Imagine my surprise today when I opened his backpack and found a spelling test with a grade of 100%!
Hooray!!!
Showing posts with label autism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label autism. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Spelling!
JT's most difficult areas in school are reading and writing.
Imagine my surprise today when I opened his backpack and found a spelling test with a grade of 100%!
Hooray!!!
Imagine my surprise today when I opened his backpack and found a spelling test with a grade of 100%!
Hooray!!!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Another piece!
Since the Strattera did nothing (or rather, did nothing to help - it did, in fact, have a pretty bad side effect), our doctor decided to try a different medication for JT's ADD (he's not the hyperactive subtype of ADHD, so I'll leave the H out :) ).
This time we are on the mildest stimulant there is.
Since The Hubs and I agreed we wanted to see the effects with our own eyes before sending him to school on it, we gave him a dose on Sunday.
We headed to the Discovery Place, where we played for 3 hours, including a 45 minute IMAX movie (Sea Rex).
JT did amazing. He was calm the entire time. He sat through the whole movie (this is a HUGE deal, he has never quietly sat through a movie - added bonus, he could recall all the movie info later, so he was really paying attention!). There was no squeaking out of anger, no fussiness, nothing. He was very compliant, following our directions and staying with our group the whole time. We saw the opposite of the possible side effect of aggressiveness (stimulants + autism can sometimes lead to that) - he was snuggly and happy.
We did note a huge spike in energy levels that evening - our boy was back to lapping the living room, orbiting our furniture. I know I'll have to do homework with him before dinner to get the most out of his focus.
I was so excited to get JT's school bag and read his notes today. His teacher was watching for changes, and I knew she would see some big ones.
I opened his folder to see this:
"He was awesome today."
The beauty of stimulants is he won't be taking them weekends, the summer or any day he doesn't have school. It's nice that it's out of his system before 12 hours is up.
So, it appears we have found another piece of the puzzle of JT :)
Image found here.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Autism and health.
(I will mention sheepishly that I thought it was going to be a horrific experience, and promised him if he did well he'd get to stay home from school... which he completely held me to. Upon completion, he hopped up, wiped two tiny tears from his face and declared, "C'mon mommy, we're going home!" with a big smile. Lesson learned: use small bribery first!).
Risperdal can do some scary stuff. Thyroid issues, cholesterol issues, blood sugar issues... with how amazing this drug has been for JT, I was so terrified those tests were going to come back with one of the three, and we would lose the one thing that has changed our lives. I also know that little man doesn't eat the best diet, and was a little worried some of the numbers would be off there, too - specifically iron.
Thursday JT's doctor got the results and brought them out for review. I held my breath, bracing myself...
"Perfect." was the first word out of the doctor's mouth. They were absolutely perfect. As in, not one single number was off in all 5 of the blood tests. Not only were the ones they were looking for spot on, but there wasn't anything on those lists that was out of range.
YAY for healthy!
Then I came home to see some links and reminders we are incredibly lucky.
See, JT's autism is not related to his health.
Many, many children's autism is tied in with their health. In the friends I've met, more often than not there are some pretty serious health problems that tag along with autism.
Think mitochondrial disorder. Celiac. Immune problems. Encopresis. Major gastrointestinal and digestive problems. Megacolon. Those are just a few.
The worst thing we deal with is eczema.
And I feel guilty that we somehow dodged that bullet but others aren't so lucky. Women I know and love and their babies deal with so much more than 'just' autism every day. And even though more are sick than are healthy, many of the doctors they deal with insist they are unrelated.
It it reiterates in my mind that there must be subtypes of autism. Not that it matters presentation wise in the end and with behavioral and academic solutions, but the 'why' - the cause, the reason - must be different if our outcomes are so different. And that does matter - because if autism is a full body disorder in some kids, they need more than just behavioral and academic interventions - they need medical solutions, too.
Hoping for some new breakthrough in research for those moms and their kiddos (and doctors that listen as well as ours does) - autism alone is hard enough.
Photo from here.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Not working.
JT has been on Strattera for ADHD (technically not a separate diagnosis, just part of autism) for roughly 3 weeks.
Unlike the risperdal, this medication has not been a life-changer.
In fact, teachers haven't seen any difference.
And we've seen some side effects that are concerning (now that he's off of it for a few days, those have disappeared, thankfully).
This means we go a step up in the medication of ADHD world, otherwise known as stimulants.
So we'll have a cardiology appointment for JT, complete with EKG and echo to make sure he didn't inherit my murmur or arrhythmia (both which would make it dangerous for him to be on a stimulant).
I know he needs it. I know that is the only thing holding him back. He needs to be able to focus to learn.
We do what we have to do to make sure JT fulfills his potential. And we trust his doctor. That itself makes the decision to move forward easy to make.
Rewarding kindness.
JT's class has been nothing short of extraordinary this year. Those little ones have helped him without being asked to, going out of their way to make sure my baby is okay. I wrote about them after I saw first hand how precious they were.
I am a big fan of positive reinforcement. Otherwise known as rewarding good.
So I want to thank these kids for their kindness. Encourage them to be kind in the future.
I've decided I want to send home thank you's to the parents, telling them how awesome their kids are and what good people they are. I also want to send in cupcakes or another treat as a direct thank you to the kiddos.
Also, two days ago, Audrey asked me if she could wear JT's Special Olympics t-shirt to school. Confused, I asked her why she'd want to wear his shirt. Her response? "Because, mom, it shows JT has autism, and I want people to know I appreciate that people appreciate my brother."
It appears Audrey wants to encourage kindness as well. Such a sweetheart.
I am a big fan of positive reinforcement. Otherwise known as rewarding good.
So I want to thank these kids for their kindness. Encourage them to be kind in the future.
I've decided I want to send home thank you's to the parents, telling them how awesome their kids are and what good people they are. I also want to send in cupcakes or another treat as a direct thank you to the kiddos.
Also, two days ago, Audrey asked me if she could wear JT's Special Olympics t-shirt to school. Confused, I asked her why she'd want to wear his shirt. Her response? "Because, mom, it shows JT has autism, and I want people to know I appreciate that people appreciate my brother."
It appears Audrey wants to encourage kindness as well. Such a sweetheart.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Coming clean.
Most days I wake up and I'm fine with everything. With life, with autism. Some days I'm just not.
While most of my blog is positive, I try to keep things real on here. So here goes.
It comes down to this:
I'm jealous.
Jealous of all the parents who get to wake up every day and just get their kids dressed for school without squirting a syringe of antipsychotics into their child's mouth.
