I am happy to announce that the cards are back! I will be selling them once again and have gotten permission from Darren's Principal...ALL proceeds will go directly to Renaissance Learning Center. It is a small way to give back to a school that is doing so much for Darren. If you are interested, please email me and I will send out a pack to you. Each pack is $20....we have 50 packs to sell! I would love to be able to hand over a check to RLC for $1000.
We just got word that Trevor did make the 9 year old minor league team. Practice starts on February 16th. All are excited! Trevor continues to do well in school and absolutely loves playing outside with his buddies. One evening a couple weeks back, Trevor, out of nowhere says "Ya know mom, we have made a lot of progress here in Florida. You and Daddy have new jobs, Darren is doing good at school, and I have a lot of friends....lots of progress." So mature for his young years. But he is right. Lots of progress.
Darren is once again going through some changes. We are at the stage where we are trying to lessen his outbursts by replacing his actions with words. Not an easy task. He understands the concept of "feelings" at this point so are we are teaching him that his words MEAN something. That it is OK to mad. It is OK to be sad or frustrated. But it is NOT ok to hit, spit, or scratch. It is proving to be a difficult transition for him. He is used to expressing his frustration in this way....but we are finding that when he can calm down and express himself and have his feeling validated...the spells are weakening or are over in a shorter amount of time. Progress for sure. School is on board and we have been working on keeping things consistent across all environments. This process will be a tough challenge, but I believe it is crucial. Darren is a passionate soul and his actions can be just as passionate...I can't change him...but I can help him learn how to regulate his emotions a little better. This video is an example of a successful attempt. Not all attempts are like this:) It is a learning process for all.
I am really enjoying my new job and am so happy to be back in school system. My goal is to get a teaching job for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. I didn't realize all of the on the job training I have been receiving these past eight years. I am ready to mix my passion and my knowledge to help other kids and families that struggle with Autism. As I have said before, early on...I chose Special Education....then it chose me right back...now, I just live it.
We hope that all are well and happy:)
