It's time for Logan to be reevaluated for the services he receives at school, they do this every 3 years. The different specialist and teachers who work with him will be conducting the tests and Logan's dad and I have to fill out questionnaires for them to gather our input too. On the questionnaires there are statements for example: Holds hands over ears to protect ears from sound, you are to check a column Always-Frequently-Occasionally-Seldom-Never. I remember 4 years ago when I filled out my first sensory profile most of my checks were in the Always and Frequently columns, my heart began to race with the realization that Logan would be on the Autism Spectrum. At that time I honestly didn't know what that diagnosis would mean and what I was feeling was total and pure fear...fear of the unknown.
Having your child diagnosed will do that to you, whether it's for a developmental delay or cancer. It will make you wake up and look your own fear in the face.
Now as I fill out the sensory profile instead of panic racing through my body I look at each column and I can see how far Logan has come. I feel proud of him and all of the hard work he's been doing. What was once a Always check has turned into a Seldom. It's progress. I don't believe children are cured of Autism, I know this is a very touchy subject to even bring up, but I don't believe it. I also don't believe that my son has anything to be cured of, the way I explain Autism to Logan and other kids is that his brain is wired differently. That's it. All the information still gets there, it just takes a different route.
6 comments:
Gretchen, I have so much respect for you as a parent-- your love and respect for your children is beautiful.
I had a similar experience a couple weeks ago as I prepared for JAM's 504 meeting. (Which solidified my opinion that one of his teachers is a complete idiot, but that's a different story...) Looking back at the forms we filled out when he was 4 and 5 and 6 was eye-opening to see how much his behavior has changed with his ADHD.
Thank you Dawn! (blush)
this brought tears to my eyes. i truly believe that you and logan were given each other for this very reason... love, respect, honesty, selflessness, encouragement, bravery and strength... you give it to each other in a way that no one else would. congrats to all of you for the progress you all have made and for the commitment to even more! reach for the stars, baby!
Thank you Wen! I honestly believe Logan was handpicked just for me. Being his mother has truly changed and shaped me into who I am as a person. I am so very thankful for this experience.
I have to say seeing Logan grow has been a wonderful experience.
He has taught this Grammy a lot.
Movies, Bud Light Year, butterflies, and nuts. Logan will go far, and we will all just sit and watch him go and of course smile and give a big cheer.
Gretchen will be there smiling the most. Good job honey.
Just recently went through this re-evaluation process myself and it is just a very frightening experience! I hate IEP re-eval time! I don't want my kids off of IEPs and God help the person that tells me they do! Good luck! I'll be thinking of you guys!
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