This is why I need Xanax.

Brandon was Baker Acted at his school at the beginning of April.  This is his second hospitalization this year.  This time he went to Bayside in Sarasota.  The doctor and staff called me often and they had ketchup.  He had a five day stay and two med changes.  He is now taking Geodon and no longer taking Tenax.  He freaked out and tried to beat people with shoes while in the seclusion room at school along with other equally exciting, non rational behaviors. 

We enjoyed a beautiful two week honeymoon period with a wonderful, happy Brandon.  Things went down hill quickly and we are almost back to square one.  I do have to say that the violence at home is nowhere near where it was prior to his visit.  He does sleep a lot at school and at home, his mouth is still crude and sassy, his appetite even more peculiar than before.  You just can't win.  But at least he's not beating the shit out of us. 

One week prior to his hospitalization a spot for TBOSS became available.  This means the therapist comes to the house once a week and to school once a week for a more intensive therapy.  We will wait and see how it goes.  In my experience the first month or more it seems like therapists work on getting the kids to get comfortable with them so they can work on harder issues and know the kid a little better.  We have been through quite a few therapists and either this is what they are doing, or they are completely passive and will not push Brandon which results in nothing.  They need to see the behaviors so they can do behavior modification exercises that actually work for him.  We are almost two months in and I am eager to see where this goes.

On top of all the other exciting things going on, Brandon's school is closing at the end of this school year.  I had already tried to move him to a school in a different county due to an issue I'm not allowed to publicly talk about.  That request was denied by Sarasota County.  At our annual IEP meeting Brandon's school assignment was given to us.  They want him to go to Oak Park North, which is in Sarasota.  This is not going to work.  I get a horrible feeling in my gut thinking about him going there.  It's far away and makes bringing him to school after doctors appointments unlikely along with any awards ceremonies impossible to go to without taking a half day of work.  I understand why he needs to go there, the regular school campuses don't have a response team or a time out room which Brandon needs.  I found a school in Charlotte County that is close to my work and has the type of support he needs with the added bonus of a high school program.  This would be ideal since he has great difficulty with transition and as much as I would love him to have a normal high school experience I am realistic to his needs for the future.  We have a long way to go before a normal high school setting would be something he could participate in.  Because Sarasota County denied by request for an out of district reassignment I have gone the McKay Scholarship road to see if we can get him in that way.  He was approved for the scholarship so now I am waiting to see if they will accept him.  My only option after this would be to move to Charlotte County. 

Oh yea...and a big shout out to ObamaCare-Fuck you. 

June 1st Brandon's insurance changes due to changes with ObamaCare and Medicaid.  His current med management doctor and therapist with TBOSS are in the same medical group and don't take the new one he will be on.  I have to wait until June 1st to find out if they have negotiated a contract with the new one.  If they don't I have to scramble to find a new med doctor, START OVER AGAIN, and hope they offer TBOSS and that there isn't a waiting list and START OVER AGAIN.  Those of you that have dealt with mental health professionals will know that it takes awhile for them to realize you're not a shit parent and that you are also not a total idiot so they will work with you and listen. 

In other news....

We have been having trouble with our youngest, Noah.  Socially and developmentally he is not where he needs to be.  I took him to the pediatrician Monday and she suspects he may have Asperger's.  We have an appointment with a pediatric developmental specialist in June to evaluate and diagnose him.  I really do not look forward to two boys with IEP's, but I don't have a choice.  I feel good knowing who to talk to and where to go for help since this is my second time around.  I guess I'm just not ready to deal with more, but I don't have much choice.  He starts Kindergarten this fall and I want him to succeed. 

In conclusion, the above stated fun facts are the main reason I take Xanax.