Well, just about the time I thought that things couldn't get worse...
They got better.
We made some dietary changes for the good of our entire family and also started Demario on some natural supplements two weeks ago. Some experts in this field say that you can see almost immediate results with supplements, others say it takes a month or more. We're now two weeks into his new regimen, and have seen DRAMATIC results.
Several days ago, at the ripe old age of almost ten (the big b-day is in two weeks!), Demario decided that what he really, really wants to do when he grows up is to join the Army and protect his country. He's brought it up several times since then, basically wondering what he needs to do to get in (other than be 18).
He still likes to PLAY sports, but he hasn't obsessed over sports in almost a week. No needless rattling off of statistics. His dad bought him a baseball and a couple of catcher's mitts, and for the first time in his life, Demario enjoyed a game of catch with his dad... and caught onto throwing the ball properly in no time at all. It was enjoyable to him, but not obsessive.
Two days ago, he began looking people in the eye when they spoke to him. And instigating conversation. On a very regular basis.
Demario's voice hasn't gone above mid-level volume in the house in the past five days.
When talking to the neighbor two days ago, Demario didn't immediately ask her for something or call her by the wrong name. He politely said, "Good afternoon, Mrs. Rice. How are you today?" After making small talk for a minute or so, WITH eye contact, he turned to me and asked if it would be all right if he turned on a Barney video for the baby to watch because he thought she was getting bored (empathy!!).
For almost a week now, Demario has remained in his room in the morning until everyone else is awake and out of bed. I actually slept until 8:00 this morning!
This morning he wrote a wonderful story about our chickens, using descriptive words, correct spelling and neat cursive. This, from a kid that supposedly is on first grade level.
So, is this dramatic change in behavior due to the supplements he's been given? Or is it because of having a structured, stable environment at last? Homeschooling? Just another "cycle" in his behavior? What?? I have no idea.
But, other than the supplements and the passing of time, nothing much has changed in our daily routine in the past two weeks... Nothing except HIM. And we're liking what we see. Based on our experience in the past two weeks (not to sound like some kind of new age wierdo), I now believe that meeting dietary deficiencies and seeing a dramatic change in behavior - even in light of all other possible/ probable causes for the behavior - definitely bears some consideration.
-Susan C.