Billy Ray came to us at 15 months old the sweet little guy enjoying his new crib here. I remember thinking of reading about Mary hiding things in her heart about Jesus as a child. Somehow it seemed significant that I would remember every special moment. Later I needed to memories to keep me fighting to bring as much of that Billy Ray back as possible.
Billy Ray was diagnosed as experiencing Down Syndrome, chronic ear infections and malnourishment when he came to us. He ate and ate the first weekend in his new home, gaining three pounds in four days. He seemed to bloom physically and developmentally. Two months after he came he skipped the developmental step of walking and just went right to running (or so it seemed). It was as if he had a lot of world to see and no time to waste.
At five years old he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and at seven years old with bipolar. He continued to be charming and capable in many ways.
At 14-1/2 Billy Ray experienced several severe seizures which were life threatening and life changing. Life started over again for Billy Ray and his Mom. A different set of challenges were to be faced. He began being described as "one of the most complicated kid I've ever worked with" by many professionals.
He changed from rather quiet, although active, to often noisy, agitated and aggressive child. After much frustration to try to help we discovered that much of the behavior and agitation is about confusion and frustration on his part. Even though he is still somewhat verbal he can't always receive verbal communication or get out his response. He is much like a person who has had a stroke in terms of being able to communicate - he can't always "get it out". With the use of visuals and planners (schedules) he is able to do many things with less confusion and agitation or the resulting negative behaviors.
Billy Ray is now 25 years old and experiences multiple medical issues. He is presently at home with his Mom and stepfather.
Now a complex child Billy Ray continues to be quite capable of doing many things. The key is communicating to him what he is supposed to do to him and to the professionals what he is capable of and what needs. Every thing needs to be adapted to what works for him. For example, he is quite attached to his principal, Mr. Koger. We knew that he would be very upset during the summer so worked out that he would go to the high school to water a tree for Mr. Koger so that he wouldn't miss him so much.
