Back to School: Routines and Schedules

Today was my oldest son's first day of High School. Time has flown by! This will be a schedule that all of the family will have to get used to.  I will most likely hear from BP when I pick him up from school today: "Where are we going? Can we go home?" It's almost certain, especially when are driving an unusual route that he is not familiar with. But after a few times he should be okay with it. It's the homework routine after school that's the kicker, but that is for my next post. Stay tuned.

It's that time of year...

 Yep, cold and flu season.  You know when something's up when BP just wants to snuggle with you on the sofa.  That happened on Sunday.   I asked him of he wanted a blanket. "yes" and from then on he stay there curled up and gradually becoming warmer.  I told my other half that I thought he wasn't feeling good and coming down with something. 

It's a strange notion when children with autism become sick.  As parents we are so used to heightened activity, constant movement, that really we don't what to do with ourselves!  So this week he was out of school Monday and Tuesday.  Ouch.  We all know what that means.  Returning to school is a major accomplishment.  It's quite funny, BP doesn't do Mondays, Tuesdays are just okay, Wednesdays are an improvement, Thursdays are good and by Fridays he is ready to start the week.  Maybe it is because they have fun Fridays at school in his class. Do you think?

 We do struggle with school issues, but I must say that this year is much better than last year.  Change of teacher and change of school might have something to do with his improvement.  I have problems here at home with homework.  He simply doesn't want to do it.  Don't mention the "h" word, but he usually beats me to it!  He flat out tells me, "no homework!"   

Meltdowns: those happen less now, but we still have many issues such as food, scheduling, overstimulation, potty issues, communication (I find that the most frustrating part for me).

 Since my year long absence we have working on the food issue.  This summer I was able to have an Nutritionist from our Regional Center here and evaluate BP.  He is overweight and needs to loose some pounds.  Sometimes I wonder why he doesn't loose weight easily.  BP is CONSTANTLY moving and loves to play outdoors.  His favorite activity at school is adaptive PE.  The food issue became a problem when what I gave him wasn't enough.  He would still be hungry and ask for more.  It got to certain point where if I didn't give him the food he wanted, major meltdown would occur.  Of course being the Mother, I was tired of the meltdowns and gave in to his wants. MY BAD.   The Nutritionist suggested I reduce the amt of food I serve him and see what happens. She also suggested trying to sneak in veggies with the meal.  BP is very picky as most children with Autism are.  He likes about 5 different kinds of food and won't try much else.  We don't deviate much from his meals on the weekends, but he is good about some foods at school.  His weekend lunch will consist of White cheese(cottage cheese), cheese crackers, fruit snacks and juice.  Lately he has been on this kick of replacing the white cheese with those yogurts with the Oreo cookie crumbs. 

 This particular post is just shortened version of things to come.  He's been invited to a birthday party, it would be his first one to attend, but I am not sure whether he will go.  Being sick this week has made me have second thoughts. Not sure I want him bouncing for two hours and becoming over stimulated.  Becoming tired his behavior tends to escilate.  I will let you all know what the outcome is.

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!

Awesome Days

Ever since the return to school, everyday for Brendan has been more than positive. He seems to be learning by leaps and bounds! As I wait for Brendan outside his classroom (I don't feel it necessary to walk inside the classroom and become a distraction for him) and he comes bounding out yelling "Mommy, mommy", with his arms open wide, I never know what kind of day he had. For the past two weeks his Aid has said, "He had an awesome day today!" He seems to be willing to do his work, no meltdowns, (we did have a little instance where someone in his class was too close for comfort and he decided to throw a pencil at them.) With Autism you never seem to know what kind of a day your child will have. But at this moment things seem to be moving along nicely. We are even getting the concept of telling time. He may not be able to write an appropriate looking hour/minute hand but he understands the concept rather well. For awhile there I thought nothing was working, he simply refused to do much of anything for me or at school. The homework battle has become much better. He is understanding now that if he does his homework he will be able to play on the computer, play his DS or Wii.

Such awesome days at school make awesome days at home.