It's finally coming together

After three long years of truly not having an "official" Autism diagnosis, we finally have one.  It's such a relief.  Now that he has been diagnosed everything is starting to come together,  I can start the long process of trying to get services for Brendan outside of the educational realm.  I have to thank thank his school for helping, but I think it was do to the fact that I contacted the local Regional Center here.  My phone call began it all and with the help of a referral from Brendan's doctor I might have not gotten anywhere.  So it begins:  more assessments, tests, etc.  I have IEP's up to my neck and I am swimming in paperwork.  About two weeks ago I met with a case worker and they wanted to bring Brendan so they could observe and ask him a few questions.  I was SO nervous because the fears of having to take Brendan out of his comfort zone would drive any Mother of a child with Autism anxious.  This was the first step of several to see if he will even qualify for services.  Isn't that a laugh, he is clearly qualified but of course they must deal with all the other parents who apparently abuse the system just to get services.  Anyway, that is another story in itself.

On Monday I had what I thought to be his triannual IEP.  Not the case, it served two purposes: first, this was just a LONG two hour addendum to his IEP we had in May. It also served as an excused to fax all the documentation I needed to detemine elgibility for the Regional Center.  Come to find out that they have recommended he be moved to a different school and of course a different class.  I will touch more on a future post. But I walked out of there truly brain-fried.  Nothing like putting a dent in your day, eh?

Have Another blog

I decided to write a short post and inform you of a fairly new blog.  It's my creative side.  I am having fun and trying to start a new venture, but it will take some time. 

Many things personally have gone on in my life for the better and I haven't given up yet on this blog, but it will be a long time coming.   I only have this blog and this other one now.  Much easier to manage.

Please have a look at my newest blog and Iwill be writing soon.

Different Avenues

The author of this blog has decided to take a leave of absence as of June 20, 2009. I need to focus on other avenues. Everytime I would think about writing it became too much of a task and I figure I need to take care of myself first before I can try and help others. I must think about the my family's future. Thanks you for all the support and for the others on the opposite end... Take care. I will read everyone's else blogs! Thank you again.

Time to Breathe

It's been awhile since I've posted. Today seemed like a good day to write a little and take a breather. My new job is going well. The boy that I shadow is 9 and in the third grade. Hasn't been officially diagnosed yet, but he might have PDD, Autism and definitely ADHD. One day last week was rough one for him because apparently, Mom forgot his meds. That happens at times so Mom came and picked him up. It's interesting to see some similiarities with this child and my son. I have been working now a little over a week and still getting to know his quibes (if that's a word). Still getting used to the schedule as well, with the silly time change AND having to get up earlier.

Brendan is doing well. His days seem to be improving where he is right on task and then of course when something sets him off, BINGO! I have to tell you this cute story. When I go and pick up Brendan from school there is a dirt/pebble parking lot that I park my car in. You can see the play structure from the parking lot. Lately his class will go out for free time at the end of the day at the play structure. Brendan can see me pull up and park "mommy's red car" and I usually wait for the time to walk to his class. So Brendan while at the sturture, peers through the fence and works his way down the fence to watch out for me and "yells" Why isn't Mommy getting out ?!" Thought that was rather cute!

Other news: Took my final test for the CSET in Math and Science on Saturday. It's a test to obtain your teaching credential in CA. 5 hours of racking my brain. Will let you all know how I did when I get my scores in four weeks.

Cheers.

Good News!

Well It's happened...I have a accepted a position as Instructional Assistant for Special Education at a nice K-8 public school. I will be 1:1 in Special Ed Class of 7 who are grades K-4. This is ED (emotional disturbed) class. Not sure when I will start. It's only part-time so I still have time with my boys. This week I have been getting all the pre-employment stuff done. Yesterday I had a physical which required me to lift 50lbs. Today my body isn't liking it. I can barely walk! Every step is monumental!

This, for me folks is a step ahead and a new beginning. I know that some Moms are able to stay home full-time with their children, so they can be there for them and raise them to the best of their ability and I do know some, my hat goes off to you. I simply don't have that choice. I have to work, to provide a life for Brendan and his brother that he needs. He needs a place to play outside and to run, we don't have that here. I do take him to the park every weekend, but I would have to invest in one of those child locator's or else I would never see him again. My list is long. I think of Brendan's future and it scares the H#)) out of me.

This new beginning will eventually provide me opportunities I never knew existed. I am still working on my teaching credential and that's my goal is to become a teacher. So with that said I must get ready for a oral exam today, yet with another school district. This is for placement on a list for employment. All I can do is take one day at a time. =)

Cheers Everyone.

TGIF (Thank God I'm Finished)

Hi There,

I made it through another week. My kids gave me a nasty cold with that always turns into a sinus infection. With those I would like to hide in my bed. Not. Like clockwork I get one about every three months. Yesterday was my job interview. I believe it went rather well. It's a position in a classroom of seven children with ED (emotional distrubances) Ranging from grades K-4. I would be 1:1 with one of those students. At this point I would be happy with anything. As I said on my other blog. It's the survival of the fittest these days. Even Walmart seems expensive and that's bad. My sense of humor for some reason has left the building and I know it will return sometime soon.

I do have the say that Brendan has been doing awesome these days. I have heard nothing but positive things from his classroom. That makes me a very proud Mom. (she's grinning now from ear to ear) :) Haven't figured out how to put those smiley things in my posts yet. One thing we haven't figured out yet is how to make Brendan pee in the toilet instead of all over the bathroom floor. This is certainly a work in progress.

Cheers Everyone and Happy Friday.

I'd better write something (she smiles)

Please don't come running after me with a stick. I know I have been out too long. I am having some battles in my life and surprising enough it has nothing really to do with my children. But I just wanted to make note of the National News and the latest story regarding Autism. I am sure you have heard all the hub-bub about the dreaded "V" word , relating to the "A" word. Me? My honest opinion is that if your Son or Daughter has Autism, it's a true blessing in disguise. I wouldn't have it any other way and I have never given it a second thought. But that's just my opinion and I am stickin' to it.

On the lighter side: I have a nasty cold that my both my kids gave me and I took a Merit exam for employment with a school district this morning. We will see how that turns out. I also have an interview with another School District next Thursday. Wish Me Luck!