I am always appreciative of any comments, but when people take time to comment like Anonymous did on the last post about Michael, I really, really appreciate it. I will try to answer some of the questions posed in the comments.
First, Michael has been on an IEP since he was 3 for his significant speech delay. He was only in EI for 6 month because we had hoped that he was just a little slow in talking, like my husband was. He started in an integrated classroom, but after a couple of months, it was felt like he needed more support. We got together and revamped his IEP to include an extended year program as well as a much higher teacher to student ratio. I believe that this has been a great help.
We finally decided to have him evaluated for Autism and ultimately, he was diagnosed May of 2012. We had another IEP meeting and asked that he be evaluated for OT since he was also given a sensory integration diagnosis along with his PDD NOS. OT felt that he did not have any OT needs that impacted his school day. Speech on the other hand continues to be involved. He is being seen for speech, both individually and in a small group setting, as well as in the integrated classroom.
I love the idea of seeing him in the classroom, but I think I may be more of a distraction. I have been in to see him, but very informally. He tends to stay with me and not do classroom things. He also doesn't transition well after I leave (though it is only for a short time).
I think he is probably doing better than I am thinking, but I am still a little apprehensive. He isn't fully potty trained and still wears pull ups at school.
We have a transition meeting set up for April 2nd. His current teacher, his speech teacher, the integrated kindergarten teacher (who has observed him in both his classroom and the integrated classroom), and my husband and myself will be there. I think that this meeting will help. I think having the kindergarten teacher there will help. I guess I don't do well with transitions like Michael.
I need to look at the kindergarten standards. I think that he is doing well, but is probably a little behind.
As for sleep, I think this is where his sensory stuff really comes into play. He just can't seem to settle on his own. With out Melatonin, he will stay awake and have a ton of energy, just like the energizer bunny!
I am also noticing that he is getting more fearful of sounds than he used to be. He was literally in tears when the fire alarm went off at the mall. That meant I was literally in tears too. He is starting to comment about the dryers in the bathroom making sure that I am not going to put them on when we go in. He is also fearful of those squishy balls with hair, almost koosh like, but different. He's not a fan of Koosh balls either.
As for music, it was where he shined with his verbal skills. Even when he couldn't talk, he would attempt to sing and dance just like in music videos. He loves acting out his TV shows now, sometimes in a repetitive way and sometimes in a way that just amazes me how much he remembers of the shows that he loves. Sometimes, it's things like this that make me think he should be in music/theater groups instead of soccer. If he were to go into a sport, I think swimming would be where he would shine. Again, probably his sensory issues and inability to slow down are more relaxed in the water.
As I look this over, I think it make be a little disjointed, like most of my writing. I am not a writer and I am not great at grammar, but writing my blogs are something I love to do. Please, if anyone has thoughts on Autism, feel free to share. I will start sharing some things from my other 2 kids days too. This blog is supposed to be about my crazy but amazing life as a married mom of 3 trying to work and enjoy life and all it's craziness!
Amy
Showing posts with label michael. Show all posts
Showing posts with label michael. Show all posts
Monday, March 18, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Michael
This is Michael's last year in pre-school. In September, he will move on to a new teacher, a new school, and a new "regular class (I believe). Now this transition is hard for most parents of
"neuro-typical" children, but Michael has autism. He doesn't always deal well with change (tough that is improving a little), he doesn't socialize with others very much (or at least he doesn't without someone guiding and modeling what to do), he has repetitive behaviors and can sometimes go into his own world when it comes to imaginary play. His speech has come so far, yet his volleying back and forth with communication still needs a lot of work. He doesn't answer questions reliably or at all sometimes. He will ask for things, which he was delayed doing. He is also not potty trained with poop. I am not sure what his IEP will look like. I don't know if he will have someone in the class giving him extra attention so that his socialization skills continue to improve. We are having a transition meeting in the next couple of weeks, so I'm sure that this will help with some of my anxiety, but I won't feel better until I actually see how he does in school. Right now, he is in a class of 7 or 8 students and has 3 teachers in the room. He does go to a regular pre-school class 3 times a week for lunch and circle time. This has been going well, but it is a more structured time, so I don't know how he would do in a less structured situation.
