If you had asked me when we first moved to Mexico how long we planned on staying here, I would've said at least 2 more years. Even a few months ago my answer would've been the same. Yet here we are, with our life again stuffed and packed into a handful of suitcases.
So, what happened? Well.. Autism happened.
We received the official diagnosis back in August but honestly, we've known since the beginning that something about Dorian was just.. different. He recently turned 3 and, though he can easily count up to a thousand and beyond, he doesn't say hello, goodbye, yes, no, or even call me "Mom".
Time after time, doctor after doctor, this was chalked up to him having a speech delay and just "being a boy". But here's the thing: He knows how …show more content…
Trouble sleeping (this is a major understatement). Sensory processing issues. OCD (and no, not just normal toddler OCD). And then of course, the seizure. It all adds up.
We thought we could deal with it here in Mexico. Send him to a great school. Socialize him more. Work on his speech and social skills intensively at home. But adding a new child into the mix changed things. It's too, too much. The constant crying, screaming, aggression that goes on due to his inability to properly communication his wants and needs to us is heartbreaking. His anti-seizure medication just makes things worse (Google "keppra rage"). It's taken a toll on all of us.
So, on that note, we're headed back. He needs more help. He deserves more help. We have a great school picked out that specializes in young children with autism. In addition to his schooling, we'll be weaning him off his awful pharmaceutical medication (seriously, Google "keppra rage" - It's crazy!) and introducing CBD oil (updates on that transition to come!).
I'm saddened that we're leaving but I know that for our current situation, it's for the best. In terms of priorities Dorian's well being will always come before any travel/lifestyle aspirations we may have had in mind for our
So, what happened? Well.. Autism happened.
We received the official diagnosis back in August but honestly, we've known since the beginning that something about Dorian was just.. different. He recently turned 3 and, though he can easily count up to a thousand and beyond, he doesn't say hello, goodbye, yes, no, or even call me "Mom".
Time after time, doctor after doctor, this was chalked up to him having a speech delay and just "being a boy". But here's the thing: He knows how …show more content…
Trouble sleeping (this is a major understatement). Sensory processing issues. OCD (and no, not just normal toddler OCD). And then of course, the seizure. It all adds up.
We thought we could deal with it here in Mexico. Send him to a great school. Socialize him more. Work on his speech and social skills intensively at home. But adding a new child into the mix changed things. It's too, too much. The constant crying, screaming, aggression that goes on due to his inability to properly communication his wants and needs to us is heartbreaking. His anti-seizure medication just makes things worse (Google "keppra rage"). It's taken a toll on all of us.
So, on that note, we're headed back. He needs more help. He deserves more help. We have a great school picked out that specializes in young children with autism. In addition to his schooling, we'll be weaning him off his awful pharmaceutical medication (seriously, Google "keppra rage" - It's crazy!) and introducing CBD oil (updates on that transition to come!).
I'm saddened that we're leaving but I know that for our current situation, it's for the best. In terms of priorities Dorian's well being will always come before any travel/lifestyle aspirations we may have had in mind for our