Pour yourself a cup of coffee and have a seat. We need to talk.

It's been a long and difficult week at my house for all of us, but especially for Ian. He is feeling the stress of third grade, homework, and high expectations from his parents, his teachers, and himself. He is depressed that school doesn't end when he comes home. Mom is tough and makes him complete his lessons before he can do the things he wants to do. Life just isn't fair.

After several conversations with Ian's psychiatrist this morning, we have decided that there is probably some merit in the idea that Ian may be bi-polar. His mood swings from being almost giddy to becoming angry, violent, even suicidal within a few hours.

It isn't his diet. We have already taken that into consideration and made the appropriate adjustments.

I have been told by several physicians and seen it in several children with Asperger's . . . bi-polar disorder can be co-morbid with autism. His great-grandmother had it, too, so I am not surprised to see it wrapping its gnarly fingers around my troubled son.

My husband and I almost concluded that our son just has an attitude problem. Experience with this child tells me that whenever I start to believe that, it's time to think again. Something is wrong when he becomes non-compliant. He has always been a pleaser.

This afternoon we will begin boosting his dose of Zyprexa - without increasing the time he spends playing Nintendo - to see if he can kick this slump. He needs to find that happy place inside. I know it's there, somewhere.

While my husband and daughter go on a camping trip with Adventure Princesses this weekend, Ian and I will stay home where it is quiet and comfortable. We will have movie night and play games uninterrupted by a competitive sibling or cooking responsibilities. We'll order pizza, and have it delivered. Tomorrow we'll ride bikes in the sunshine, enjoying the fresh, warm, fall air and hope that taking a couple of days away from the demands of school will make a difference.

Before bed we'll read as many stories as he wants. I'll snuggle close and ask if he feels any better, for this is the time of day when he is willing to share his emotions. It is also my chance to help him end the day positively, no matter what has happened in the previous fourteen hours.