HomeMom on the Run
Member Since: September 10, 2007 Last Signed In: July 21, 2008 Blog Views: 2446 Send To A Friend Sign Guestbook Add as a Friend
Conversation Time
Slip n Slide Running (Wo)man I Love My Job Precocious Graduates Best Bday Party Evah 5 Years (Old) Memory Under Water September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 Read about how a SAHM/WOHM of two young boys (a 5 year old with special needs and a 2 year old) juggles days filled with work, school, daycare, and therapies (for her oldest son and herself!), and still manages to get dinner on the table a few nights each week. 
RSS 2.0    |
|
|
Two phrases I hate
I hate these two phrases:
1. "I'm/We're going to get my/our child off the spectrum" 2. "You need to mainstream your child with an aide" I think I've made my feelings known regarding the first phrase. There's nothing WRONG with having a child on the spectrum. And it certainly isn't my goal to get Bee "off the spectrum". Many of our greatest minds were probably children on the spectrum. And they grew up to be adults on the spectrum - probably quirky or different, but that's why they made the contributions that they did. Thank goodness they were able to embrace their spectrum-ness. No, I DON'T need to mainstream my child with an aide. Why do people make such blanket statements, as if they know better than I what is best for my child? And what's so great about getting my kid in a "regular" classroom? So it would be better for him to be in a class where he's clearly overwhelmed socially (academically, he is at or above age level), just so I can say that he's in a "regular" classroom? I think that some parents can't deal with their child having special needs; and by golly, they're going to get their kids mainstreamed come hell or high water. I want Bee to be in the class that's best for him. I've spoken with his teachers, his therapists; my husband and I have talked about it, and we all agree that special ed is still the best route for him. He gets the attention he needs, he's in a smaller class with more help, he's not the odd man out, and he's still getting an age-appropriate education. What's wrong with that? I could very easily rant and rave and hire an advocate and/or an attorney and get Bee into a "regular" classroom. But I don't want to. I want him to succeed. I want him to be happy to go to school. I'm proud of my kid. The class that he's in does not define him. His diagnosis does not define him. /Rant. :) 4 comments from 3 users
1
posted by
msteen
on Oct 11, 2007 at 07:37 PM
I must say I agree with you. He needs to be in an environment where he succeeds, is happy, and comfortable. You know him best. People seem quick to attempt to run the lives of others. You go, girl! ANd do what you know is right for your son.
posted by
creatress
on Oct 12, 2007 at 08:37 AM
I love your attitude. Can I just say how much you kick a--?That's why when I recommended the one food allergy book for kids on the spectrum I made sure to stress that I didn't agree with a lot of it. There is no "cure" for our kids and why would I want to "fix him" anyway? I love him just the way he is. There are outside influences (like mercury and food issues) that can make life harder for him and that's what I want to address. So yeah, I'm with you there!!!! I hope in the future ALL kids have an IEP. What a great school that would be. We are ALL so different and every kid/person/whoever has struggles and strengths. ;) posted by
blahblahblah
on Oct 12, 2007 at 01:03 PM
thanks for the comments, msteen and creatress. i was afraid i might rattle a few nerves, so i appreciate your support!
posted by
msteen
on Oct 12, 2007 at 06:41 PM
I had an autistic kid in my class when I was working at a daycare/pre-school. She was 18 months old, and her parents refused to admit it. Like, they thought something was "wrong" with her, if you know what I mean. But, I thought she was really one of the coolest kids at the school. I loved working with her, even though I had no formal training. And, creatress, you're right. We're all pretty odd in our own little ways. ;)
1
|