Observation # 1 | Autism PDD

That's so funny, it's exactly what dd's EI therapists said. They were
floored that SD is making the "transition" to the PPCD program so difficult
(they worked w/ dd from 10 mos of age or so!). Her OT said "let them
have her in class for 2 weeks...they'll PILE on the services!" Too bad the
school won't go for that. I see that so often, dd may act like an angel in a
new setting, then once she is comfortable, OH BOY! Sometimes she'll
have a meltdown or something in a new setting, but overall her fits are
worse & longer once she is in a comfort zone.

Thankfully, dh has pretty much taken this battle over. I am so wiped out
& defeated... I'm doing some back-work, adding on to the documents &
info we had from first meeting for IEP. But, I've really lost the drive I had
in May. I'm kind of indifferent now...mostly because I'm not sure if the
PPCD program is the most approrpriate setting for dd. WHO KNOWS!Well, wouldn't you know it...dd had a BANNER day. Really, this is her
FIRST class where she did not scream, cry, throw a fit, yell, hit someone,
etc. I was THRILLED, of course, that's HUGE progress...but had to just
shake my head as it happened THE day we had the observation. I felt like
a nut... She was defenitely doing all her sensory stuff & some stims, but
the SD does not put *ANY* weight on this type of behavior.

Thankfully, her coach filled out a form for the SD, in which she states how
our dd does not use words to express herself, but rather screams, cries,
or grunts. She spoke of her meltdowns & trouble interacting w/ other
kids. So, I'm glad we have that, at least they'll see we're not just making
stories up!! Mind you, she had a 35 minute tantrum at lunchtime this
same day...and I wonder why I have new gray hairs each week.

We meet again next week at a kids play area. I'm sure dd will be an angel
there too. LOL! I don't know if she'll have a meltdown, but I do know her
social issues will show. They are obvious, but not sure if school will care
about that at all. We shall see...I'm glad to hear the SD had the coach fill out a form indicating how she typically behaves in the class.  It figures she would do great on the one day you were hoping she really wouldn't.  Oh Well!  I hope everything works out in the end.

The social will be harder for your dd to hide...It is great that the school is observing her in this area:)

Good luck!!

Just a warning- there seems to be a two week grace period before any tantrums occur. Usually by the third week of school I get notes home. Just a heads up.
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