Jealous of the parents who don't have to repeat that routine plus a pill for ADHD symptoms at night.
Jealous that other children live such easy lives, and mine was dealt the hand he was.
Jealous that JT has to rely on the kindness of other children to get through his day.
Jealous that he didn't get a normal childhood, instead spending thousands (literally) of hours in therapy.
Jealous that other parents don't have to worry about every small setback as a possible regression, or worry about losing years of progress in a few days.
Jealous that other parents don't have to worry about whether their child will live independently in the future.
Jealous that other parents know nothing about special needs trusts or other financial ways to set up a child with a disability.
Jealous that other parents got to enjoy their babies, while I busted my butt just to help mine reach milestones that other kids met months or years before.
Jealous that my kid works so hard to learn things that other kids pick up naturally.
There are so many more, but you get my drift.
I know jealousy isn't a good thing.
But some days it's just hard.
While most of my blog is positive, I try to keep things real on here. So here goes.
It comes down to this:
I'm jealous.
Jealous of all the parents who get to wake up every day and just get their kids dressed for school without squirting a syringe of antipsychotics into their child's mouth.
Jealous of the parents who don't have to repeat that routine plus a pill for ADHD symptoms at night.
Jealous that other children live such easy lives, and mine was dealt the hand he was.
Jealous that JT has to rely on the kindness of other children to get through his day.
Jealous that he didn't get a normal childhood, instead spending thousands (literally) of hours in therapy.
Jealous that other parents don't have to worry about every small setback as a possible regression, or worry about losing years of progress in a few days.
Jealous that other parents don't have to worry about whether their child will live independently in the future.
Jealous that other parents know nothing about special needs trusts or other financial ways to set up a child with a disability.
Jealous that other parents got to enjoy their babies, while I busted my butt just to help mine reach milestones that other kids met months or years before.
Jealous that my kid works so hard to learn things that other kids pick up naturally.
There are so many more, but you get my drift.
I know jealousy isn't a good thing.
But some days it's just hard.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
First Signs.
Besides the question of how I think JT ended up with autism (which I explained here), people often ask what the first signs were that JT had autism.
JT actually had signs from birth, although there is absolutely no way we could have known it was autism. Looking back, however, I can see it.
In the hospital, he wanted to stay in the little bassinet. No matter how much I tried the skin to skin contact to calm him, I found he was only happy when I wasn't touching him. He wouldn't nurse: I had nursed Audrey until she was 13 months old (so I had just weaned her 3 months prior to his birth), so I knew what I was doing. He wouldn't latch, period. He would chug those little bottles of formula, though, so I knew he was hungry. If I tried to wait it out, so that he was super hungry and maybe he would nurse, he would scream until he would get the bottle.
He was an easy baby. He just wanted to be in his room, with the lights out, door cracked shut. He woke 2 times a night from the 3rd day on (when he was released from the hospital and we came home). My family had purchased a $250 co-sleeper bed for him to sleep in, so he could be close. He flat out refused it, screaming until he was in his crib, lights off, door cracked. He wanted that middle of the night bottle and to be immediately returned to his crib. I told my doctor at 6 weeks something was wrong, because he was 'too easy'. I was half-joking - remember I had a 16 month old at home, so I knew what babies were supposed to be like. He told me to be thankful, he was a dream baby. Enjoy him.
JT had several ear infections (9) his first 15 months of life. We wondered why he wasn't talking, and upon completing a hearing test, we found he had 80% hearing loss. We had tubes put in soon after (he was about 16 months old), expecting his language to take off.
It didn't happen.
I thought maybe the hearing loss was still the issue (sometimes it takes a while to resolve) until I discovered one day that I could blow up a balloon in another room (one of his absolute favorite things) and he would come running. I didn't know then it was autism, but I knew it wasn't hearing loss. I was told boys are late talkers, that he would start when he was ready. People told me stories of sons, grandsons, cousins' friends nephews who didn't talk and suddenly spoke in sentences. Everyone said not to worry.
Then at 21 months, I picked up a People magazine with Jenny McCarthy on the cover with her son Evan. I honestly grabbed it because I had no idea what autism was and I thought Jenny was hilarious.
I remember coming home from Kroger and later that night picking up the magazine, just expecting a good read.
My heart absolutely dropped as I was reading it. I looked up from the magazine to see JT flapping and toe walking as I was reading Evan's symptoms. I ran back to my computer and googled 'autism symptoms'. I cried as I checked off almost every single one.
Toe walking. Hand flapping. Lack of eye contact. No pointing. No joint interest. No imitation. Preferring to be alone. HUGE tantrums beyond anything I'd ever seen. Lack of any language. Lack of response to name. No pretend play, instead using toys inappropriately - mostly spinning wheels and playing with door stoppers. Lining up toys. Sensory seeking - jumping off tables, running into things - without any indication of fear of danger. Mouthing everything. The W sit. The list went on and on.
The next day I made an appointment with our awesome pediatrician, who got us in the next day. When we saw him, and I pointed it out, he made us an appointment with the team at Arkansas Children's Hospital to get a full evaluation. I found out later that the same day he wrote 'probable autism spectrum disorder' in JT's chart. He was kind, understanding and positive. That in itself helped our journey start off on a positive note, which I think has helped all along.
JT actually had signs from birth, although there is absolutely no way we could have known it was autism. Looking back, however, I can see it.
In the hospital, he wanted to stay in the little bassinet. No matter how much I tried the skin to skin contact to calm him, I found he was only happy when I wasn't touching him. He wouldn't nurse: I had nursed Audrey until she was 13 months old (so I had just weaned her 3 months prior to his birth), so I knew what I was doing. He wouldn't latch, period. He would chug those little bottles of formula, though, so I knew he was hungry. If I tried to wait it out, so that he was super hungry and maybe he would nurse, he would scream until he would get the bottle.
He was an easy baby. He just wanted to be in his room, with the lights out, door cracked shut. He woke 2 times a night from the 3rd day on (when he was released from the hospital and we came home). My family had purchased a $250 co-sleeper bed for him to sleep in, so he could be close. He flat out refused it, screaming until he was in his crib, lights off, door cracked. He wanted that middle of the night bottle and to be immediately returned to his crib. I told my doctor at 6 weeks something was wrong, because he was 'too easy'. I was half-joking - remember I had a 16 month old at home, so I knew what babies were supposed to be like. He told me to be thankful, he was a dream baby. Enjoy him.
JT had several ear infections (9) his first 15 months of life. We wondered why he wasn't talking, and upon completing a hearing test, we found he had 80% hearing loss. We had tubes put in soon after (he was about 16 months old), expecting his language to take off.