The one good area that I have been really happy with is his sleep. We have been doing Melatonin for the last 2 1/2 months and have had to up the dose from 1 MG to 2 MG. It still takes a good 45 minutes to kick in, but it does kick in. He has been sleeping through the night and has been getting up a a reasonable time. No more waking his up for school. No more sleeping til 10:00 if we let him. He is now asleep by 8:30 and is usually awake by 7:30 at the latest. This morning he was actually up at 6:00. I am hopeful that his improved sleep pattern, like all of us, is helping his overall. He used to fall asleep closer to 10 or even 11 and then not want to wake up the next morning til 9 or 10. We tried to do a sensory diet which helped somewhat, but it really didn't make a huge difference. I am hoping that once spring is here and we are outside more, things will be even better.
Michael finally has something that he loves. He had been really focused on Caillou to the point of reciting lines and acting out episodes sometimes at inappropriate times and often repetitive ways such as bedtime routine. He now loves Wall-e and Mickey Mouse. He doesn't seem to act out these shows as much, though he can recite the lines to them as he watches them. In wall-e, the is a part from Hello Dolly and we watched it a couple of weeks ago. He wasn't interested in it until that scene came on and he ran into the room and sang with the song.We probably watch too much TV in this house and I am working on changing that. He does love music and the Polar Express sound track right now is his favorite!
One thing that is bothering me right now is a family member who is trying to pressure us into signing him up for kindergarten soccer. he has shown little interest in soccer or anything like that. He tends to enjoy digging in the dirt, running around, riding his bike, climbing, and swimming. Personally, I would rather see him in swimming lessons where he would thrive not in an organized team sport where he doesn't like to play with other kids. The problem I have is that this person keeps pushing and pushing and pushing. I just want to say "STOP TELLING ME WHAT I NEED TO DO FOR MY CHILD". Yes that was meant to be yelling. She always tells people what they need to do, not suggest an option that is available. She then goes on to push her agenda. With regards to soccer, she was a soccer coach for her kids and they still play soccer in high school and college. I totally feel like this is her agenda and not mine. Yesterday, we took Michael to spend $20 of his birthday money at the book store. I posted it on Facebook (and maybe that's my problem, I open myself up for criticism by putting it out there), and she responded that I should be putting his money away for college. He will have some go in his bank account, but I think it is important to let him spend some money on a gift. Again, it is my child, and my decision. No one else's, except my husband. Again, I just want to yell, "stop telling me what to do!"
Thanks for listening to my rant! I am so happy that I have some where to get out things both good and bad instead of only unloading on my husband!
Amy
"neuro-typical" children, but Michael has autism. He doesn't always deal well with change (tough that is improving a little), he doesn't socialize with others very much (or at least he doesn't without someone guiding and modeling what to do), he has repetitive behaviors and can sometimes go into his own world when it comes to imaginary play. His speech has come so far, yet his volleying back and forth with communication still needs a lot of work. He doesn't answer questions reliably or at all sometimes. He will ask for things, which he was delayed doing. He is also not potty trained with poop. I am not sure what his IEP will look like. I don't know if he will have someone in the class giving him extra attention so that his socialization skills continue to improve. We are having a transition meeting in the next couple of weeks, so I'm sure that this will help with some of my anxiety, but I won't feel better until I actually see how he does in school. Right now, he is in a class of 7 or 8 students and has 3 teachers in the room. He does go to a regular pre-school class 3 times a week for lunch and circle time. This has been going well, but it is a more structured time, so I don't know how he would do in a less structured situation.
The one good area that I have been really happy with is his sleep. We have been doing Melatonin for the last 2 1/2 months and have had to up the dose from 1 MG to 2 MG. It still takes a good 45 minutes to kick in, but it does kick in. He has been sleeping through the night and has been getting up a a reasonable time. No more waking his up for school. No more sleeping til 10:00 if we let him. He is now asleep by 8:30 and is usually awake by 7:30 at the latest. This morning he was actually up at 6:00. I am hopeful that his improved sleep pattern, like all of us, is helping his overall. He used to fall asleep closer to 10 or even 11 and then not want to wake up the next morning til 9 or 10. We tried to do a sensory diet which helped somewhat, but it really didn't make a huge difference. I am hoping that once spring is here and we are outside more, things will be even better.
