I went to Gabriel's IEP this morning, four days before our court date for mediation on other topics.
We discussed The Listening Program and it was pretty much shot down by every member of the team...
Discussed the eval from the second dev ped and went over her recommendations: additional 45 minutes one on one speech, inclusion class-shot down by everyone but on the positive side they are poving him into a more advanced class with verbal children starting next week. By Jan he should be in there full time.
discussed removing PT-the team decided an independant eval would best decide if he still needed services.
Talked to our case worker one on one about comming to an agreement on the issues that we were going to mediation about. She said the district most likely will not budge and give any addtional therapy.
I cried as i drove home... this was the third time i have been told not to lose my hope.
I have come to the realization that i am portraying myself as a mom who has given up hope for her asd child. It must be true if three seperate people have said it. Out DI teacher, Our OT, and now the director of his ood school this morning.
I need a change in my life. It is consumed by autism, fighting for services, writing letters, making phone calls, going to IEP's, filing state complaints, filing for mediation, talking to lawyers, researching, working with OT, ST, and DI teachers for my other sons 8 times a week that i am not enjoying my life or my children anymore.
I think i need to go back to work so i can gain some control over my life. It will also give me a break from autism.
I am not sure what i need but i need to change it soon or i will burn out
It is frustrating trying to get everything done. For 5 years I was a single parent with 2 bio kids and 5 foster kids, all on IEPs. Now I co-parent with my daughter, her daughter, Selena (almost 9 HF autism). We all need alittle time daily, to chill out and regroup. Some weeks we may need more time. You need to find out what works for you, coffee/lunch with a friend, take a yoga class, just suggestions, or anything else that interest you. Also, get some people on your side, ck out your county disabilities agencies, or another parent, or friend. Hope this helps some, hang in there, life with autism is like a roller coaster, up and down.