Halloween

Our Angry Bird

Oh yes, look what I got!

Spidermen

Darren couldn't quite figure out Mommy's Vampire teeth

Happy Halloween

Let's get more candy

Darren would sneak in and grab a piece of candy and quickly say "Trick or Treat"

WOW

Watch out Peter Parker

Student of the Month

"Mommy, where's Trev?"

 TREVOR DIESTE: Student of the Month
Congratulations Trevor. What a great honor!!!!!

Trevor shaking hands with the Principal

Receiving his pin from Asst. Principal

So surprised and happy

Very Proud

Hooray for Trevor!

Daddy was so proud

Trevor and his teacher:)

Thank you!

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:)

How Quickly We Forget

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.

Tag has now turned into Hide and Seek....

Our Adventure...Through Trevor's Eyes

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!

Smooth Sailing

Darren has been always loved music, but lately has been singing! For a kid that struggled so much to talk...it is wonderful hearing him sing. This video was taken by him...He likes to hold my iPad over his iPad as he is watching youtube and then he videos himself singing his favorite songs....It's like, Darren Cam! Ha

Next up: ABC's

This was today at the beach! Trevor initiated it, but Darren was really enjoying it. 

Another Gorgeous Beach Day

Trevor found lots of cool shells

Is Darren sitting?????

Yes!! He's playing in the sand!

We are Smooth Sailing:)

No Dream is Too Big...No Tree is Too High:)

These days, I have High Hopes. We completed Week Three with no major issues....in fact, Darren continues to excel and is becoming a role model in his class. For the first time he is using his words to tell his friends how he feels. If others are too loud...he is going up to them and saying so. If another kid grabs his chips at lunch..he tells them "stop that", and when behaviors are increasing in the class he is maintaining his demeanor and continues to do what he is supposed to be doing or he is asking for an appropriate alternative (headphones,break,etc). This is a first and this is a very positive sign. It is almost surreal for me. I have had this vision of Darren and now I am starting to see it evolve. I listened to people tell me that he had no imitation skills, that he was nonverbal, that there was nothing else they could do to help him with his speech because he had such extreme behaviors, that he functioned on a schedule and was not attached to people.  I say...Look at him now. He has proven them all wrong. He has risen above it all. I can't help but to be extremely proud of him these days. I am internally scared to death as well....what if this ends? What if something changes? The medicine is helping him achieve new goals...which means I can dream new dreams....even bigger than before. I never want him to falter again. But, I know every parent feels that way. We all want the best for our kids. Darren has just had such a tough path thus far....I pray for calmer waters from now on.

Speaking of Calm Waters...we visited the Gulf coast this past weekend. SO beautiful. 

Here's another great picture of the Gulf.

 

On our way home we saw a full rainbow. Once again a sign....no doubt.

Trevor had a great week. Fall Diagnostic Testing has begun. He is very serious about school. Went to Back to School night and was very pleased with his classroom and teacher. Hope everyone is having a good start to their school year as well.

Much Love To All.