5/29/2011
As of today we are still waiting to hear from our insurance to see if they will
authorize a contract with a Behaviorist. This process has already lasted a
series of weeks, so we are hoping to get some word in the next week or so. Cross your fingers!
6/8/2011
Just got our denial letter for the Behaviorist. Wouldn't you know...they are claiming his issues are developmental-not a covered claim. Ergh....another hurdle to overcome....on to writing my appeal and researching another avenue.
8/15/2011
My appeal for a behaviorist was denied and we don't qualify for one through the state. Fortunately, Niko's problematic behavior has lessened some and we are hopeful that it will continue to get better.
3/5/2012
After much hard work, I have finally received one month of behavior services through the state, which have just started-so we are hopeful this will help Niko transition out of some of his tantrum behaviors and feeding games.
5/6/2013
Niko has been eating a little better-prefers snacking over meals, but we'll take it! He is doing well overall, except for the ocd mannerisms and some behavior issues. He is noticeably small for his age, but his energy is thru the roof!
10/12/2013
Boy is 4 a difficult age...and coupled with Niko's behavioral issues and hyperactivity; let's just say it's been a struggle. Good news is he is doing very well in preschool and socially. He just finished his first soccer team experience-which he loved. We still deal with coercing him to eat; almost always having to use a reward system or 'deal-making' in exchange for bites. Sleep is still an issue. Fitful all night and restless before and after, always 'needing' some sort of guided comfort to relax. He is extremely bright and is always up for some creative activity, so I try to re-direct his endless energy there.
1/1/2016
Niko has been doing very well in first grade besides some attention issues. He is very social and loves to draw, dance and participate in sports. His weight is still below normal, but he is getting taller and his appetite has matured. I feel that he gets overwhelmed quite easily and still very much relies on 'routine'. Recently he was re-evaluated at Stanford and was recommended a behaviorist to work on anxiety and self regulation, so that will be my next assignment. It is such a relief to have a experienced professional in my court as I get Niko what he needs.
7/31/2016
Niko will be starting 2nd grade this year and has been doing very well besides some attention issues in class. He has been struggling with some intense anxiety, so I've been working on ways to cope like breathing and distraction; otherwise he resorts to hand flapping and facial ticks. Niko is extremely bright and very creative. He almost always can relieve stress or anxiety through some sort of art. Niko's appetite has improved immensely, although he seems to only be growing in length-not width. I am amazed with the energy my little guy has, as well as the size of his heart. He is by far the sweetest, most amazing kid. I'm so lucky!
5/10/2018
Niko has had a great year in third grade. He has an ongoing 504 at school and great teachers who work with him on learning and attention tools to help him be successful in class. His ADHD and anxiety have been the focus of our concerns this year, as well as pushing calories, as he is still under 50lbs and 9 years old. He is an energetic, loving and otherwise healthy kid who I couldn't be more proud of.
12/20/2019
Niko is a healthy and energetic 5th grader. His appetite has increased to match his activity level and he has gained some much needed weight. Academics are good and he is learning to take his time when he gets anxious during tests. He has preferred seating in class, as he was diagnosed with minor hearing loss last year. Niko enjoys being with his friends and performing science experiments - his favorite subject!