Testing for Chaim

Although he does not mean to, eight-year old Chaim is making his family’s already-difficult life much harder. Chaim’s father struggles with depression. He is in treatment for it and takes his medicine, and this has made it possible of late for him to hold a part-time job as a maintenance man. The job, however, takes all of his energy, leaving him unable to help his wife, Miriam, at home.

Miriam trained as a special education teacher. She is currently on maternity leave with their sixth child, but expects to go back to work soon. Miriam can only work part-time because various maladies make it difficult for her to stand, and leave her in constant pain. She bears full responsibility for the children’s upbringing. She cares for them diligently, despite her physical limitations. The family’s income is low. They are as careful as they can, but medicines, school payments, and the daily expenses of life are high for eight people.

Chaim has ADD and is prone to emotional outbursts. He screams, breaks things, and wets himself frequently. His family and teachers would like to help Chaim work through his issues, but without testing to determine the source of the problem, it is impossible for them to know how best to support him. Chaim’s parents recognize that this testing is critical, but it is expensive and paying for it is beyond their means.