Michael finally has something that he loves. He had been really focused on Caillou to the point of reciting lines and acting out episodes sometimes at inappropriate times and often repetitive ways such as bedtime routine. He now loves Wall-e and Mickey Mouse. He doesn't seem to act out these shows as much, though he can recite the lines to them as he watches them. In wall-e, the is a part from Hello Dolly and we watched it a couple of weeks ago. He wasn't interested in it until that scene came on and he ran into the room and sang with the song.We probably watch too much TV in this house and I am working on changing that. He does love music and the Polar Express sound track right now is his favorite!
One thing that is bothering me right now is a family member who is trying to pressure us into signing him up for kindergarten soccer. he has shown little interest in soccer or anything like that. He tends to enjoy digging in the dirt, running around, riding his bike, climbing, and swimming. Personally, I would rather see him in swimming lessons where he would thrive not in an organized team sport where he doesn't like to play with other kids. The problem I have is that this person keeps pushing and pushing and pushing. I just want to say "STOP TELLING ME WHAT I NEED TO DO FOR MY CHILD". Yes that was meant to be yelling. She always tells people what they need to do, not suggest an option that is available. She then goes on to push her agenda. With regards to soccer, she was a soccer coach for her kids and they still play soccer in high school and college. I totally feel like this is her agenda and not mine. Yesterday, we took Michael to spend $20 of his birthday money at the book store. I posted it on Facebook (and maybe that's my problem, I open myself up for criticism by putting it out there), and she responded that I should be putting his money away for college. He will have some go in his bank account, but I think it is important to let him spend some money on a gift. Again, it is my child, and my decision. No one else's, except my husband. Again, I just want to yell, "stop telling me what to do!"
Thanks for listening to my rant! I am so happy that I have some where to get out things both good and bad instead of only unloading on my husband!
Amy
Friday, August 3, 2012
July Pictures
Swimming
Castle Island
Castle Island
Waiting for the fireworks
Eva Rose petting the baby chick at Tendercrop Farm
Michael petting the baby chick at Tendercrop Farm
Thomas petting the baby chick at Tendercrop Farm
Homemade crockpot soap
Our first 5K finish
Crafty projects; doll bed, mattress, pillow, quilt, and rag rug
Spending Saturdays at the farmer's market in town
cucumbers from our garden
Our garden!
Just a couple of pictures from our days during July!
Amy
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Dealing With Autism
It's been about a month and a half since we got confirmation that Michael was indeed on the Autism Spectrum. It's amazing, that even though we were pretty sure he was on the spectrum, how difficult it is to process the diagnosis of PDD NOS. There are times that I have these doubts that he actually has PDD, but then something happens and I realize that it is just my denial that he actually has PDD. I'm not in total denial that he has it, I guess at times, I hope that he does't have it, but in reality I know he does.
One of the things that makes it so difficult to fully accept (or at least I think that this is one thing) is that people (family and friends) want to deny that he has it and when we tell them that he has this diagnosis, they say that they don't believe he has it. I know that they mean well, but it just fosters that doubt in my own mind.
He was just evaluated for sensory issues, and the occupational therapist that saw him felt that some of the sensory seeking behaviors that he has are ways that he has developed to help him when he is over stimulated. This is another area where people say things like: all 4 year olds do that or that's normal behavior. I think on some level what Michael does is normal behavior, except that how often he does it and when and why he does it, is not normal developmental behavior. On the other hand, if his behaviors are his coping mechanism for overstimulation, I am pretty impressed with his ability to figure out what he needs to decompress. I think at this point, we need to find ways to help him so that he doesn't need to seek out these regulating behaviors.
We are going to see OT for 3-5 sessions to help figure out a "sensory diet" to see if that will help him not need to seek out things to decrease him stimulation, or at least help him not to get over stimulated on a regular basis. I'm sure that there are going to be times where he will still get overstimulated, but if we can help to decrease these times, maybe he will feel better.
