"Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she as wings."

                                                                                                                                                          Victor Hugo

Let us be that bird for our children, knowing that if we fall our community will gather around us and give us flight once again.

                                                                                                                                                           Elizabeth Obrey

We are no longer able to keep both my sons in their private school.  So I have this plan.  My seven year old was suppose to integate back to the public school this year (he had gone mute in the public system at age 4).  He has just not been ready.  I want to place him in a typical kindergarten classroom with a paraprofessional.  I want to be his para.  I know his needs and I want him to succeed.  He is reading and will be more advanced than most kindergarteners.  But, he still needs one on one help with working on his own.  He has very few (if any) behavior issues and is a quiet child.

My questions is not should I do it.  I did it part time with my first child who had autism, as a volunteer.  I have three children with autism and this child is compromised the most by his autism.  So the question is how do I convince the principle and then the district that it is a good idea?  Is there any examples of this type of arrangement?  I have to move quickly.  Please respond with any suggestions.  Sometimes the seemingly most insignificant detail can lead to a great outcome.

I knew the invitation said snacks, but they usually serve grapes and vegetables.  To the delight of all there were cupcakes, danishes, apples with caramel dip, and sandwhich rolls.  That is a delight to everyone but me.  I froze and before I could move Chase was yelling "MUPPINS!!!".  To keep peace and not to drag my son screaming from the gym (which we all know amplifies children's sounds) and then to the car because we would have had to leave.  Forgive me, but I let him indulge.  I wanted to see my daughters in their program.  Well, as you quessed it I had to leave anyway.  Not even 15 minutes into the program Chase was pushing himself across the floor on the slick gym surface and foaming at the mouth.  Happy as could be, but quite the distraction.  Gotta love it.

I don't know, maybe it is the throw up and worrying that he will miss school. Maybe it is feeling like there is not enough of me to go around, but sometimes it is just good to be in the company of those whose lives are as crazy and wonderful as my own.  I would love a good cry, but I already have a headache.  I feel like I am wasting time if I laugh.  And, my teenagers ate all the cookies last night.  A soak in the tub is out of the question and it is raining outside.  So I quess I will go get some hugs...that always works!!!

If I wasn't his mother and instead I was a researcher I would be totally fascinated by what Chase is doing.  At 4 Chase has started holding his hands in fists and tucking his thumb underneath his fingers.  Now I know this is not unheard of, but the interesting part is that his brother did it for quite some time and started doing it close to the same age.  Nathan got so bad he couldn't eat... because he refused to open his hands.  He would move things around with his fists.  And of course it was total meltdown if he was forced to open his hands.  He acted like he was in extreme pain.  It started slowly like Chase is doing now.  I remember finally reading something that made sense.  But, I have forgotten the explanation.  His teacher finally helped Nathan overcome it by putting stickers on his thumbs, which was a feat in itself.  And it was a very long process.  I wonder if anyone out there knows beyond that is probably just a sensory issue (which is a fair assumption) what is happening?

Some days the cost of therapy gets in the way of the need.  I don't regret a dime spent on therapies.  But, I do regret every cent wasted that could have gone to my children's education.  But, tomorrow will be better.  And I won't worry about the little things. 

It was late last night before he finally quit.  But, sitting there watching his mind open up is one of the most incredible experiences.  Samantha helped Chase learn how to match using cards from a memory game.  They didn't turn the cards face down, but she let him pick one and he would scan until he found the next one.  He was so excited when he found the match!  His eyes beamed and his mind awakened.  Times like that let him know how to use his brain.  You can see the wheels turning.  I LOVE IT!!!

August 11th is kindergarten registration.  I've already been told he will not be in the general ed class.  But, we have worked diligently at his private school to prepare him to move right into a general ed class.  I know there are many things to consider.  We are planning to start at the top and alter things based on his needs.  I hope the school is on board.  It should help their decision once they actually spend some time with him.