GRANDMOTHER DESCRIBES ALEX
Alex is 11 years old. He loves to watch basketball games and will practice his shot at the neighbor's basketball hoop. He enjoys singing along to country music while riding in the car, chiming out each and every word — and he knows ALL the singers names. He joins his siblings every month in a trip to the roller-skating rink and in the summer they love to swim.
My grandson, Alex, and his two brothers and sister have lived with my husband and me for about four years now. After a short time living with us we learned of past trauma that Alex had experienced and the severe emotional damage it caused. At home he was uncontrollable at times, beating his head against the wall and the floor — I would have to hold him down to keep him from hurting himself. At school he attacked his principal . It was clear that we needed to get help. Following a desperate visit to the emergency room, Alex was admitted to a psychiatric hospital and spent nine months there. It was during this stay that the level of Alex' disorders was understood. He was diagnosed as having some serious disorders: post-traumatic stress, disassociative identity and major depression. He has times when he feels uncontrollable rage, other times when he is very quiet and hidden in himself, and also occasions when he calls upon the various personalities his mind has created to help him deal with his struggles.
It was after Alex's first nine-month stay at the hospital that we were referred to Wings . After leaving the hospital, Alex's case manager helped us coordinate the services we needed. One of Alex's favorites was his one-to-one support worker. He would so look forward to his time with Gary. They would do many things together — like hiking and fishing, but for Alex, I don't think it mattered what they did as long as he was with Gary.
I eventually had to quit my job. I couldn't work outside of the home and be there for Alex at the same time. I had already reduced this job from full-time to part time but that wasn't enough to care for Alex at this time. Financially this is very tough on the household but even the therapist recommended this. The other kids have also had their own personal struggles to deal with and have been fortunate to come much further, much faster than Alex. They have always tried to be very patient with him but have had difficulty sometimes with his outbursts.
Wings has helped the whole family. I don't know what I would do now without them. Anytime I've been in need of help they have been there. Alex's case manager is excellent. Just like an uncle, he has "tuned right in" to all the kids' needs. He helps us sort through it all and figure out what Alex needs. He's connected me with Crisis Services and coordinated Mandt trainings which have helped both my husband and me to manage Alex so much better. I wouldn't have known about any of these things if it hadn't been for Wings. I can't believe there is such a program out there for children.
Alex has come such a long way since he has been with us, although certain challenges still remain. I believe he will always need some type of help, but he is now spending more time doing activities with his siblings. Last semester he made the honor roll and this was so amazing! We have high hopes that he will continue to improve and we look forward to watching him graduate.