It was amazing to watch him after his evaluation. It kind of brought home, once again, that there really is an issue. At the end of the evaluation, when my husband and I were getting the results, Michael started doing his water play. He started at the sink, then he started leaving the OT room and repeatedly going back and forth between the OT room and the water fountain in the waiting room. The other 2 kids, who had been there as long waiting for Michael's evaluation to be finished, were playing in a more "normal" or "appropriate" way, such as playing with the different toys in the room. When Michael gets like this, it can be difficult to distract him and get him to focus on something else.
Michael is still my sweet lovable boy and all of his evaluations start with a similar description. All I want for him is to be happy. I want him to have a happy, fun, good life. I think with the appropriate interventions, he will do fine. I think he may always have some "quirkiness" to him, but I think he will be fine.
I'm not sure that this is totally clear. I guess, I am still processing everything that we have just learned and I know that there are still things that we need to learn. If anyone has any thoughts that they want to share or stories that they want to share, please do. I know that I am going to more than likely start looking for a support group to talk to others who either are in the situation that we are, or who have already been there!
Amy
One of the things that makes it so difficult to fully accept (or at least I think that this is one thing) is that people (family and friends) want to deny that he has it and when we tell them that he has this diagnosis, they say that they don't believe he has it. I know that they mean well, but it just fosters that doubt in my own mind.
He was just evaluated for sensory issues, and the occupational therapist that saw him felt that some of the sensory seeking behaviors that he has are ways that he has developed to help him when he is over stimulated. This is another area where people say things like: all 4 year olds do that or that's normal behavior. I think on some level what Michael does is normal behavior, except that how often he does it and when and why he does it, is not normal developmental behavior. On the other hand, if his behaviors are his coping mechanism for overstimulation, I am pretty impressed with his ability to figure out what he needs to decompress. I think at this point, we need to find ways to help him so that he doesn't need to seek out these regulating behaviors.
We are going to see OT for 3-5 sessions to help figure out a "sensory diet" to see if that will help him not need to seek out things to decrease him stimulation, or at least help him not to get over stimulated on a regular basis. I'm sure that there are going to be times where he will still get overstimulated, but if we can help to decrease these times, maybe he will feel better.
It was amazing to watch him after his evaluation. It kind of brought home, once again, that there really is an issue. At the end of the evaluation, when my husband and I were getting the results, Michael started doing his water play. He started at the sink, then he started leaving the OT room and repeatedly going back and forth between the OT room and the water fountain in the waiting room. The other 2 kids, who had been there as long waiting for Michael's evaluation to be finished, were playing in a more "normal" or "appropriate" way, such as playing with the different toys in the room. When Michael gets like this, it can be difficult to distract him and get him to focus on something else.
Michael is still my sweet lovable boy and all of his evaluations start with a similar description. All I want for him is to be happy. I want him to have a happy, fun, good life. I think with the appropriate interventions, he will do fine. I think he may always have some "quirkiness" to him, but I think he will be fine.
I'm not sure that this is totally clear. I guess, I am still processing everything that we have just learned and I know that there are still things that we need to learn. If anyone has any thoughts that they want to share or stories that they want to share, please do. I know that I am going to more than likely start looking for a support group to talk to others who either are in the situation that we are, or who have already been there!
Amy
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Michael Update
Michael had his cyst removed. For a while, he had this little lump that we were told could be this big long word. It was removed about a week ago and we are on our way to his chin healing. After the surgery was complete, the doctor said that it wasn't what he thought it was, but that it was either a cyst or a lymph node (i didn't know that you had lymph nodes in your chin). We go for a follow up in about a week and a half and will find out the biopsy of the cyst.
In a week and a half we are also taking Michael for his developmental evaluation. I have been really concerned about his lack of meeting certain milestones or his lack of communicating. According to his preschool teachers, he is progressing, but not as fast as they would like to see. He has been in a a 5 hour preschool program for a year now and is still not really able to talk to us about his day. Luckily his teacher sends home a little check off on the things that happen during the day so that I can ask him about it. With lots of prodding he is able to maybe at least acknowledge that he has down certain things at school. Unlike his younger brother (by 10 1/2 months), Michael can not really communicate about his day even with simple cuing. I have noticed though, that he is improving over that last couple of weeks. Before, when you asked him who his teacher was, he would say teacher, now he can say her name and then just this morning, I asked him who was in his class and he actually named the kids without a lot of prodding. He still likes to play alone and doesn't really even play along side other kids. His imaginary play is starting, but is still pretty limited.
