Oppositional Defiant Disorder...

For the past few months we have been struggling with Lanie's behavior both at school and at home.  In the past 2 months it has gotten so much worse that I even took her to the Emergency Room trying to get someone to listen to me.  My child needs HELP!! and I need help to help her!!  I finally posted a plea on Facebook.  I contacted the Family Resource Cener, a Psychiatrist that was recommended, Washington University, DePaul Hospital, Our Little Haven, SLU, UMSL, St. Louis Behavioral Medicine.  All to no avail.  They either could not help us because we live in the city and not the county or they do not accept her insurance.  I had a lot of support that finally lead me to the Behavioral Health Response team.  I am so grateful to have found this group.  They sent a team out this morning to our house and met with us to assess Lanie.  They think it is ODD with a bit of ADHD mixed in.  They are going to be our advocate from now forward until we are through this and can handle it on our own.  They have access to phychologists, phychiatrist and therapist that will give all of us the support we need to be able to raise Lanie and guide her appropriately through this.  I am so relieved!  I don't even know how to express my relief-just knowing that there is a name for this and that help is available is just so helpful.  I know that we have a long way to go but we now have someone to guide us!   They also told us that most people let it go on way too long, don't catch it until 4th or 5th grade and then it is very hard to turn around.  By catching it this early we are way ahead of the game. 

I was told by multiple people to take her into the ER and let them know that her behavior has escalated to the point of hitting and kicking teachers and kids in her class.  I was in Childrens ER for 6 hours for them to tell me that "unfortunately since she is not homicidal or suicidal, we cannot help her."  I neglected to tell them that I was the one that was suicidal, not her!!  I have basically been on the phone and/or crying for the last 6 days!  Lanie has now been suspended from school for the 4th time -- IN KINDERGARTEN!!!  Let me tell you, that is humiliating in itself!  but then you add all the other stuff that has been going on and I am a total basket case.  I am so grateful to my boss for working with me on all these issues.  My coworkers and my boss have been great and so understanding!  I do love my job.  That makes me smile, just typing it!