backgroud

Friday, February 26, 2010

Because sometimes "they" don't listen

I have decided this blog will be best suited not only to pour out my heart and soul as a way to vent, but to also keep track of how Gabe is doing in school and at home. Recently I went to an autism meeting and the guest speaker was WONDERFUL. She reminded everyone to keep track of the things our children struggle with, so that they may later be used to help gain services. That's my plan with the blog site.

This week I got a note home from the teacher that Gabe is having a hard time attending. I decided I would sit in on a class and watch him. Sure enough I found him spinning on the carpet and not paying attention. He did follow along with the group at times, but then would head off into Gabe land.

At story time I noticed he would not join the group. I decided to sit on floor with him. He sat on my lap and joined the other kids for story time. While the teacher read the story Gabe twirled my hair. He was calm and relaxed. He even answered questions about the book!!! The next day I wrote a letter stating Gabe's need for sensory breaks and ways to help him pay better attention at circle time. And low and behold...I got a letter back. It was from the special ed teacher, written in all red (brought back some good old school memories). She agreed to ask the OT for some sensory break ideas and a wiggle pad for Gabe's bum. The catcher to all this...she wrote "maybe it will help with behavior at home". Ugh.

Yes, Gabe gets home from school and spends a good amount of time stimming and getting his energy out, but I don't need him to focus at that time. I didn't ask for the OT to help for things to be better at home. I really feel like they just don't listen to me.

Sometimes I feel like saying..."you deal with it" But I know the consequences to that. My niece was left at the hand of the school district. She's struggled her for entire educational career and was misdiagnosed via the school. I will not let that happen to my son. I can see him struggling already. I will not be a mom that sits back and shrugs my shoulders. The school can think whatever they want about me. In the end I will know that I did everything in my power to help Gabe have full access to his education.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Rollerskating

Gabe's going rollerskating for the first time ever today. He is so silly. Gabe thinks he needs to take his scooter. I told him scooters aren't allowed and he cried because he thinks rollerskating is skateboarding. "I not know how to skateboard" "I fall" Awww....I made sure to tell him there are no skateboards allowed.

I can't wait to see how he does.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Watching Gabe struggle

Nothing hurts more then to watch your child struggle with things that other children seemingly grasp all on their own. Why doesn't Gabe's brain allow him to communicate like other children? What does the world think of him? What will people think of him when he is older? Will they think he is stupid?

I see the way grown adults look at him. I see their questioning eyes. If only they understood why he cannot answer their questions. If only they took the time to see Gabe for Gabe. He is such an amazing kid. His eyes speak a thousand words.

Today was a rough speech day. Gabe struggled all day long trying to tell me about his needs and wants. He tried to tell his speech teacher today that he wanted to play with the trains before he started speech, but he couldn't find the words he needed. I could have cried right there in the office. I knew what he wanted, but I can't be there for him all the time.

I wish I could protect him from the world. Keep him safe in a bubble. Protect him from the mean people that always seem to have "helpful" advice.

Some days I just want to sit and cry. Running here, running there, this appointment, that appointment. Speech therapy, IEP's, psych evals, neuro appointments. I feel stretched thin as it is....and then days like today...they tear my heart apart.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

More snow...and the meltdown.

We have about 20 inches of snow on the ground. After tomorrows snow stops dumping on us we are going to have about 38-40 inches of snow of the ground. Zane can surely forget about going out to play in that snow. He's only 28 inches tall. :-)

You would think all the snow would be gone after Gabe's massive meltdown today. Our whole day was thrown off. Gabe had an appt. with the psychologist so we didn't have school today. He was not happy about missing school. Morning was a little rough. I had to do loads of prompting and redirecting to get him motivated. After our appt. with the psychologist I took Gabe to McDonald's. On a happy note Gabe said Maaac doooals...normally he calls it mic hap u. So I was very very excited that he tried to say it the right way!

We went back to Gabe's daycare to have lunch and so that he could have some down time with friends. I had another meeting to go to at Gabe's school and then I had to go to the grocery store for bread and milk. It is snowing again! :-) Once cannot survive a snowstorm without bread and milk. And of course loads of junk food.

After all my running around was complete....I headed back to daycare to pick up the boys. Gabe was NOT coming with me. He threw his shoes at me, screamed, cried, kicked, hit me, ran from me, laughed at me, and did just about every except listen. I had to take the baby out first, then come back in to get Gabe ready to go. Needless to say....he left without his shoes or socks on...and no coat either. It was just one of those days....

Change in routine = one unhappy little boy and one unhappy mommy.

Zane's Dr.'s appt.

Zane is an itty bitty. He is only 28.5 inces tall. My little snooker. Poor baby got two shots today. I talked to the Dr. about Zane "lost" speech. He stopped saying momma and kitty. His Dr and I both agree to keep an eye on him...but that it's probably related to learning to walk. Also, Zane has been doing this walking in a circle thing. That has me a wee concerned....but mostly no....not concerned at all. Matt and I have talked about it, and if Zane in on the spectrum....that's okay. He'll just be cool like his brother.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Winter....

Our big 2010 snow storm!!

Photobucket
Gabe loved the snow.

PhotobucketZane watched from inside.

PhotobucketMilo enjoyed the snow too!

Photobucket

First ever Autism meeting.

I went to my first autism support group for parents meeting. It was wonderful. My mom and I went. It felt so good to be sitting in the company of others that are on the same journey as my family is. Gabe got to play while I got to sit and listen to others stories and share our own story. I can't wait to go again. This is exactly what I needed.

As far as Gabe goes. He is doing rather well. School is going well for him. He is being more social with peers. According to his TSS he still reverts back to Mario brothers during his play, but at least he is using his imagination! I am very proud of all of Gabe's hard work.

I went to the pre screening kindergarten meeting yesterday. I asked for a full psychological test to be done. I am excited for Gabe to start kindy. I think he will do just fine.

Zane is doing great too. He is an official walker and he get into EVERYTHING!!! He is sick right now. We have been battling a double ear infection for over two weeks. And to top it off he started wheezing. So now he has to do breathing treatments. Bllaaa! He goes back to the Dr. on Monday. Hopefully those ears are all cleared up...I can't wait to see if he has grown. He is such an shorty. Healthy weight...but very short.