The one area that he actually excels in is music. He loves music and can sing many songs. He was able to sing songs before he could really say a whole lot. I love listening and watching him sing. His whole face lights up and you really now that he loves music.
One thing that I do think has helped is his diet. He has shown to be sensitive to gluten and dairy. ever since we have removed these or at least lessened them greatly in his diet, he has been improving. He is more aware and more vocal. He sleeps better and doesn't seem to have the skin issue that he was having, especially when he was eating and drinking dairy.
I am looking forward to his developmental evaluation. Part of me says that he doesn't need it, but another part of me says don't be stupid. He is four years old and he should be communicating more than he is and he should be playing more with others or at least along side others rather than always wanting to play by himself. He does well with his brother and sister, but really needs to start playing with other kids.
One other major area that he has greatly improved in is in his behavior. His impulsivity is much improved. Before, if you reprimanded him, he would throw something. Usually this was regarding asking him to put soothing down. Instead of putting it down, he would throw it and sometimes it was something very fragile. I do think that you need to talk to him in a certain way, but he is so much better.
I can't wait to either find out that there is no real issue and we don't need to worry, or find out that there is an issue and then we work on helping him with whatever issue he has. I really just need to know where to go with him and know if I am worrying needlessly or if my instincts were right and I need to do more!
Amy
In a week and a half we are also taking Michael for his developmental evaluation. I have been really concerned about his lack of meeting certain milestones or his lack of communicating. According to his preschool teachers, he is progressing, but not as fast as they would like to see. He has been in a a 5 hour preschool program for a year now and is still not really able to talk to us about his day. Luckily his teacher sends home a little check off on the things that happen during the day so that I can ask him about it. With lots of prodding he is able to maybe at least acknowledge that he has down certain things at school. Unlike his younger brother (by 10 1/2 months), Michael can not really communicate about his day even with simple cuing. I have noticed though, that he is improving over that last couple of weeks. Before, when you asked him who his teacher was, he would say teacher, now he can say her name and then just this morning, I asked him who was in his class and he actually named the kids without a lot of prodding. He still likes to play alone and doesn't really even play along side other kids. His imaginary play is starting, but is still pretty limited.
The one area that he actually excels in is music. He loves music and can sing many songs. He was able to sing songs before he could really say a whole lot. I love listening and watching him sing. His whole face lights up and you really now that he loves music.
One thing that I do think has helped is his diet. He has shown to be sensitive to gluten and dairy. ever since we have removed these or at least lessened them greatly in his diet, he has been improving. He is more aware and more vocal. He sleeps better and doesn't seem to have the skin issue that he was having, especially when he was eating and drinking dairy.
I am looking forward to his developmental evaluation. Part of me says that he doesn't need it, but another part of me says don't be stupid. He is four years old and he should be communicating more than he is and he should be playing more with others or at least along side others rather than always wanting to play by himself. He does well with his brother and sister, but really needs to start playing with other kids.
One other major area that he has greatly improved in is in his behavior. His impulsivity is much improved. Before, if you reprimanded him, he would throw something. Usually this was regarding asking him to put soothing down. Instead of putting it down, he would throw it and sometimes it was something very fragile. I do think that you need to talk to him in a certain way, but he is so much better.
I can't wait to either find out that there is no real issue and we don't need to worry, or find out that there is an issue and then we work on helping him with whatever issue he has. I really just need to know where to go with him and know if I am worrying needlessly or if my instincts were right and I need to do more!
