a development disorder. It is characterized primarily by "the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behavior occurring infrequently alone" and symptoms starting before seven years of age.

Despite the doctor's formal education and experience I believe Christian does not have ADHD. She informed me that ADHD couldn't be diagnosed along with PDD-NOS due to the rules outlined in the DSM (Diagnostical and Statistical Manual for mental disorders). Christian is impulsive and he does have a hard time focusing on certain tasks, I saw this for myself during our brief home school days. Take a moment though and read the symptoms of adult ADHD and I guarantee each one of you exhibits several of these symptoms.

What did you think?

Although ADHD can be real in some children (remember I am not a doctor), I believe that our country is over diagnoses this condition. I so believe that the pharmaceutical companies have more control over psychologists and medical professionals by showing them the $ followed by several zeros to push their harmful medications on children.

The author of a book that I recently read, shows how parents can be empowered to turn around their child's problem behaviors safely and effectively, without the use of stigmatizing psychiatric labels or potentially harmful medications. In the book are stories of children with all sorts of problems: bullying, school failure, anxiety, depression, school phobia, fears and compulsive behaviors. Specifically she talks about two children who had been incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and a little boy who had been misdiagnosed with ADHD. She shows how these children overcame their challenges and got back on track with the help of their families.

We realized something had to be done to help Christian but medication wasn't an option to us.
One morning, during my devotions, God spoke to me and said to persevere and that medication wasn't the right choice. Despite criticism from the doctors and other parents who have chosen to medicate their children we stood our ground, trusted God and searched for a different solution. I prayed daily that God would heal Christian and clearly show me the answer. I realized that I was spending so much of my time trying to find the answer on my own and what I really needed to do was trust him and spend my time in prayer and meditating on his word.

When I obeyed God, he answered. I found a homeopathic doctor here in town and thought I'd give them a try. They did some testing on Christian and the results indicated his neurotransmitters were out of balance. His excititory ones were beyond the normal limit and his calming transmitters were low. She also said that if we medicated Christian with a stimulant, his symptoms would get worse. Hmmmm, I thought the medicine was suppose to suppress the ADHD symptoms, not increase them. This is why I don't believe every child who is diagnosed with ADHD actually has it -if so the medication would work on all children.

Side note: Something she said that helped us make sense of all this was: Imagine a soldier in the middle of a war zone; bullets flying around them, bombs going off, their life is threatened. Then imagine someone asking them to sit down and complete these math problems - 1+1, 2+2, etc. They can't. They are in a fight or flight mode and are unable to focus on simple problems that they know the answer to." WOW!

The doctor prescribed herbal supplements and put christian on a low protein/tyrosine diet for a week. The first day his teacher and us noticed a huge change in him. Christian was even able to express in his own words, "I feel calmer" and "I feel like I did when I was in Kindergarten and 1st grade". We were all so thrilled to have our little boy back. He is getting along with other children and able to complete his work at school and at home. We are currently exploring some sensitivity to certain foods like dairy, gluten, etc. I'll let you know when we get those results.

Pardon the length of this post, but I've been trying to sort my thoughts, feelings and words so I can share with you what our family has been going through. I hope I communicated with you well. Thank you to those who have been praying for us, your prayers have worked and God is good.

Back to blogging!

I wish I could say for the past 4 months, it's been all play and having fun - hence no blogging. That may not be the full story, but there has been some fun down here in Georgia. So here is what we've been up to the past 4 months. I thought the pictures were in order from Aug-Nov, but it's backwards. It's been a while since I blogged and forgot how to upload pictures, so please forgive me.

I look forward to get back to blogging, so much to talk about and share! Thank you for keeping me on my toes Aub and Tiffany :)

Visit from Grandpa/Grandma and Nana/Papa in November

National Infantry Museum (favorite place to go and take our visitors)

Thanksgiving dinner, yum!


Riverwalk with Nana and Papa

hanging out with Grandpa in the early, crisp morning

Fishing for alligators? with Grandpa and Dad

Ashlee's 7th Birthday, we rented a bouncy house and had quite a wild party! She wanted a jungle themed birthday this year. I was really pleased with the cake and how it all turned it. Thanks to family for all the wonderful help!

Ash and her friends

Dinner at Red Robin for her birthday

THE CAKE!

My crazy 7 year old!

Pumpkin pancake for breakfast

One of the fun things we have done a couple times since being here, is watch Rande jump from the airplane. Here is Rande's point of view:

Not sure why there is no big grin on his face??? hmmm?