It didn't happen.
I thought maybe the hearing loss was still the issue (sometimes it takes a while to resolve) until I discovered one day that I could blow up a balloon in another room (one of his absolute favorite things) and he would come running. I didn't know then it was autism, but I knew it wasn't hearing loss. I was told boys are late talkers, that he would start when he was ready. People told me stories of sons, grandsons, cousins' friends nephews who didn't talk and suddenly spoke in sentences. Everyone said not to worry.
Then at 21 months, I picked up a People magazine with Jenny McCarthy on the cover with her son Evan. I honestly grabbed it because I had no idea what autism was and I thought Jenny was hilarious.
I remember coming home from Kroger and later that night picking up the magazine, just expecting a good read.
My heart absolutely dropped as I was reading it. I looked up from the magazine to see JT flapping and toe walking as I was reading Evan's symptoms. I ran back to my computer and googled 'autism symptoms'. I cried as I checked off almost every single one.
Toe walking. Hand flapping. Lack of eye contact. No pointing. No joint interest. No imitation. Preferring to be alone. HUGE tantrums beyond anything I'd ever seen. Lack of any language. Lack of response to name. No pretend play, instead using toys inappropriately - mostly spinning wheels and playing with door stoppers. Lining up toys. Sensory seeking - jumping off tables, running into things - without any indication of fear of danger. Mouthing everything. The W sit. The list went on and on.
The next day I made an appointment with our awesome pediatrician, who got us in the next day. When we saw him, and I pointed it out, he made us an appointment with the team at Arkansas Children's Hospital to get a full evaluation. I found out later that the same day he wrote 'probable autism spectrum disorder' in JT's chart. He was kind, understanding and positive. That in itself helped our journey start off on a positive note, which I think has helped all along.
Classmates.
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My little man and a precious classmate (one of several who went out of their way to help JT during the assembly, and who go out of their way to help him every day).
I'm trying to figure out how to thank these kids and their parents for being such wonderful people. We see so much negative that I feel like we should really encourage the positive, and let them see what a difference they are truly making in our lives.
Warms my heart.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Awards and such.
Today The Hubs and I attended a "Right Moves Rally" at the kids' school. It was basically a big assembly where awards were given out to students for "right moves" - academics, attendance and citizenship.
Each teacher gave out 3 awards: Outstanding Reading, Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Math.
They split them into grades, so first up was 2nd grade, 3rd grade and the AU (autism) classes. While JT is based in the AU classroom, he is in the mainstream K class for assemblies and most of the day.
Audrey got the Outstanding Reading award, and got a citizenship award. She was all grins up on stage, and was so excited to see us.
While taking pictures of her in the entryway, we saw JT's class. His friend from the book fair saw us and was so excited to see us :)
JT was so happy to see us (he spotted us and exclaimed, "That's my mommy and daddy!"), but he stayed in line like he was supposed to. His (mainstream) teacher told us we should stick around (we were anyway) because "JT is actually getting an award."
We went back to our seats, and the K and 1st grade students filed in for their assembly.
JT had a citizenship ribbon, so we figured that was his award.
When they started calling up the Outstanding students for his teacher's class, guess who was first?
JT got the Outstanding Math award for his mainstream K class!!!
It was so amazing to watch our little man get an academic award.
The absolutely beautiful part of it all was watching how his classmates took care of him. I saw at least 5 different students helping JT. Helping him to his seat, tapping him when he should stand, whispering to him when it was his turn, and giving him a hand to get up and walking him to his spot in line. They all seemed to truly like JT and to really want to help him. It was so precious to me.
Score 1 for both our babies today. SUPER proud parent of two award-winners!!!
Each teacher gave out 3 awards: Outstanding Reading, Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Math.
They split them into grades, so first up was 2nd grade, 3rd grade and the AU (autism) classes. While JT is based in the AU classroom, he is in the mainstream K class for assemblies and most of the day.
Audrey got the Outstanding Reading award, and got a citizenship award. She was all grins up on stage, and was so excited to see us.
While taking pictures of her in the entryway, we saw JT's class. His friend from the book fair saw us and was so excited to see us :)
JT was so happy to see us (he spotted us and exclaimed, "That's my mommy and daddy!"), but he stayed in line like he was supposed to. His (mainstream) teacher told us we should stick around (we were anyway) because "JT is actually getting an award."
We went back to our seats, and the K and 1st grade students filed in for their assembly.
JT had a citizenship ribbon, so we figured that was his award.
When they started calling up the Outstanding students for his teacher's class, guess who was first?
JT got the Outstanding Math award for his mainstream K class!!!
It was so amazing to watch our little man get an academic award.
The absolutely beautiful part of it all was watching how his classmates took care of him. I saw at least 5 different students helping JT. Helping him to his seat, tapping him when he should stand, whispering to him when it was his turn, and giving him a hand to get up and walking him to his spot in line. They all seemed to truly like JT and to really want to help him. It was so precious to me.
Score 1 for both our babies today. SUPER proud parent of two award-winners!!!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
An emotional book fair.
Tonight we went to the kids' book fair at school.
As soon as we walked in, a little boy stood up in the hallway (he was sitting waiting for his parents) and shouted, "JT! JT! Hi JT!"
He ran up to meet us, and said hello to JT. JT said hello, then turned to us and said, "It's so-and-so" (my heart was about to explode, I didn't catch his name). He told us how JT is in Mr. Dussek's class with him sometimes, but is in a special class the rest of the time. The little guy asked JT about his Lego, JT managed a few responses, and then the little boy's older brother made him sit back down.
So we go and get our books, and we're standing in line. This little girl appears out of nowhere, and JT starts giggling as she says, "Hey JT!!!" He looked up and said, "It's Mackenzie!!!" SUPER excited, and they waved to each other.
He ran back up to say hey to her as we were leaving.
Then a teacher (we have never met her, she's just another teacher in the school) was giving out leis to the students. Audrey grabbed one, and then the teacher pulled JT over. She asked him if he wanted one, and he said yes. She knew exactly how to handle him. Then she had him pick out a color, and made sure he got the one he wanted.
So thankful for what their school is doing, because clearly they're doing something really, really right in regards to helping students understand and be friends with my boy.
Apparently book fairs can be pretty emotional places!
As soon as we walked in, a little boy stood up in the hallway (he was sitting waiting for his parents) and shouted, "JT! JT! Hi JT!"