Amy
Monday, March 26, 2012
Michael
I finally bit the bullet and made an appointment to have Michael evaluated to see if there is more to his speech delay. I am hoping that I am just being overly worried and that they will say that he is just behind and will catch up. At this point, I do think there is more to his speech delay and since he is four, I want to have him evaluated so that he can receive more services if he needs them. The irony is that my husband was the one who was initially concerned, and now that his fears are alleviated somewhat, mine have increased. My husband is a teacher and has seen kids with autism, I don't really have experience with childhood development. If you were to ask me about dementia related issues, I could probably tease that out and see a lot of warning signs, but not childhood developmental issues. For example, I definitely picked up on the fact that my grandmother was showing signs of dementia long before I was told that she was actually diagnosed with it. My background is in nursing homes and geriatrics so I definitely fee comfortable with watching for those signs, not things like autism. Do I think that he has autism? Honestly, I don't think he does, but I am starting to realize that there are some really mild forms of autism or PDD NOS that some people wouldn't even diagnose as PDD NOS. I do think that there is more to his speech delay, but I don't know what. I guess that is why he is being evaluated. I know that he will be evaluated by a pediatric neurologist from MGH and that the evaluation will be play oriented, but that is all. I am looking forward to having this evaluation so that I am no longer worrying if there is an issue. I am concerned that there is an issue, but at least knowing that there is an issue will be better than wondering. Once I know if there is an issue I can hopefully learn what else I can do for Michael and what other services he is entitled to.
It's going to be a long couple of months til May 15th, but I am so happy that it is only a month and a half until the evaluation. I have heard that it can take up to 6 months to get an appointment so I am happy. I am also happy that we are meeting with the doctor 1 week later to discuss the results!
Amy
It's going to be a long couple of months til May 15th, but I am so happy that it is only a month and a half until the evaluation. I have heard that it can take up to 6 months to get an appointment so I am happy. I am also happy that we are meeting with the doctor 1 week later to discuss the results!
Amy
Monday, October 24, 2011
Diets
No not the kind to lose weight, though from what I hear a lot of people eat this way to lose weight. Last summer I had a blood test for food allergies and this summer, my oldest has the same test. Unfortunately, we both showed sensitivities to dairy and gluten. I wasn't surprised about the dairy for either of us, and often wondered if gluten could be an issue. Now it is time for both of us to go completely dairy and gluten free.
I think that this is going to be a really difficult thing for both of us. Obviously, since I had the blood test over a year ago and haven't gone completely gluten or dairy free yet, I am going to have a really hard time. The good part for Michael is that I will be the one figuring out what I am going to be making for meals and snacks. He won't have a choice like I do. I have to make the right choice for me and him.
I have been reading some blogs that are gluten free focused and dairy free focused. I am hoping that I will feel some relief from my foggy brain that I sometimes get. When we talked to the dietician about Michael's test results, we mentioned that at one point we were concerned about him being on the Autism spectrum. My husband is no longer concerned, and even though I didn't pick up on things earlier, I am now the one that continues to have concerns that there may be more than just a speech delay. The dietician mentioned that we may see some changes neurologically once Michael gets the gluten out of his system. I am hoping that we see some changes since I have heard that diet can play a huge role in people's behaviors.
The other issue with diet is, my mom found out that she is a gene carrier for breast cancer. I am more than likely going to get tested for the gene, but I also want to change my diet to help keep myself healthy even if I don't have the gene.
I am hoping to find some good bread recipes since that is going to be the hardest for me to give up as well as for Michael to give up. What I have been finding lately is that I need to let go of what I expect things to taste like. I can't expect that gluten free and dairy free foods, unless they are naturally gluten and dairy free, to taste the same as the regular foods will taste.
If anyone has any good recipes, cookbooks, blogs, or any info at all, please leave a comment. If you have any suggestions on how best to tackle this, please leave a comment. I will be researching and reading blogs often!
Wish me luck!
Amy
I think that this is going to be a really difficult thing for both of us. Obviously, since I had the blood test over a year ago and haven't gone completely gluten or dairy free yet, I am going to have a really hard time. The good part for Michael is that I will be the one figuring out what I am going to be making for meals and snacks. He won't have a choice like I do. I have to make the right choice for me and him.
I have been reading some blogs that are gluten free focused and dairy free focused. I am hoping that I will feel some relief from my foggy brain that I sometimes get. When we talked to the dietician about Michael's test results, we mentioned that at one point we were concerned about him being on the Autism spectrum. My husband is no longer concerned, and even though I didn't pick up on things earlier, I am now the one that continues to have concerns that there may be more than just a speech delay. The dietician mentioned that we may see some changes neurologically once Michael gets the gluten out of his system. I am hoping that we see some changes since I have heard that diet can play a huge role in people's behaviors.