Halloween 2011 Dorothy from Wizard of Oz and a Clone trooper

Tiger playing on his new "house"

Boys proud of their work

Cutting the wood for the cat's house

In October we took the camper for the weekend up to Pine Mountain, Ga. They have a wild animal safari where you are able to feed zebras, camels, etc. It was a short, but fun family get away. We are loving having the camper. We can't wait to use it more next year.

Our camper all decked out with lights

Wild Animals at the Wild Animal Safari

Feeding the zebra

Earlier in August when the weather was scorching hot! We went to Callaway Gardens to cool off with some friends. It was so much fun. They had a bouncy thing in the water, and the kids had a great time playing in the sand. It was free to get into as well! Gotta love free!

Cub Scout camp in October was a lot of fun for the family. It was a one night camp out and we met some good friends by going. The kids had a lot of fun playing tug-of-war, b b guns, archery, etc.

And last but not least, I celebrated yet another year. The big 3 1. Here I am trying to be a Georgia hillbilly. My friends thought I needed to be "georgiafied"

When we return from Christmas in Montana I hope to have lots of stories and fun photos to share. I also can't wait to share with you some joys/sorrows we have endured. It's all good stuff in the end, because we serve a mighty GOD who loves us.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!

Back to school

School started here about a month ago. I know, I'm just now posting pictures :(

I kind of felt bad for the kids having to start school so soon, and only having a 5 week summer. Also during those 5 weeks we were moving and life was in chaos.

The schools here on post are DODEA schools, which means they are civilians that run US and overseas schools for the military. They aren't on every post in the US, mainly those east of the Mississippi river. We are all trying to adjust to the new rules, regulations, etc. So far Ashlee is loving it, and made lots of friends. Christian is struggling, but we are hoping to see some improvements soon. Please pray for him. He hasn't made any friends, and is really having a hard time adjusting.

Aside from all that, here are those cute little faces on their first day of school

Big boy on his first day of 4th grade
Our baby girl as a big 1st grader!

They grow up so fast!

Our new addition

We have added a new member to the Henderson clan. His name is Tiger (named by Ashlee). He has no tail, just a bob - was born that way. Tiger was born in April, so he's still quite the kitten.

Since moving into the house, we had quite a problem with roaches. We were told by some good friends of ours that cats help with the insect control. Since having Tiger there haven't been too many sightings. We have tried a couple dogs and haven't had that much luck with them. Tiger is a great addition and has fit it purrrfectly (excuse the pun). I have promised Christian that we will get a dog, but after Christmas. The kids love Tiger and well, so do Rande and I. Here are a few pictures of the little rascal.

Here is a little info on Tiger:

1.he likes to scratch the furniture

2.he sleeps with Rande and I, and attacks our feet in the middle of the night

3.he has taken a liking to me (steph) mostly

4.he is quite the talker and whiner

5.he turns into Dr. Jykll at exactly 10 pm.

6. his favorite toy is the ring off the milk carton

Are. We. There. Yet?

Sorry I've been M.I.A for the past couple months. The move has totally wiped me out and things have been hectic. We didn't have internet for almost a month, and then school started right away here in Georgia. I feel like things are becoming more normal for the Hendersons. Well as "normal" as things get in the Army.

Here we go way back to the end of May, actually Memorial Day weekend. It's crazy to think it's been that long, because Labor Day weekend is just around the corner!

After we cleared housing we spent the holiday weekend at my brothers in Corvallis, OR. We welcomed a new member to the Howeth family in May....Eden Mae Howeth. She is just gorgeous! Very petite, sweet, and I miss her and Tucker :( Here is Uncle Rande holding Eden. I tried convincing him we needed another one, but no luck

Good morning Tucker! I tried helping the 2nd x new parents by getting up with Tuck and spending some time with him. I miss him :(. Cheerios, Chocolate milk and coffee were our morning ritual. The coffee was for Tucker, right Liz? He is such a fun little guy and melts my heart

After we left Josh and Liz's we headed to Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA. This was our second time there, and was kind of a celebration of Ashlee getting her cast off. We had tons of fun! Christian kept his wrist band on until just last week. He was going for a world record

Ashlee was scared to go down the slide at first, but that quickly dissipated

This is Christian and his "friend". It was a girl whom he ran around with all day long. He was quite disappointed when she left. Too cute!

Taking a moment to get a quick picture in

We stayed in the hotel on Ft. Lewis for 3 weeks so the kids could finish a few more weeks of school. On the 17th of June we began our journey across country.