He ran up to meet us, and said hello to JT. JT said hello, then turned to us and said, "It's so-and-so" (my heart was about to explode, I didn't catch his name). He told us how JT is in Mr. Dussek's class with him sometimes, but is in a special class the rest of the time. The little guy asked JT about his Lego, JT managed a few responses, and then the little boy's older brother made him sit back down.
So we go and get our books, and we're standing in line. This little girl appears out of nowhere, and JT starts giggling as she says, "Hey JT!!!" He looked up and said, "It's Mackenzie!!!" SUPER excited, and they waved to each other.
He ran back up to say hey to her as we were leaving.
Then a teacher (we have never met her, she's just another teacher in the school) was giving out leis to the students. Audrey grabbed one, and then the teacher pulled JT over. She asked him if he wanted one, and he said yes. She knew exactly how to handle him. Then she had him pick out a color, and made sure he got the one he wanted.
So thankful for what their school is doing, because clearly they're doing something really, really right in regards to helping students understand and be friends with my boy.
Apparently book fairs can be pretty emotional places!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Spring break & progress.
We're nearing the end of our spring break, and we have had so much fun. Crafts like wave bottles, permanent sand sculptures, gel bottles and sand art. Daily visits to the gym (the kiddos love the child care!). Lunch with daddy.
Of course Audrey also had allergy testing - the one with individual shots (not the panel) - despite the pain, she survived 25 separate shots! JT saw his new doctor and is starting medication for ADHD.
Best of all, JT swallows pills now! The new medicine is only available in pill form, and can't be broken in any way. He said he would, and he did! Day 3 and he did it in one sip :)
He's way more talkative, he's got some new, big words - tonight he said something smelled 'horrible' (it was Audrey, and after we cracked up we convinced her he was messing around).
JT has suddenly become Mr. Social. In Target Friday he made everyone say hi to him. He would jump out and say, "Hey there!" - sometimes stepping in front of carts to ensure they responded. Then at Dillard's he followed up his 'Hey there' with "I gotta find my way outta here!" It was funny, but we have to help him make it more appropriate. Talking to strangers is not always okay.
Tonight he randomly asked me to cut his nails. And cut his hair. Both amazing.
Also, at another appointment, he asked to have his blood pressure taken. We have never been able to get him to do that!
I'm so excited for him to go back to school and see if his teachers notice his progress!
Of course Audrey also had allergy testing - the one with individual shots (not the panel) - despite the pain, she survived 25 separate shots! JT saw his new doctor and is starting medication for ADHD.
Best of all, JT swallows pills now! The new medicine is only available in pill form, and can't be broken in any way. He said he would, and he did! Day 3 and he did it in one sip :)
He's way more talkative, he's got some new, big words - tonight he said something smelled 'horrible' (it was Audrey, and after we cracked up we convinced her he was messing around).
JT has suddenly become Mr. Social. In Target Friday he made everyone say hi to him. He would jump out and say, "Hey there!" - sometimes stepping in front of carts to ensure they responded. Then at Dillard's he followed up his 'Hey there' with "I gotta find my way outta here!" It was funny, but we have to help him make it more appropriate. Talking to strangers is not always okay.
Tonight he randomly asked me to cut his nails. And cut his hair. Both amazing.
Also, at another appointment, he asked to have his blood pressure taken. We have never been able to get him to do that!
I'm so excited for him to go back to school and see if his teachers notice his progress!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Starbucks ROCKS.
I went by my old store yesterday to grab a coffee and catch up with a few of my old coworkers.
My manager was so excited to tell me that Monday - World Autism Awareness Day - all the baristas are wearing blue in support of autism awareness. They are also donating a portion of their tips to autism charities.
Such an awesome thing to do, and such amazing people.
As an aside, everyone should wear blue Monday. Show your support! New stats are rumored to be 1 in 88...
My manager was so excited to tell me that Monday - World Autism Awareness Day - all the baristas are wearing blue in support of autism awareness. They are also donating a portion of their tips to autism charities.
Such an awesome thing to do, and such amazing people.
As an aside, everyone should wear blue Monday. Show your support! New stats are rumored to be 1 in 88...
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Four years.
In remembrance of D-day (diagnosis day) four years ago, today I put together a letter I'd send myself that day.
Dear four-years-ago-me,
There are so many things I want you to know about today, about your life, about your son. I know right now you're confused, you're hurt, and you have no idea what you're doing. I know you're afraid of what will be, how your family will handle it, how YOU will handle it, and most of all, how your son will deal with having a disability.
1. Things will get better. I promise.
Right now, you're dealing with hours-long meltdowns and head-banging. You're doing your best to protect your daughter (and yourself) from JT's seemingly random attacks. You're terrified of what will happen when he's bigger, stronger, faster than you. Please know that this, too, shall pass. When he's bigger, stronger and faster you won't have to worry about this stuff.
2. Don't believe everything they just told you.
You know how they just told you that your son would never talk? How he is likely severely cognitively impaired, and you would need an IQ test to verify around 7-8 years of age? They are WRONG. Your son will talk. He will learn the Kindergarten curriculum before he even starts Kindergarten. He will astound you and everyone who works with him.
3. You'll figure this out.
There are reasons for his outbursts. You will find ways around them, ways to minimize them, and then ways to teach him better alternatives to losing it. He will still lose his temper, but in a less aggressive way. Have faith and keep looking for those reasons.
4. Take the help.
You are stubborn, but when someone offers to help you, take it. The end.
5. You will find family.
Not just friends, but a true family. You won't know each other conventionally - face to face isn't possible when you're scattered across the globe. But there will be more love and caring in these friendships than you can imagine. Lean on them when you need it, and give back. You will need them throughout this journey.
6. Laugh. A lot.
You have to have a sense of humor when you parent a child with autism. At first, you're so wrapped up in the sadness to laugh, and that's understandable. But shake it off and see some humor in your everyday life.
7. Take care of yourself.
You need to make sure you are both mentally and physically healthy. It's not easy (for what it's worth, it's four years later and it's still a major struggle). You need to be here for a long time - to see your kids grow up and to grow old with your husband.
8. Don't believe the statistics.
Or at least don't let them scare you. They say 80% or more of autism families end in divorce. Yours won't be one of them. You have an awesome husband, and this will actually bring you much closer. You're lucky.
9. Audrey will be fine.
She is happy. She is healthy. And she loves her brother more than anything in the world. It is her blind hope and faith in her brother and his capabilities that will end up showing you how much he can really do. So let her take the lead. Let her drive him crazy sometimes. Trust me, it helps.
