"It Takes a Village..."

After a stressful week of working the kinks out with the bus, I have a good feeling about my son’s current team of school personnel. The quote that comes to mind, and now unfortunately associated with politics, is the popular proverb:

“It takes a village to raise a child”

In our case, this can’t be truer. Team Ryan consists of my son, a kindergarten teacher, a special education teacher, a paraprofessional, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, a speech therapist, P.E. teacher (we get extra help), Aqua therapist, bus driver, principal, peer mentors, me, my husband, and my daughter. All are individuals who have daily interactions with my child for the success of my child. This doesn’t even include the support of our family and friends (I need to mention them or I will bear the wrath of my mother), and oral motor therapist, nutritionist, music therapist, pediatrician etc. It is amazing, challenging, and inspiring.

Why do I think we have such a great team? Tune in. I have a great reason.

Today’s Question: Do you consider yourself a team player or are you an exclusive member of your mission in life? For that matter, do you have a mission?

Kindergarten Kid

We have survived the first day of kindergarten.

It was not without anxiety. Transitioning is hard for any child (and parent). For our son, it has always proved to be difficult. So when the bus came and Ryan was unable to find a seat, it was at that moment I knew we were in a bit of trouble. He was a lost puppy.

I had tried to prepare him for his new school. We had a book made (called social stories) to include pictures of school, his teachers, and his classes. I took him to the new school playground, at least twice a week to get comfortable in his new surroundings. I hoped it would also provide a feeling of confidence and make it easier for him to “fit” in with his typical peers. We would talk about kindergarten and all the new friends he would make. Could I have done more to help him?

I had not thought about the bus to school. This could be a deal breaker for him. It is unbelievably disorganizing to a child with special needs. There is no routine. It is loud and unsettling. As Ryan road away, I was beside myself with worry. He looked straight ahead, scared at the uncertainty of it all and put on the bravest face he could. I went home and wept. Not so brave.

I wish I had a magic wand and “pressdough” all our anxiety is gone. The good news is that we have a great team of school personnel to help us through.

Today is done. I look forward to each new day. For Ryan is my teacher and I learned about what true bravery is. I can’t wait for another lesson tomorrow.

Question: What do you learn from the children in your life?

Autistic Child Voted Out of Class??

Okay, I have to calm myself down because I am so disheartened by this event. This morning, I caught a glimpse of a story indicating that a autistic child in kindergarten was voted out of his class in Florida. What is wrong with society? After reading the entire article, it occurred to me that this child they were referring to "became" my own son. He is going into kindergarten next year and,as I was thinking and reading, I was becoming personally involved. I am horrified that an adult, especially in the educational system, would even remotely think that this was approriate to do to a 5 year old child. As a mother of a special needs child, I now know that I cannot rest until there are changes made, awareness understood, and a greater sense of empathy for the special needs. In breaking my thoughts down, I see 3 areas of concentration:
1. The education system - We have come a long way since 20 years (even 10 years) ago, but we obviously need to do more. I hope you all follow, support, and act with me as I lead by example. I would be a hypocrite to my son if I only expected him to work as hard as he does and not do the same for him.
2. The responsibility of community - Creating community awareness is one thing. Making our communities accountable for eachother is a challenge. Autism, or any special needs individual, is an important part of our daily living. We all need to take responsibility and take action. The special needs community can be helped, and more importantly contribute to society, if given the tools, education, and acceptance that we (the typical person) is allowed.
3. High profile and business Involvement/Investments - Businesses, people, and new ideas need to jump in to make change possible. We all have heard about the best investment we could do is to invest in our children.
Today's question: Ask yourself if you or your business invests in ALL children (not just the easy, typical, uncomplicated children)? Do you invest energy and resources into the special needs children of this world? Does the PTA in your school work with the special ed PTA to create a partnership that contributes to the educational system?

For me, I am saddened by the ignorance and sheer thoughtlessness of even one teacher making such a mockery of a little child. This is one teacher too many. I wonder if there are others.