Brain Balance

A dear friend was recently inspired to tell me about a program she had heard and read about. It is called Brain Balance. I kind of forgot about it but one day decided to pull it up and look into it. There happened to be a center about 20 minutes away and so I left a message with them for more info. I received a call back that day and they were able to explain more about what they do there. I was intrigued. They offered a 4 hour evaluation for G, which intrigued me even more. In the past, evaluations have just taken minutes, which I felt was never enough to truly understand my son's situation. So we scheduled the evaluation on a day when my lovely friend and babysitter comes over to watch my kids. G's appointment was at 10:30. We arrived and they took him back as I filled out papers and questionnaires for about an hour. At about 12:30 G came out for a lunch break. We walked next door to Jimmy John's and talked about what he was doing. He said, "Mom, I like my other therapy place better. They don't make me work so hard." I couldn't help but be impressed. I loved hearing that they were pushing him and exercising him in a way that few people do. A lot of times he gets babied or allowed to get away with minimal effort. After lunch we walked back and he was in the back for two more hours. Sometime while he was in the back I was able to talk with the center director and it was amazing to hear about her son's story, who was once diagnosed with autism and ADHD, but no longer has those diagnoses. Then while waiting in the foyer, an experienced mom came up and introduced herself. She talked about her son's struggles before coming to Brain Balance. I appreciated her insight and kindness. Another mom came, trying to drag her son inside. He was fighting her and I could see her frustration. I tried to help distract him and help. The therapists came in the room and did a phenomenal job getting him to follow them. As soon as he walked back the mom broke down. I saw her wipe tears from her eyes and I tried to comfort her. I get it. I've been there. It just felt crazy and good to be in a place where we all got it. When G was done I took him out for a treat and we chatted more about the place. I felt good about it. But I knew I had to get my husband on board.

A few days later, Solomon and I went back to the center to receive the results from G's evaluation. It was very interesting! G's right side of his brain is very weak and they were able to show me a lot of in depth stuff about why he acts certain ways. G made more sense to me and I was just so impressed with all the information they were able to give us. We sat with the director for almost two hours. I was on board, but I could feel the tension in the room rise with my husband as she informed us he is a severe case and that would mean they would only take him for a minimum of six months, which costs $13,000. And insurance does not cover any of it. After we left, my husband was very quiet, and I could tell he was irritated. We got chatting about all the pros and cons and the frustration of having to spend that much money to help a child who we have already poured out so much time and resources to help. We came to the conclusion that this is the right thing for our boy, but we are just trying to swallow the fact that it will be expensive. It will also be time consuming. He will have therapy 3 times a week with 20 minute exercises he needs to do each day. He will also be on a strict diet, eliminating gluten, dairy, and sugar. Also, we were told to expect a lot of regression during the therapy. His brain will be going through a lot which will amplify his worst behaviors or have him revert back into a baby.

So... we could use your thoughts and prayers as we start this journey! I am nervous but excited!