10. Let go of the guilt.
Again, a tough one that is still a work in progress. Whatever the cause, there's no way you could have known, and no way for you to have prevented it. You can only help your son as much as you can. You can't move forward when you're always looking behind you.
Four-years-ago-me, you will have good days and bad days. You will find an inner strength you had no idea you had. You will learn (quickly!) to stop caring so much about what others think, and start caring about what YOU think. You will find out you are, indeed, capable of handling controversy - and you will find you are excellent at getting what you want (surprising, right?!). You will be blessed with some amazing professionals (who you will consider friends later) who will change yours and JT's lives forever. You will find that there are far more 'good' than 'bad' people, more that care than don't.
So take a deep breath, and get to work. You have so much to look forward to.
Love,
Me
Dear four-years-ago-me,
There are so many things I want you to know about today, about your life, about your son. I know right now you're confused, you're hurt, and you have no idea what you're doing. I know you're afraid of what will be, how your family will handle it, how YOU will handle it, and most of all, how your son will deal with having a disability.
1. Things will get better. I promise.
Right now, you're dealing with hours-long meltdowns and head-banging. You're doing your best to protect your daughter (and yourself) from JT's seemingly random attacks. You're terrified of what will happen when he's bigger, stronger, faster than you. Please know that this, too, shall pass. When he's bigger, stronger and faster you won't have to worry about this stuff.
2. Don't believe everything they just told you.
You know how they just told you that your son would never talk? How he is likely severely cognitively impaired, and you would need an IQ test to verify around 7-8 years of age? They are WRONG. Your son will talk. He will learn the Kindergarten curriculum before he even starts Kindergarten. He will astound you and everyone who works with him.
3. You'll figure this out.
There are reasons for his outbursts. You will find ways around them, ways to minimize them, and then ways to teach him better alternatives to losing it. He will still lose his temper, but in a less aggressive way. Have faith and keep looking for those reasons.
4. Take the help.
You are stubborn, but when someone offers to help you, take it. The end.
5. You will find family.
Not just friends, but a true family. You won't know each other conventionally - face to face isn't possible when you're scattered across the globe. But there will be more love and caring in these friendships than you can imagine. Lean on them when you need it, and give back. You will need them throughout this journey.
6. Laugh. A lot.
You have to have a sense of humor when you parent a child with autism. At first, you're so wrapped up in the sadness to laugh, and that's understandable. But shake it off and see some humor in your everyday life.
7. Take care of yourself.
You need to make sure you are both mentally and physically healthy. It's not easy (for what it's worth, it's four years later and it's still a major struggle). You need to be here for a long time - to see your kids grow up and to grow old with your husband.
8. Don't believe the statistics.
Or at least don't let them scare you. They say 80% or more of autism families end in divorce. Yours won't be one of them. You have an awesome husband, and this will actually bring you much closer. You're lucky.
9. Audrey will be fine.
She is happy. She is healthy. And she loves her brother more than anything in the world. It is her blind hope and faith in her brother and his capabilities that will end up showing you how much he can really do. So let her take the lead. Let her drive him crazy sometimes. Trust me, it helps.
10. Let go of the guilt.
Again, a tough one that is still a work in progress. Whatever the cause, there's no way you could have known, and no way for you to have prevented it. You can only help your son as much as you can. You can't move forward when you're always looking behind you.
Four-years-ago-me, you will have good days and bad days. You will find an inner strength you had no idea you had. You will learn (quickly!) to stop caring so much about what others think, and start caring about what YOU think. You will find out you are, indeed, capable of handling controversy - and you will find you are excellent at getting what you want (surprising, right?!). You will be blessed with some amazing professionals (who you will consider friends later) who will change yours and JT's lives forever. You will find that there are far more 'good' than 'bad' people, more that care than don't.
So take a deep breath, and get to work. You have so much to look forward to.
Love,
Me
Saturday, March 3, 2012
The food struggle, part 6,789
I am so tired of the eating issues that come with autism. SO. TIRED.
JT now only eats chips, crackers, and other 'crunchy' carbohydrates.
Luckily, he drinks Ovaltine, so at least we're getting vitamins in somehow.
JT's food struggles involve cutting out (and when we're lucky, re-introducing) foods that he has eaten (and enjoyed).
This list is not long to begin with. His only meats he'll eat are hot dogs and chicken (on his best days... although recently I came across a toddler pic of him eating ribs, that made me sad). He will not eat anything cold anymore, not even ice cream (he only eats that in cones, even on his best food days). He eats ZERO fruits and vegetables, aside from the french fry that occasionally he'll relent to (again, on a good day).
We had a patch where he only ate popcorn for over a month when he was in preschool.
It's just so hard to try and feed a child who wants nothing. And of course, I worry that he's not eating enough or getting what he needs. His doctor says he's healthy, and he's happy, and that should make me happy and relieve some of my anxiety (and it does a little).
But now we're heading back to supplementing with the infant vitamins again (because he won't take gummies or chewies, I have to sneak it in his chocolate milk), and it makes me sad.
JT now only eats chips, crackers, and other 'crunchy' carbohydrates.
Luckily, he drinks Ovaltine, so at least we're getting vitamins in somehow.
JT's food struggles involve cutting out (and when we're lucky, re-introducing) foods that he has eaten (and enjoyed).
This list is not long to begin with. His only meats he'll eat are hot dogs and chicken (on his best days... although recently I came across a toddler pic of him eating ribs, that made me sad). He will not eat anything cold anymore, not even ice cream (he only eats that in cones, even on his best food days). He eats ZERO fruits and vegetables, aside from the french fry that occasionally he'll relent to (again, on a good day).
We had a patch where he only ate popcorn for over a month when he was in preschool.
It's just so hard to try and feed a child who wants nothing. And of course, I worry that he's not eating enough or getting what he needs. His doctor says he's healthy, and he's happy, and that should make me happy and relieve some of my anxiety (and it does a little).
But now we're heading back to supplementing with the infant vitamins again (because he won't take gummies or chewies, I have to sneak it in his chocolate milk), and it makes me sad.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Happy Update
Yesterday, I put in my 2 weeks' notice at Starbucks.
As wonderful as Starbucks has been, and as fun as my coworkers are, it just isn't a good fit for me.
I had been in contact with a family who was looking for an autism therapist (ABA) for their little guy, and today had my 'interview'.
First, the family is awesome. LOVE them. Second, the kid is ADORABLE. And so sweet! Third...
I GOT THE JOB!!!
Super excited!
It's very part-time, but I am thrilled. This is what I want to do.
I am super excited, and cannot wait to start my new job :)
As wonderful as Starbucks has been, and as fun as my coworkers are, it just isn't a good fit for me.
