Thank you Jen and Mark!
This is the write up that was in the Els For Autism Golf Challenge Grand Finale Program.
Unfortunately Jen wasn't able to attend the Finale because she got sick:( Mark went solo and said it was an amazing event..."over the top" were his exact words. This event raised 2.2 MILLION dollars!!!! . Thanks to Jen for taking on the challenge anddoing a fantastic job!!! Mark was very inspired by the stories shared by other families. It was such a rewarding and informative experience....Thank you to all of you that supported this cause. Thanks to the Els for sharing their Journey and for making a difference in the lives of other families, like ours:)
This week was Darren's IEP, which is short for an Individualized Education Plan. I have come to appreciate these meetings since I have been to many over the past 5+ years. It is a time to celebrate successes from the past year and create the new plans for the upcoming year. Well, that's what they are NOW, but back in the day, it wasn't quite like that. During the meeting I couldn't help but to reflect back on the Journey. The path has been bumpy. Darren has struggled. We have struggled....teachers have earned their stripes and dealt with behaviors from Darren that didn't make me proud. Teachers have been unsure how to handle him at times. Many emails were written by me with hopes of explaining all that I knew about Darren...what worked/what didn't...what was acceptable/what wasn't. Darren has had liquid stitches, bruises, and has bruised others at times....like I said, it's been bumpy.
But, there is light.
This has been the best year thus far. A collaborative effort on many levels. He is at an amazing school. I have said that before, but I will say it again now...I love this school. I have never felt more accepted...and I know that Darren feels the same way.
I listened to professionals around me share stories and target goals that showed me that they "get" Darren. I think the major difference is...I listened. Maybe I have grown just as much as Darren. I have let go enough to listen. As a teacher, I see the strengths and weaknesses in my own students and try desperately to figure "it" out. I know his teachers are doing the same. I see it daily and I am happy.
I didn't know what it would it be like to work at the same school that Darren attended. I was worried that it might mess him up a little. I was content in knowing that he wasn't far away and hopeful that he would feel the same. So far...it is all working out just fine. When I see him outside on the playground or in the hallway...he gives me a look. He acknowledges me...but he doesn't really want me to embarrass him. He's very professional...I'm at school, you're at work...period.
The medicine continues to be a blessing. It is not a miracle pill though. Darren is still Darren. I had to remind myself of this a couple of weeks ago. This medicine is helping tremendously but he still has autism...and he still has behaviors. But this week I was reminded that the behaviors aren't NEARLY what they used to be. For example, he used to spit, scratch, and run away or climb furniture at school. At home he peed on mirrors, ate toothpaste or soap, and could get aggressive. School hasn't seen any spitting. He had a couple small incidents of scratching but immediately felt remorseful and there has been no attempts at climbing or running away. I can't tell you how HUGE that is...Thank You God.
I am counting my blessings...over and over again. This week I was reminded, I can't believe that I forgot, that we have come so far. There are still goals to reach, unchartered territory ahead....but we have survived and conquered many hurdles.
Today Trevor had to write about why we moved to Florida. We had a great conversation about our Journey. It was wonderful to hear it from his perspective. He has traveled so far developmentally because of Darren. I think he sensitive to others and very kind hearted. When I asked Trevor what it was like to have an Autistic brother, he answered, "It can be difficult." I agreed, it can be difficult. But whether he truly understands the impact that it has already had on him...I am not quite sure. Trevor is a pretty great kid. He tries so darn hard at school. He was DEVASTATED when he got one wrong on his spelling pre-test at school last week. It was a pre-test...and it was only one wrong. I was thrilled!!!! He was not at all satisfied. We all know he does NOT take after me in this category. Sad, but true. Trevor is very in tune with the emotions surrounding him. He, like I, has had to train himself to prepare for the worst because with Darren you just never know sometimes. When I ask Trevor who is best friend is at school he answers, "Everyone". That goes back to our motto...If you can deal with Darren, you can deal with anyone. We are so proud of you Trevor!
