I Have A First Grader...

    I always knew this day would come though I was told it wouldn't at appropriate age.  Kiddo worked extremely hard to accomplish this.  It is hard to imagine a child that doesn't talk knows all that's needed to move on up that ladder.  He does shock and amaze me daily.  Recently in a moment of clarity I realized he was counting in Spanish.  I guess this shouldn't blow my mind when he is watching youtube videos in all languages but our own.  Well thanks kiddo, It's not like I already have a hard time understanding you.  Once he came home signing his alphabet so I had to learn my ABC's in sign too so I could understand.  Sorry kiddo I am not sure at this age I have the patience to learn in Japanese, Dutch, German and French.  This is how autism works though doesn't it?

    We started this long journey when he was 18 months.  I knew before that things were different.  I kept holding out thinking maybe he is a little behind.  Let's face it, boys do tend to take it a little slower at milestones then girls.  Finally I knew I couldn't wait any longer in fear I would be hurting him by not getting the help he needed.  When we began this autism life he had no words.  The final diagnosis came in around 24 months.  At that point he didn't speak at all.  Only allot of meltdowns, screaming and throwing himself to the ground.  I know you all get this.  It could be chalked up as the terrible two's if you didn't know us personally. I was told at one point that he would never speak. I got him into ECI home therapy and had him in a PPCD school program at three.  He has spent the last three in a half years doing this program and here we are today.  On time, actually going into first grade just like any other 6 year old.  He still doesn't come chat it up with me.  He may never have a conversation with me or become a famous poet.  That's fine with me folks.  What matters is he keeps fighting, keeps learning, and never gives up.  

My message to you parents or caregivers, is to never give up.  Keep fighting the good fight.  Stay strong and never ease up on those therapies.  I thank God daily for our speech therapist.  Connect with your child's support group and stay involved.  Then sit back with me and smile when you see your kiddo accomplish yet another goal.  

Tell me about your child's accomplishments. Let me know your thoughts by hitting the button below.  Remember we are all in this together!  Have a great day Troop...

End of School Year

  This is that time of year when your head is spinning and the world is tilting.  I am sure you know what I am talking about.  There is literally what seems like a million meetings, endless amounts of paperwork, doctor appointments to schedule cramming into the eight weeks that your kiddo has off.  Lets face it, you have cleaning to do that cannot be done with your asd kiddo home for summer.  Getting them signed up for activities and making sure they fit your budget.  Whatever you do, don't forget to keep up with the everyday chores.  I am too exhausted to even pop open a bottle of wine!  On top of it all you are still doing therapies, running household and managing to pay bills somehow in between.  Your child is overloaded and the meltdowns seem to come more frequently.  Hold on parents, siblings, and grandparents.  We can make it thru this just remember your coffee in the morning and your wine at night.  If you cuss along the way, no one will judge.  Here's to you my troop!

School

    I am going to have to say that we have gotten really lucky with public school.  I have read and heard the horror stories of having to have your asd kiddo in public school setting.  It has not been that bad for us, no kidding.  The worst of our currently three years in has been the changing of teachers several times.  Other than that it has been a pretty easy ride.  I will say, and so will my son's school, that I am a very hands on kinda mom.  I communicate with the teachers, the principle, nurse, front door girl and at times paras.  My first IEP meeting went by fairly well even though by that time I heard so many monster stories of how the whole ordeal went down for others.  I will say that I really did not know what to ask or what I was aloud to say.  That went out the window pretty quickly.  By my third meeting I was telling them how things would go.  In fact, I have to laugh at my audacity to request all future meetings to be two hours long so that I could discuss all I needed.  I did not like being told they had other meetings behind me and were pressed for time.  This never happened again.  It is fair to say that they must think I am a little crazed and I have no life due to me talking their ears off.  Let's face it folks, I literally have no adult conversation.  My little man is not exactly verbal so when I talk to him I am usually answering myself too.  Yes, I know this might look like I am in need of a doctor.  Nothing a glass of wine can't fix at end of the day.  My kiddos school has been pretty amazing and accommodating to my child's needs and mine as a parent.  I think this is partly because I am all in when it comes to his education and care.  I've been told not all parents are as vigilant as I can be.  Don't we have to be?  Even if our children didn't need that extra care, these days call for us as parents to know what is going on.  What has helped me in these dreaded meetings is being prepared.  Keep all communication from school pertaining to your kiddo.  Keep different binders for IEP, classroom, doctors, and therapies.  Write down questions you have for your kiddo's teacher, speech pathologist, or paras.  Do not be to speak up and give your concerns or any request you have that can better your child's education or home life.  Remember you are the parent and you know your kiddo best.  They only get them a brief amount of time and they want to hear your suggestions to make it easier at school too.  Let's face it folks, horrible things have happened to some of our special needs in school.  Do not let your child be a part of those statistics.  Be the hands on in your face parent that knows exactly what is going on in classroom and out.  Have the teacher on your speed dial and be on first name basis with your special needs coordinator and the team of teachers and therapist.  Leave no opportunity for your child to fall through the cracks.  If you are not comfortable with what is going on, speak up.  Noticing a change in your little ones demeanor can tip you off to what is going on.  Be the advocate for your child and do not back down.  If you are not happy with the outcome then take it straight to the school board.  Sometimes being the loudest voice in the room is best.  Most importantly,  keep fighting the good fight.  Never forget that their are literally thousands of us fighting with you so reach out if need be.  I am not a doctor, therapist or teacher.  I am however, a parent that won't stop to get the best for my child.  Keep it up troop, we are all in this with you! Have a great day and I hope this gave you a little boost of support and encouragement you might have needed.  I shall go back to sipping this coffee while it's hot...