I had been in contact with a family who was looking for an autism therapist (ABA) for their little guy, and today had my 'interview'.
First, the family is awesome. LOVE them. Second, the kid is ADORABLE. And so sweet! Third...
I GOT THE JOB!!!
Super excited!
It's very part-time, but I am thrilled. This is what I want to do.
I am super excited, and cannot wait to start my new job :)
Monday, February 20, 2012
A blip and a moment.
JT's issue at school is emerging as a pattern... we have our first blip (aka regression, but I hate that word).
We've seen it ramping up for a few weeks now, just the generalized anxiety, the arguing... the meltdowns coming once every day or two - that is really out of character for him.
Then he started the stimming. Not that he doesn't stim usually, but this was different. He was orbiting our living room, around the couches, in a giant circle, running. Constantly. While scripting. You could catch random phrases from entire conversations - such as "There you are, Perry!" (Phineas and Ferb), "Swiper no swiping!" (Dora) and other random show tidbits. He would stop at our curio cabinet briefly to stare at himself. While orbiting, he would shake his head back and forth quickly...
Just random stuff I haven't seen in years.
And it scares me.
He's not here with me when he's orbiting like that. Physically, I can see him, but mentally, he's in autism-world, not here. And I don't want him to slide that way - I don't want to lose him to that world. I like him here in my world with me.
We're working on it. We're watching it, figuring out the WHY so we can help him. I think I've finally nailed it down, just have to get a plan together. Plans are good :)
Not to jinx it, but today was a MUCH, MUCH better day. Very little orbiting. More playing with me. Even a few new things.
Like when he agreed to go to bed with his sister tonight, parking himself on the bottom bunk, only because she was clearly set on getting him in there and would be upset if he said no. Then, after she fell asleep, he came to get us to tell us he wanted to go back to his bed. He followed me in to grab his blanket, and as I pulled it off the bed, he stepped up on the lower mattress and gently kissed her forehead. He stepped down, smiled and said, "Shhh, sissy sleeping. Don't wake her up."
I cling to the good things in today, and pray for more tomorrow.
We've seen it ramping up for a few weeks now, just the generalized anxiety, the arguing... the meltdowns coming once every day or two - that is really out of character for him.
Then he started the stimming. Not that he doesn't stim usually, but this was different. He was orbiting our living room, around the couches, in a giant circle, running. Constantly. While scripting. You could catch random phrases from entire conversations - such as "There you are, Perry!" (Phineas and Ferb), "Swiper no swiping!" (Dora) and other random show tidbits. He would stop at our curio cabinet briefly to stare at himself. While orbiting, he would shake his head back and forth quickly...
Just random stuff I haven't seen in years.
And it scares me.
He's not here with me when he's orbiting like that. Physically, I can see him, but mentally, he's in autism-world, not here. And I don't want him to slide that way - I don't want to lose him to that world. I like him here in my world with me.
We're working on it. We're watching it, figuring out the WHY so we can help him. I think I've finally nailed it down, just have to get a plan together. Plans are good :)
Not to jinx it, but today was a MUCH, MUCH better day. Very little orbiting. More playing with me. Even a few new things.
Like when he agreed to go to bed with his sister tonight, parking himself on the bottom bunk, only because she was clearly set on getting him in there and would be upset if he said no. Then, after she fell asleep, he came to get us to tell us he wanted to go back to his bed. He followed me in to grab his blanket, and as I pulled it off the bed, he stepped up on the lower mattress and gently kissed her forehead. He stepped down, smiled and said, "Shhh, sissy sleeping. Don't wake her up."
I cling to the good things in today, and pray for more tomorrow.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Dear God, the Universe, and whoever else can help.
I'm not sure if you can see it from up there, but that white spot? That's me waving my white flag.
I give.
Uncle.
Whatever the frick it takes for you to back off just a little.
So I'm going through all this crap with my masses (there are actually 4, 2 in each armpit/boob) and my MRI phobia. I'm supposed to take my sedative and go back with a driver (a.k.a. The Hubs) Thursday morning. PRAY THIS WORKS. The ones on the right hurt pretty bad.
Then yesterday Audrey has a total freakout, ends up telling me that a little girl in her class has been pushing her (literally, physically pushing her) and saying awful things to her, and awful things about her to other kids when she's in earshot. Audrey had been doubled over in pain (her stomach) all week, but was afraid to tell us in fear the little girl 'would get meaner'. Of course I contacted her teacher, who assured me she would figure it out. The teacher handled it beautifully, the girl is being very kind to Audrey, sincerely apologized and told her it wasn't her fault. All day though, I spent stressed out hoping that it would turn out okay.
Then JT... Oh my JT. He is having issues with getting in trouble. As in, if he gets reprimanded (in our house, we use our 'scolding' tone, we don't yell, and we never spank) he completely loses control and has a meltdown. We're talking meltdowns that we haven't seen in 3 years. Out of control, lost in autism-space meltdowns. He doesn't see us, hear us or respond. He is screaming, angry, thrashing and gone.
Today the teacher had to raise her voice at JT. See, he's a good kid. It's the first time she's ever had to raise her voice at him. But it happened... and he was standing behind another kid. So he freaked out, upset the kid in front of him... that kid bit JT. Then JT went and started kicking a table, then TRIED TO FLIP THE TABLE OVER. Then he went and smacked (thankfully, not hard) another kid (not the one that bit him). DISASTER.
We are trying to come up with stuff to help him with this, because obviously he's going to get in trouble occasionally, even though he's a good kid. Social stories. Visual schedules and first/then cards (issues only happen after lunch). 'Practicing' when he gets in trouble at home with appropriate responses.
Ohmyfreakinggosh. Seriously, God. Universe. Cosmic Energy.
BACK OFF.
I give.
Uncle.
Whatever the frick it takes for you to back off just a little.
So I'm going through all this crap with my masses (there are actually 4, 2 in each armpit/boob) and my MRI phobia. I'm supposed to take my sedative and go back with a driver (a.k.a. The Hubs) Thursday morning. PRAY THIS WORKS. The ones on the right hurt pretty bad.
Then yesterday Audrey has a total freakout, ends up telling me that a little girl in her class has been pushing her (literally, physically pushing her) and saying awful things to her, and awful things about her to other kids when she's in earshot. Audrey had been doubled over in pain (her stomach) all week, but was afraid to tell us in fear the little girl 'would get meaner'. Of course I contacted her teacher, who assured me she would figure it out. The teacher handled it beautifully, the girl is being very kind to Audrey, sincerely apologized and told her it wasn't her fault. All day though, I spent stressed out hoping that it would turn out okay.