First stop, Missoula, MT! We stayed with my parents for a few days and spent Father's day with my Dad. I think it had been several years since I was able to be with him. It was a special and relaxing day. It was the 2nd Father's day we have spent with Rande in 9 years. - so extra special!

We hiked the "M"

beautiful view of Missoula

the crew

Then we headed to Helena, to spend time with Rande's parents and friends. I wanted to stop in Deer Lodge and show the kids and Rande were I lived for 4 years as a kid. We visited the Old Prison Museum that I never went to in the 4 years we lived there. It was so fun and neat!

being bad

always good. :) Ashlee was too scared to go in the cell

We saw Aunt Shelly (Rande's sister if you can't tell)

cousins Hunter and Toston (Shelly's boys)

After we visited a few days in Helena, we wanted to take the kids to Yellowstone. Rande and I both have been but the kids hadn't. They loved it and it was a super fun day!

Rande and I at Mammoth Hot Springs

Lower Falls. It was quite the hike down - my legs were shaking it was so steep and the kids had quite the climb back up. But they were troopers!

Old Faithful

On our way back to Livingston we saw this, and thought it was funny. Although I had never seen these rivers in Montana this high, ever! It was really green and beautiful though

We headed to Mt. Rushmore the next day after Yellowstone. Here is a picture of the Bad Lands. it was very usual weather when we went through. We could have worn pants and sweatshirts. But the land was very cool and fun to see.

MT. Rushmore! We made it to Rapid City late afternoon. Our intent was to see the light show they had that evening. As we arrived there was a huge thunderstorm headed our way. After the gift shop we headed toward the mountain and over the loud speaker they told us to head indoors due to severe weather. It was a really nasty storm, the kids were scared, so as any good parent does, we bought them ice cream in the restaurant. After the storm passed we made it just in time for the light show. It was very cool and I mean that literally. :) There was also quite a light show off to our right (lightning).

Prior to the storm. Just so you understand how tiered we were. This is after driving in the car from Livingston, MT to Rapid City, SD. Very long drive!

Beautiful sunset, and handsome boy

After leaving Rapid City, SD we had our longest drive yet. I seriously think SD is the longest state, just saying. We drove all the way to Omaha, NE and stayed at Offut AFB. For $39!!! Gotta love the military pricing. This is a B52 outside the gate to Offut AFB. Christian and Rande were in awe!

After leaving Offut, we passed over a bridge over the Missouri River. It was crazy all the flooding we saw. It added about 4 hours to our trip, but the detour took us to some cute little country towns in Iowa (corn fields, and all)

Taking a break from DVD player and DS. See the GWL bracelet?

I am so lame. I'm realizing now how many pictures I DIDN'T take. Hopefully this will be a lesson learned. But we have some amazing friends we made while stationed at Ft. Lewis - THE NEVILS! They were so kind to invite us to stay with them on our journey down to Ft. Benning. I wish we could have stayed an extra day or two. St. Louis sounds so fun. Tiffany was telling us how there are so many FREE things to do. We will definitely go visit them again. It is only 12 hours away! We sure loved their hospitality and friendship, they mean a lot to us and were such a blessing and gift from God.

After the Nevils we traveled to Nashville! This is the stop I was looking forward to. We visited the Hermitage (Andrew Jackson's home). Here are the kiddos listening to their audio tour. They truly enjoyed it because there was a parrot that narrated a "kid version" of the tour.

Andrew Jackson's grave

The Hermitage

CMT - downtown Nashville

We wanted to make it to the Grand ol Oprey and Country Music Hall of Fame. However, we were so exhausted we slept in until 930am, went to the Hermitage and spent 3 hours there. By the time we were done, it was almost closing time. So we took the kids to the science center instead. We are planning a trip back to Nashville while we are here. It's only 6 hours away I think. I'm hoping to get my Sister-in-law here and take her! (wink, wink)

After Nashville we stopped at my friend Emily's house in Alabama. She is another blessing in our lives whom we met in Ft. Lewis. That woman amazes me every day! Again, I didn't take any pictures :( boo me!

After a week in the hotel, living in an empty house for 1 1/2 weeks, movers, and unpacking we are all settled in our house. I'll post pictures on the blog soon. Like I said, there is a lot of catching up to do! Thank you for all your prayers for safe travels. The kids traveled wonderfully, I think I was more anxious than they were. We made it without one problem - God is sure good!