It's a New Day...

This song has been playing in my mind for days preparing for today, Logan's first day of school. I know the artist is referring to Obama becoming president but it could easily be the theme song for any parent who's child has an IEP and they are left fighting the school system. (Click on the tag "autism" on the right hand side to read some of our journey.) Here is a link to the lyrics.

Yes, it's a new day. A new year. And I am hopeful. So very hopeful.

Logan has a new teacher and the same aide who he had at the end of the school year. We were both greeted with hugs from this amazing, kind and caring woman. I am so very thankful to have her assigned to my son. Oh so thankful, I've met some of the other aides...yes...thankful is exactly the right word.
At orientation last week Logan was able to get a feel for the classroom layout and there he discovered the Science Station. Each kindergarten class has stations throughout the room that the kids go to at different times throughout the day. Last year he was never excited about the stations cause to be honest, they sucked. But his new teacher has a very tidy, organized classroom and many more choices of stations to go to, one being the science station. As I was helping him navigate the morning finding his cubby etc., he asked more than once "I'll go to science station today, Mommy?"
God, it warms my heart to hear that. It makes me giddy that he's excited to learn about science. Oh the possibilities! And for someone on the spectrum, it's a perfect fit!

After last year and the experiences I had with staff at the school I decided to take a proactive approach this year and I distributed this information on a sheet a paper and deposited it into all the mailboxes at the school. Please feel free to reuse this idea to help your child.

Autism is the world's fastest growing developmental disability.

Helpful hints for interacting with someone on the Autism Spectrum:

· Speak slowly and use simple language

· Use concrete terms

· Repeat simple questions

· Allow time for responses

· Give lots of praise

· Remember that each individual with autism is unique and may act differently than others

Logan looks forward to getting to know you this year.

(raising glass) Here's to a new year, a fresh start.