The other issue with diet is, my mom found out that she is a gene carrier for breast cancer. I am more than likely going to get tested for the gene, but I also want to change my diet to help keep myself healthy even if I don't have the gene.
I am hoping to find some good bread recipes since that is going to be the hardest for me to give up as well as for Michael to give up. What I have been finding lately is that I need to let go of what I expect things to taste like. I can't expect that gluten free and dairy free foods, unless they are naturally gluten and dairy free, to taste the same as the regular foods will taste.
If anyone has any good recipes, cookbooks, blogs, or any info at all, please leave a comment. If you have any suggestions on how best to tackle this, please leave a comment. I will be researching and reading blogs often!
Wish me luck!
Amy
Thursday, May 19, 2011
First Parent Teacher Phone Conference
Today was my first parent teacher conference ever. Michael's teacher wanted to talk about his progress and where things stood for the rest of the year and the summer. During the phone conference I found out that as much as I think Michael is progressing, the teacher thinks that he will do better in a classroom with a teacher:kid ratio of 4:5. I am thrilled that he is going to be getting a lot more attention, which I absolutely think will be a huge benefit to him. I am concerned though that he is not progressing as fast as I would like. the new plan is for Michael to transition into the new classroom and maybe even go to preschool for a full day. I am really excited about his going to school for a longer day, if he can tolerate it, but I am mostly excited about the teacher to student ratio.I hope that his speech progresses quickly and he can return to a regular classroom, but I would much rather see this happening now instead of delaying it and have him not be ready for kindergarten.
I know that all kids progress at their own rate, but given that all of my kids have somewhat of a speech delay, I can't help but wonder if I am doing something wrong or not doing something right while I am at home with them. I think one of the things that I tend to do is focus on their stronger skill set, their gross motor skills. Since they tend to be so much more active, I tend to let them do more physical play instead of working on either fine motor skills (which they aren't really delayed in, they just have little to no interest in doing), or a lot of technically cognitive skills. I need to put together a plan so that I can work on their fine motor skills such as holding a crayon and drawing and their cognitive/language skills. They tend not to like to sit and read books, so even though I try to read to them, I often get frustrated that they don't want to listen and I don't read to them as much as I should. This is really ironic since I am and have always been an avid reader. I am so afraid that I am causing my children to have the dealys that they have. I will just have to look at what I can do from now on and not look at what I haven't done in the past!
Amy
I know that all kids progress at their own rate, but given that all of my kids have somewhat of a speech delay, I can't help but wonder if I am doing something wrong or not doing something right while I am at home with them. I think one of the things that I tend to do is focus on their stronger skill set, their gross motor skills. Since they tend to be so much more active, I tend to let them do more physical play instead of working on either fine motor skills (which they aren't really delayed in, they just have little to no interest in doing), or a lot of technically cognitive skills. I need to put together a plan so that I can work on their fine motor skills such as holding a crayon and drawing and their cognitive/language skills. They tend not to like to sit and read books, so even though I try to read to them, I often get frustrated that they don't want to listen and I don't read to them as much as I should. This is really ironic since I am and have always been an avid reader. I am so afraid that I am causing my children to have the dealys that they have. I will just have to look at what I can do from now on and not look at what I haven't done in the past!
Amy
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Potty Training Take 2
A while ago, I started to attempt to potty train Michael. Needless to say it didn't go well at all. He had no interest and could have cared less if he peed in his pants. I am trying again, but now with school, I am a little gun shy about sending him in underwear. School mentioned that when kids start potty training, they will follow what ever protocol is followed at home. At this point, I think I am just going to have him in underwear when we are at home and if he is out with us, but I don't think I'm ready to make him go with no underwear at school, since I am not convinced that he is really ready. I think this is more to get him used to sitting on the potty than actually getting him to train. He'll sit there and we'll sing the ABC song. This also helps him to learn his ABC's. I know this approach may be considered confusing to some people, but for now I think the best thing to do is to take it slow and see how he does. I plan to put together a sticker chart so that he can see his progress and after so many stickers he can get a prize. I have been reluctant to use prizes, but I am caving and am going to at least attempt it to see if it helps him. Michael is now 3 years and 2 1/2 months. If he's not ready, I don't want to push him, but I do want to give him the opportunity to learn to go on the potty vs just in his diaper. If anyone has any suggestions on potty training, please comment. Even if you think that this is a bad way to potty train, please let me know and let me know why so that I can figure out if I should just hold off til he is completely ready.