Then JT... Oh my JT. He is having issues with getting in trouble. As in, if he gets reprimanded (in our house, we use our 'scolding' tone, we don't yell, and we never spank) he completely loses control and has a meltdown. We're talking meltdowns that we haven't seen in 3 years. Out of control, lost in autism-space meltdowns. He doesn't see us, hear us or respond. He is screaming, angry, thrashing and gone.
Today the teacher had to raise her voice at JT. See, he's a good kid. It's the first time she's ever had to raise her voice at him. But it happened... and he was standing behind another kid. So he freaked out, upset the kid in front of him... that kid bit JT. Then JT went and started kicking a table, then TRIED TO FLIP THE TABLE OVER. Then he went and smacked (thankfully, not hard) another kid (not the one that bit him). DISASTER.
We are trying to come up with stuff to help him with this, because obviously he's going to get in trouble occasionally, even though he's a good kid. Social stories. Visual schedules and first/then cards (issues only happen after lunch). 'Practicing' when he gets in trouble at home with appropriate responses.
Ohmyfreakinggosh. Seriously, God. Universe. Cosmic Energy.
BACK OFF.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Naive.
That is the single word I would have used to describe myself prior to the CHOP/Amelia fiasco came to light.
Naive.
While so many have come out in support of Amelia, there are some who have voiced their opinions that people like Amelia, people with disabilities, aren't worth it.
An article on Huffington Post (sorry, I refuse to link to it, because it distresses me greatly) completely misses the point of Amelia not needing to be on a wait list, but goes on about how people with disabilities should not be on waitlists for organs, because how upsetting would that be that a disabled person got that kidney when someone's beloved aunt didn't get one.
I had no idea. No. Freaking. Idea. Shock is an understatement.
And I wonder... Where is the line that decides who is deserving and who is not? Are we saying that only certain disabilities are undeserving? ADHD? Autism? CP? Down's? Dyslexia? Bipolar? Schizophrenia? Depression?
And here's my observation: these people seem to want to not include those who can't speak for themselves. They seem to target those who can't fight back, labeling their lives as 'not worth living'. Not worth saving. Better off dead.
If you have EVER met a person who cannot speak, you know this is a ridiculous assumption. Non-verbal people live lives much like our own: happy moments, sad moments, and everything in between. The difference is they face more challenges.
And I struggle, because I don't know how to reach these people. To show them that disabled people are people just like us. And I worry that they are unreachable. And I am terrified that if there are this many people speaking up in support of such an atrocious point of view, that many more lie in the woodworks, agreeing in silence.
And my ONLY prayer is that in my life, I can change this just a little. Maybe, if each of us touched by disability can change it just a little, people will start to see the value in those that are different.
Naive.
While so many have come out in support of Amelia, there are some who have voiced their opinions that people like Amelia, people with disabilities, aren't worth it.
An article on Huffington Post (sorry, I refuse to link to it, because it distresses me greatly) completely misses the point of Amelia not needing to be on a wait list, but goes on about how people with disabilities should not be on waitlists for organs, because how upsetting would that be that a disabled person got that kidney when someone's beloved aunt didn't get one.
I had no idea. No. Freaking. Idea. Shock is an understatement.
And I wonder... Where is the line that decides who is deserving and who is not? Are we saying that only certain disabilities are undeserving? ADHD? Autism? CP? Down's? Dyslexia? Bipolar? Schizophrenia? Depression?
And here's my observation: these people seem to want to not include those who can't speak for themselves. They seem to target those who can't fight back, labeling their lives as 'not worth living'. Not worth saving. Better off dead.
If you have EVER met a person who cannot speak, you know this is a ridiculous assumption. Non-verbal people live lives much like our own: happy moments, sad moments, and everything in between. The difference is they face more challenges.
And I struggle, because I don't know how to reach these people. To show them that disabled people are people just like us. And I worry that they are unreachable. And I am terrified that if there are this many people speaking up in support of such an atrocious point of view, that many more lie in the woodworks, agreeing in silence.
And my ONLY prayer is that in my life, I can change this just a little. Maybe, if each of us touched by disability can change it just a little, people will start to see the value in those that are different.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Why Our New Dr Thinks I'm Nuts.
Also known as: Another miracle in our daily lives.
We had to go to the doctor yesterday - the kids and I are all sick.
I had to find a new doctor, and so I found an internal medicine and pediatrics place, so we're all able to see someone in the same building. It makes things way more convenient when you don't have to go all around town when you're sick, and when one of us is sick, all 3 of us usually have it.
I told the nurse JT has autism, and she said, "Just let me know if I cross one of his lines or need to do something different." WOW. She couldn't have said anything better. Seriously, I was impressed from minute one.
JT stood on the scale. He stood still while she got his height (this was not possible the last time we went, he was too freaked out by the sliding metal behind his head). We were able to get his weight on the first try. It's like he remembered that he couldn't wiggle or touch the walls (why it took so long last time). He didn't try either at all this time.
So we go back to a room, and he plays nicely while the nurse is having to enter information for all 3 of us. It's not a short process - there's so much medical history, etc that they have to enter.
The doctor comes in, and JT waits while he listens to Audrey's lungs and looks in her ears. She gets down, he says, "My turn!", jumps up on the exam table. He complies when the doctor asks him to breathe in and out. He lets him look in his ears like he's never had any issue with it.
At this point, unable to refrain, I say, "This is a miracle. You have no idea. 6 months ago none of this would have happened."
The doctor looks at me like I'm freaking crazy, and I explain he has autism and before he would have been out of control and unreachable. I think he thought I'd lost my freaking mind.
He was really nice, though, and I was really happy with the practice. Good to know we have a medical 'home' now, so when we catch more bugs we're set with a good doctor to go to.
To add to the miracle, we went to Walgreens afterwards, where there was a mixup with needing a different type of prednisone. It took my doctor 30 min to get back to the pharmacist, and again, JT was a rock star. No fits. He was very wiggly and spinny, but happy and he was very well-behaved.
I should mention our adventure started at the dr at 1:45pm, and we left Walgreens at 4pm. That's a long outing for the boring stuff we had to do for kiddos.
As for now, hoping the antibiotics and prednisone kick this plague out of the three of us!
We had to go to the doctor yesterday - the kids and I are all sick.
I had to find a new doctor, and so I found an internal medicine and pediatrics place, so we're all able to see someone in the same building. It makes things way more convenient when you don't have to go all around town when you're sick, and when one of us is sick, all 3 of us usually have it.
