Prayers for Jonathan

I have had concerns about Jonathan's sensory issues since he was about two years old.  He is especially sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, and various textures.  However, he has shown improvement over the years.  His fine motor skills became more of a concern over time, particularly with handwriting and cutting with scissors.  Last year I consulted the occupational therapist at my school (definite perk of my job), and she suggested various strategies and activities to work on at home.  She told me to wait until he was a bit older and to give him more time to develop.  This school year, Jonathan's teacher and I both had the same concerns with his fine motor skills.  I showed Jonathan's portfolio of work to the OT at my school, and she suggested that I have him evaluated for occupational therapy at this time. 


So, last week, Jonathan and I went to see an occupational therapist for an evaluation.  Jonathan gets extremely uncomfortable in unfamiliar situations with people he does not know.  So, he was pretty wild during the evaluation.  However, he did attempt to complete everything that was asked of him.  Then the parent advocate came in to talk to me and it took everything in me not to break down in front of her (I saved that for the moment I got home).  You see, as an Intervention Specialist, I'm used to being on the other side, and I've never gotten to experience the parent side.  It was a very humbling experience. 


The evaluation results came today, and while I can't say that I'm surprised, I can say that I'm sad.  At the same time, I'm praising God for my precious boy because he is in good health and is a fantastic kid.  I'm honored that God called me to be his mama.


Jonathan's overall diagnosis is Disturbance of Skin Sensation, Dyspraxia, and Muscle Weakness.  The OT recommended that we have a physical therapy evaluation as well, so that is one of the next steps.  Jonathan will begin therapy in the next week or so, and the estimated duration is once per week for six months to one year, maybe more, depending on the results of the physical therapy evaluation. 


Jonathan's going to have to work extra hard to compensate for his weaker muscles.  I know the struggle that other kiddos like him face because I see it firsthand at school.  I know that Jonathan's been teased by kids and some adults, too, because he's not very strong and because he's very sensitive.  I hope that this gives those who know him a small glimpse into his world so that they may be more understanding of his unique needs. 


Please pray for Jonathan.