Not quite behind us...

...just when I was beginning to be confident (still amazed, but starting to be convinced) that Owen had magically become a different kid, we had some of the old behavior this morning at the library. Ugh. Coincidentally we also went to an early intervention appt. this afternoon because of this very thing (inability to play in a group without becoming excessively aggressive). I was going to be humiliated to show up and say that it had magically changed and have them think I was a crazy first-time mom, but then he started up again :{

The appt. was fascinating to watch...all the 'tests' (play situations) they were doing that I could only guess at the purpose of. They have strict guidelines of who they can admit, and it doesn't sound like Owen is going to qualify. But on the other hand they think that my observations/feelings are correct that there is some delayed development/issues in his social/emotional world. So I'm confused about that. They basically said he is way far crazy off the charts in visual skills for his age (they couldn't stop commenting on this!), great verbally, normal but not great at problem-solving in situations new to him, and atrocious at any sort of self-soothing and mood management skills. Low frustration tolerance, enough to affect life negatively and make things more tough than normal. Big news to me!!! NOT. Then they said that there's help to be had with these kind of things and they work with kids with these issues all the time. So I left mildly frustrated at having come for some help and leaving knowing what I know but not qualifying for help...but I think they're going to talk more with me and at least point me to some resources to educate myself more about how to help him moderate his emotions more. One of the ladies there really 'got' our situation. She pegged him right away as someone who was wonderful, sweet and fantastic to be around when the world was on his terms, but nightmarish as soon as he felt any bit out of control (as in, not in charge). And pointed out how other little people are way out of his control and are threatening for him to be around. Yup.

Well, maybe it's all gobbledygook and I'm just too indulgent, but it felt nice to be validated by a group of people saying there's more to it than just being spoiled, and his behavior patterns follow some known ones. He had a blast with the evaluation team and charmed the pants off of them (by the end of the 2hrs he was planting hugs and kisses on all of them spontaneously), so it was a fun afternoon if nothing else.