In a recent discussion, I shared that we are acquiring a psychiatric service dog for my 11-year-old son, Ethan. Over the last few months, I’ve been candid about the various therapies and interventions we seek for my two boys with special needs. For three years, I’ve attempted to articulate, while still maintaining their privacy, the intricacies of our daily experiences.
We are navigating the challenges that come with multiple diagnoses, focusing on living well through the treatment choices we’ve made. Since revealing our journey with the service dog, I’ve received encouragement from other families who have pursued similar paths with positive outcomes. Many parents have reached out, eager to learn more about this option.
However, along with the support, I’ve also encountered the inevitable inquiries that arise every time I introduce a new aspect of my sons’ care—questions that often feel accusatory: Does he really need it? Does my child with special needs truly need these treatments, therapies, and interventions? The brief response is yes.
The more nuanced answer is that he requires assistance. He is facing challenges, and it is our responsibility to provide the necessary support. The effectiveness of specific therapies can be unpredictable; it’s akin to throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what adheres. Medical professionals working with children facing complex health issues will echo this sentiment—there is no definitive way to predict what will be effective for each child. Thus, we continue to explore various therapies until we identify the right fit.
Allow me to share my candid, exhausted response to this question: No one would take on this challenge voluntarily.
No one would spend their last resources to obtain a service dog when they had never even contemplated the idea of dog ownership. No one would endure the myriad questions, forms, and occasional judgment that accompany the process of finding a therapist, especially when their insurance might not cover it. No one relishes the experience of bringing their child in for yet another blood test.
The truth is, we are not implementing all the interventions that have been recommended—speech therapy, physical therapy, educational therapy, additional occupational therapy, and multiple medications are all on the list of suggested treatments for my sons. Due to time constraints and other obligations, we are not pursuing them at this moment. We may consider them later, or we may not.
Every decision we make regarding Ethan’s treatment plan is thoughtfully evaluated against the other interventions we’re currently employing. This process is dynamic and shifts based on factors such as progress, age, development, need, and financial considerations. We are striving to do our utmost for our children. Admittedly, we might be making mistakes along the way, but we are doing the best we can given our situation.
We experience both significant successes and substantial setbacks. However, it’s essential to recognize that we never conclude a day by pondering what additional tasks we can manage—adding another hour-long therapy session is not a welcome thought.
Does Ethan need these interventions? Yes. He requires all of them and more, daily. I am grateful that we can provide these services, and I am thankful to see tangible progress and healing resulting from his treatment plan. This is precisely why I share our experiences. We must support one another by sharing what works while encouraging perseverance. Above all, we need compassion, grace, and the reassurance that we are not alone in this journey. This is true for Ethan and for me, and I suspect it resonates with many of you as well.
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In summary, as we navigate the complexities of our children’s needs, it is crucial to remember that we are all doing our best in challenging circumstances. The support we offer one another, including sharing resources, is invaluable as we strive for the well-being of our children.