The Guessing Game Nobody Wants to Play

It is always interesting taking Noah to the doctor. I never know if he will chat politely, cooperate fully, or act as if the doctor is part of the furniture. Yesterday delivered the full experience. The doctor asked Noah several questions. Noah stared at her like she was a decorative lamp. I gently prompted, “Noah, please respond to the doctor when she talks to you.” He replied, “Fine.” Conversation over. My blood pressure, not so fine.

This brings me to the guessing game. Lately, with no warning at all, a switch flips. Noah becomes agitated, angry, crying and screaming all at once, hitting, biting, and incredibly hard to calm. Shane and I have tried everything, but once it begins, it is a slippery slope. Picture a young child having a tantrum because something feels very wrong and the words just are not there. Now picture that same child at fifteen, deep in puberty, extremely strong, and running on pure adrenaline. That is where we are.

We know changing the situation or environment can help, but getting him to another room, outside, or to a safe space is not easy. I cannot scoop him up like I did when he weighed forty pounds. That is why we went to the doctor. We shared a video and asked for advice. We have done ABA therapy, blood work, and tests out the wazoo, with limited answers. We do have some new recommendations and have already reached out to Noah’s specialist at KKI.

I would love advice, suggestions, or just prayers. Many prayers. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments on Facebook or email me at [email protected]. We love Noah fiercely, but this season can be scary and unnerving, to say the least.

And because sometimes laughter really is survival, his sisters decided to make a short video of what a doctor visit with Noah is actually like. Their reenactment is pretty accurate, possibly exaggerated, but definitely familiar. Check back tomorrow to see the video.