Keifer had her 5 year check-up with Dr. J. last week and all is looking well with her growth. She is currently coming in at the 93rd percentile for both height and weight:
Weight: 51.8 lbs
Height: 45.5 inches tall
I was quite happy to know she is a "big" girl for her age, but not completely off the charts! I'm so used to the 100th %ile, that coming down a bit is great news! She is currently in a size 7/8 in shirts and dresses, and bottoms for her are anywhere from a size 6-7. Her shoe size is around a 12.5 or 13 Wide.
My babe did very well with her hearing tests, and because we just had her eyes checked (with the FULL work-up) in January (with no issues, whatsoever), she is coming in as "healthy child". Of course, no check -up at 5 years would be complete without the Kindergarten shots. Ahh yes. The shots. My poor girl, she was so pumped up and completely READY for the shots: however, once the needles came out, all 3 of them, she lost her marbles.
I had to drag her out of the corner, from under the sink and behind the garbage can, and then hold her on my lap, while she revved herself up into a complete tizzy.
"Please, Nurse Judy, please STOP, DON'T DO IT, Nurse Judy," she screamed.
Yeah, Mama Bear here had tears of my own.
She managed to handle the 3 shots, got her band aids on, and recuperated enough to pick out a sticker for both herself and her younger sister, who luckily wasn't with us. Whew. Glad that was over.
In other news, we were referred to a Pediatric Developmental Specialist for her anxiety. Yep, the anxiety and sleeping with mom-thing is getting kind of difficult, as usual. However, after researching the place we were referred to, and then talking at length with a phenomenal co-worker of mine, I made my own executive decision to instead make an appointment with a NeuroPsychologist. When I looked at the Pediatric place, it talked about more about the child's "behaviors". I honestly KNOW that K1's "behaviors" are due to an underlying anxiety about things, that are out of her control. Things at our house at night are not due to BEHAVIOR, they are unwinding at night due to some chemical imbalance in her system or something.
Check out the following info on that:
What is Clinical Neuropsychology?
Clinical neuropsychology is focused on understanding the link between the brain and behavior. For example, how changes in the health of the brain may affect the ability to pay attention, remember, or solve problems. This understanding between how someone thinks and acts and how the brain works is used to diagnosis and treat brain disorders.
What is a Pediatric Neuropsychologist?
Pediatric neuropsychologists are licensed psychologists. They have training in both clinical psychology and neuropsychology. They have special training in how the brain develops. They use this training to evaluate and help manage children with brain disorders. Such disorders may involve brain injury, medical disease, or developmental problems. Pediatric neuropsychologists help parents, teachers, and physicians to:
␣ Understand how problems with the brain may relate to problems seen at school, home, or with peers ␣ Understand how a child learns best ␣ Understand why a child may have behavior problems ␣ Help a child deal with thinking or behavior problems
␣ Identify neurological or psychiatric problems ␣ Help match expectations to a child’s specific strengths and weaknesses ␣ Work with other doctors and teachers to develop the best treatment and school plan for a child
How do I know if my child needs a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation may help if your child has: ␣ A neurological disorder such as spina bifida, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizures),
neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, or a brain tumor. ␣ A brain injury from a trauma to the head, stroke, lack of oxygen, or an infection. ␣ Other medical problems such as prematurity, diabetes, chronic heart or breathing problems, certain
genetic disorders, or treatment for childhood cancer ␣ Been exposed to lead, street drugs, or inhalants (carbon monoxide) ␣ Been exposed to alcohol, smoking, or certain drugs prior to birth. ␣ A developmental or school problem such as a learning disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,
or autism spectrum disorder/pervasive developmental disorder ␣ Had an evaluation by a psychologist or the school, but the treatment following that evaluation has not
helped. Your physician may recommend a neuropsychological assessment to:
␣ Help make or confirm a diagnosis ␣ Get a record of your child’s functioning before treatment with medicine or surgery. ␣ Record a change in your child after a medical treatment (testing can be repeated to see if the treatment
changed your child’s functioning) ␣ Record your child’s development treatments and expectations can be adjusted to your child’s needs.What does a Neuropsychological Evaluation Involve?
A neuropsychological evaluation involves examining thinking, behavior, and social-emotional functioning. The evaluation uses standardized tests and procedures. Examiners work directly with your child. They also talk to you and teachers and other doctors. Tests may be performed using paper and pencil or on the computer. Your child will be asked many questions and to solve different types of problems.. Neuropsychological evaluations typically include tests that measure the following:
␣ Intelligence (IQ) ␣ Problem solving ␣ Planning and organization ␣ Attention and memory ␣ Processing speed ␣ Language ␣ Academic skills ␣ Visual perception ␣ Control over hand movements ␣ Depression and anxiety ␣ Aggression and impulsive behavior ␣ Social skills
The neuropsychologist will also review your child’s medical and school records to help understand how the test results relate to daily life.
How does a neuropsychological evaluation differ from a school evaluation?
Pediatric neuropsychologists and school psychologists often use some of the same tests. However, school evaluations focus on deciding IF a child has a problem with academic skills such as reading, spelling, or math. Pediatric neuropsychologists focus on understanding WHY a child is having problems in school or at home. This is done by examining academic skills but also examining all of the thinking skills needed to perform well in and outside of school – skills like memory, attention, and problem-solving Understanding a child’s specific thinking strengths and weaknesses helps to better focus school plans and medical treatment and understand potential areas of future difficulty. Because neuropsychologists have training in clinical psychology, they are also able to diagnosis emotional problems like depression and anxiety.
I have highlighted IN RED - the issues that are relevant to my Keifer girl. As you know, if you've read my blog long enough, Keifer received a year of Sensory Integration Therapy. That has helped in many areas of her growth, but not in the area of anxiety like it could have. That is why we will be continuing to research for more HELP for her. She is a beautiful, loving, and amazing young girl, but I want to help her before she gets into the school system full-time, and may potentially have things arise that are out of her control.
So that is our 5 year old in a nutshell. Oh, how I love this amazing girl!
