Medication ... this is the world we live in

I have taken Espen to all regular pediatrician visits.  He is within "normal" ranges for growth and behavior.  When I began to really insist on some help because I was exhausted I was referred to a behavioral health specialist.  After half an hour it was suggested Espen be medicated.  I declined and kept looking.  I fell upon a stick figure drawing and I googled and read and asked a lot of questions.  Espen was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder and we started occupational therapy two times a week.  We will go for a really long time.  It is not something that will go away after some visits.  This is his life.  It will get better and manageable but it will always be his life. 

To cover all my bases I took Espen to a holistic family doctor.  One I go to.  The first appointment went well and it was recommended I give him a pretty heavy regime of vitamins.  Which I have done.  I have mostly removed sugar and artificial colors.  Today we had our second visit with this doctor.  I felt as if I were teaching him about SPD.  And to my horror he recommends and will kindly refer me to a child psychiatrist for medication.  WHAT??  It is his recommendation that since Espen is having some behavioral issues at school these issues will impact his desire to learn and create a bad cycle of despair and inability to cope creating more behavioral issues.  In that case he believes medication is the best answer.  He did not hear me say that at home and therapy and the pool and the ice Espen is fantastic... we only have issues at school... He didn't hear me say we were exploring alternative school options.  He is only 4 and I stay at home.  We are having an assessment done with the public school system to see if he will qualify for the special education preschool (unlikely he will meet enough criteria).  I guess he was not listening to me today.  So I will politely decline the referral and the medication at this time. 

Is this the kind of world we live in?  One in which we are so quick to medicate our children.  One in which the answer is in a container and these will solve all the issues our children face.  A pill is not going to help my son with his desire to CRASH into things.  Won't help his need to cover his ears when a toilet flushes.  Won't eliminate his stress over having people see him.  Won't help him understand his body awareness to go to the bathroom in the toilet before his pants are wet.  A pill won't help him hold a fork or a pencil.  At best we may get him to sit still. 

I am happy my child is the way he is.  He is charming and cute.  His vocabulary is amazing.  He is curious and smart.  He sees and hears things I only wish I paid attention to.  Our lives are fuller and richer and WILDER because of this little boy.  I have not exhausted all my options yet and I feel like we are on the track for success.  Medication for my 3 year old is not the answer...