When our daughter (7) was very young , we knew something different was happening with her. When her second grade teacher suggested we come and observe her in class. I did, and found she was very spacey, did not engage with adults, and just didn't connect the dots. I was

devastated. She had some of these at home too but not as pronounced. 

I spoke to a friend who knew someone with a child who had absence seizures. So I spoke with her and she suggested I get a  pediatric neurologist right away. I got to our pediatrician right away as well.  We have an appointment for an EEG on the 22nd ( Thursday) .

Now, my daughter is pretty fearful about new situations. So, I thought I'd help her out with a "social story". Years ago, when I worked in special education, we used social stories to relate simple and sometimes fairly complex ideas. I first consulted with a few teachers in my life and wrote in very simple text what would happen- step by step, then I re-wrote it until I was satisfied. Then I went to the craft store, gathered scrapbooking  stickers (Jolee's work very well) a small blank book, and some markers.  

I put it all together and read it to my daughter. She was very interested and wanted to talk about it ! I explained to her that the story was real and we would be doing the test this week. She has been great with it! No tears, and I feel like the appointment will go smoother because of it.

Here is a sample of the text:

Ocean  sometimes feels confused at school.

So her mama took her to the doctor for a check up.

The doctor said it would be a good idea for Ocean to get a test at the hospital.

The test is called an EEG and it tests the brain.

It doesn't hurt.There are some things Ocean will do to get ready for the test.

First: she will get to stay up late!

And so on- you get the point. I described the electrodes as "stickers"  and drew quite a few stick figure illustrations. ( both her and her sister loved my attempts at art)

I hope this can be helpful to someone out there!

Jen