I told the nurse JT has autism, and she said, "Just let me know if I cross one of his lines or need to do something different." WOW. She couldn't have said anything better. Seriously, I was impressed from minute one.
JT stood on the scale. He stood still while she got his height (this was not possible the last time we went, he was too freaked out by the sliding metal behind his head). We were able to get his weight on the first try. It's like he remembered that he couldn't wiggle or touch the walls (why it took so long last time). He didn't try either at all this time.
So we go back to a room, and he plays nicely while the nurse is having to enter information for all 3 of us. It's not a short process - there's so much medical history, etc that they have to enter.
The doctor comes in, and JT waits while he listens to Audrey's lungs and looks in her ears. She gets down, he says, "My turn!", jumps up on the exam table. He complies when the doctor asks him to breathe in and out. He lets him look in his ears like he's never had any issue with it.
At this point, unable to refrain, I say, "This is a miracle. You have no idea. 6 months ago none of this would have happened."
The doctor looks at me like I'm freaking crazy, and I explain he has autism and before he would have been out of control and unreachable. I think he thought I'd lost my freaking mind.
He was really nice, though, and I was really happy with the practice. Good to know we have a medical 'home' now, so when we catch more bugs we're set with a good doctor to go to.
To add to the miracle, we went to Walgreens afterwards, where there was a mixup with needing a different type of prednisone. It took my doctor 30 min to get back to the pharmacist, and again, JT was a rock star. No fits. He was very wiggly and spinny, but happy and he was very well-behaved.
I should mention our adventure started at the dr at 1:45pm, and we left Walgreens at 4pm. That's a long outing for the boring stuff we had to do for kiddos.
As for now, hoping the antibiotics and prednisone kick this plague out of the three of us!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Dear 2011.
Dear 2011,
I want you to know you've been my favorite year so far.
My daughter turned 7. My son turned 6. We celebrated 9 years of marriage. I turned 31. The Hubs turned 32. Nothing in there is spectacular, but yet we're here, we're healthy, we're a happy family... in this day and age, that IS spectacular in itself.
That's not to say it was all easy this year. We faced the biggest decision in regards to JT's autism and treatment that we've faced. We'd been avoiding it (they told me at his diagnosis he'd need meds... not 'he'll probably need meds', but 'he'll need meds'). Looking back, that was one of the hardest decisions we've made as a family. Medication is a serious subject. But I now know we undoubtedly made the correct choice for us. It has changed our lives.
We dealt with bullying of both Audrey and JT, and were happy with the response of one school and at least semi-satisfied with the response of the other. Either way, neither of our kids are tormented now, nor are they broken because of it. We've had some valuable discussions about bullying and what that says about the bully - and tried to set up a plan of action if it ever happens again. It happens far too often now, to far too many kids.
We've seen JT go from an entirely self-contained class to now only having two 'blocks' (social studies/science and english/literature) where he's NOT mainstreamed, and he has no aide - he's doing it all himself! He's made a real friend. He's gotten notes from kids at school. He's finding his place. He is one astonishing little boy.
Audrey's testing has shown that she's even smarter than we thought (which is pretty freaking smart). Her math benchmark was 100%. She was above grade level in everything. Her reading? At a 6th grade level. And this is a kid that will fight tooth and nail to NOT do homework or read... Thankfully, Captain Underpants (another 2011 discovery) is a new favorite - but she's almost done with the series. Frantically trying to find a new 'friend' for 2012! Her artwork has gone from 'that's cool' to 'that is AMAZING'. We have to get her in art classes, because for a child her age to draw with perspective and to be able to replicate what she sees so perfectly... she needs to explore that talent.
The Hubs got promoted. He's got an awesome store now, with great people. He's still good at what he does, and enjoys doing it. You really can't ask for more in a job.
I got a job (YAY Starbucks!). They helped me transfer, even though they didn't have to. I get free coffee. They have awesome benefits. And I get free coffee :)
As 2011 comes to a close, I can say we're in a really, really good place. Our kids are doing fantastic. We're doing fantastic. Our family is doing fantastic. Everything really did turn out okay...
So, thank you, 2011.
I can only hope that 2012 brings us more of the same :)
I want you to know you've been my favorite year so far.
My daughter turned 7. My son turned 6. We celebrated 9 years of marriage. I turned 31. The Hubs turned 32. Nothing in there is spectacular, but yet we're here, we're healthy, we're a happy family... in this day and age, that IS spectacular in itself.
That's not to say it was all easy this year. We faced the biggest decision in regards to JT's autism and treatment that we've faced. We'd been avoiding it (they told me at his diagnosis he'd need meds... not 'he'll probably need meds', but 'he'll need meds'). Looking back, that was one of the hardest decisions we've made as a family. Medication is a serious subject. But I now know we undoubtedly made the correct choice for us. It has changed our lives.
We dealt with bullying of both Audrey and JT, and were happy with the response of one school and at least semi-satisfied with the response of the other. Either way, neither of our kids are tormented now, nor are they broken because of it. We've had some valuable discussions about bullying and what that says about the bully - and tried to set up a plan of action if it ever happens again. It happens far too often now, to far too many kids.
We've seen JT go from an entirely self-contained class to now only having two 'blocks' (social studies/science and english/literature) where he's NOT mainstreamed, and he has no aide - he's doing it all himself! He's made a real friend. He's gotten notes from kids at school. He's finding his place. He is one astonishing little boy.
Audrey's testing has shown that she's even smarter than we thought (which is pretty freaking smart). Her math benchmark was 100%. She was above grade level in everything. Her reading? At a 6th grade level. And this is a kid that will fight tooth and nail to NOT do homework or read... Thankfully, Captain Underpants (another 2011 discovery) is a new favorite - but she's almost done with the series. Frantically trying to find a new 'friend' for 2012! Her artwork has gone from 'that's cool' to 'that is AMAZING'. We have to get her in art classes, because for a child her age to draw with perspective and to be able to replicate what she sees so perfectly... she needs to explore that talent.
The Hubs got promoted. He's got an awesome store now, with great people. He's still good at what he does, and enjoys doing it. You really can't ask for more in a job.
I got a job (YAY Starbucks!). They helped me transfer, even though they didn't have to. I get free coffee. They have awesome benefits. And I get free coffee :)
As 2011 comes to a close, I can say we're in a really, really good place. Our kids are doing fantastic. We're doing fantastic. Our family is doing fantastic. Everything really did turn out okay...
So, thank you, 2011.
I can only hope that 2012 brings us more of the same :)
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