Michael will continue to go to school through the summer a couple of days a week, so waiting til summer is not going to help. Also, the weather this week is really really crappy and the chances of us leaving the house for long periods of time are slim to none. I figure if we are going to be house bound mostly anyway, why not take advantage and to potty training. Michael's expressive language is getting better. I am hoping that with his increased ability to express himself, he will be more likely to tell me if he has to pee and maybe just maybe this will help him feel a little more independent.
Amy
Michael will continue to go to school through the summer a couple of days a week, so waiting til summer is not going to help. Also, the weather this week is really really crappy and the chances of us leaving the house for long periods of time are slim to none. I figure if we are going to be house bound mostly anyway, why not take advantage and to potty training. Michael's expressive language is getting better. I am hoping that with his increased ability to express himself, he will be more likely to tell me if he has to pee and maybe just maybe this will help him feel a little more independent.
Amy
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Makes My Monday: Counting
It's not quite Monday yet, but this truly makes my Monday and every other day! Michael is just barely putting words together, but he can actually count to 11. He's been doing it for a while now, but I was finally able to get it taped. I am so happy with his progress and can totally see how much of a benefit pre-school has been.
Happy Monday!
Amy
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Way Back When-esday: March 2008
I'm joining in with http://twinfatuation.blogspot.com for Way Back When-esday. This week is Michael's second week of pre-school. This is Michael 3 years ago:
Michael just about 2 weeks old
Amy
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
First Day of Preschool
Yesterday was Michael's first day at preschool. It started of fine, even though we needed to wake Michael up. I feel like I have a teenager already and he is only 3. He likes to stay up late and sleep late in the morning. I guess payback really is a bitch (both me and my husband never liked to go to be or get up early. I still don't like to get up early). We were able to get him up, fed, and dressed on time for the bus. For the first day, we had to pack wipes, a couple of diapers (yes the school is letting us cloth diaper him), a wet bag for the diapers, an extra set of clothes, and his lunch bag. By the time everything was packed, the backpack almost made him topple over. The bus showed up, and as I walked him out, I started crying, the twins started crying (probably because I wouldn't let them come out of the house), and as Michael got on the bus he started crying. I was prepared for this to happen, but it didn't make it any easier. I got a call from the school nurse and talked to her about Michael's dairy issue and the fact that it was probably more of an intolerance than an actual allergy. We talked about getting him allergy tested, but I have heard that there are lots of false positive/negatives at this age and we have seen so many changes after we stopped dairy, that I am just more inclined to eliminate dairy from his diet without getting confirmation from a test. During this phone call she reported that Michael stopped crying soon after the bus pulled away from the house (he will still cry once in a while when I leave for work and he is home with his dad) and that he was outside playing with his classmates.
He was dropped of at the house around 11:00 and looked so happy. I decided to take them out to lunch and called Nonna and Papa to come to lunch with us. Unfortunately my mom was only off for the morning as she had her appointment to schedule her chemo and was going back to work, but my stepfather joined us. I decided to trial pizza. At first I was just going to give them macaroni, but figured I would see how they responded to cheese. All three kids were so well behaved at Prince Pizza. They ate a ton of food and sat in their seats even though they were not buckled in. We then needed to drive around since the twins fell asleep and I didn't want to risk waking them. When we got home I noticed that Michael was starting to have the raspy breathing again and at night Eva Rose was snoring more than usual. I don't know if the cheese was the cause, but at least for Michael, I believe that the cheese was the cause of his breathing change. I really want to watch what he eat since I think he has more of an intolerance to dairy than the other two.
Bedtime was the normal routine and all 3 kids pretty much went to bed the same way they always do. Thomas and Eva Rose climbed into their beds and went right to sleep with no intervention. Michael, on the other hand, decided to strip out of his pajamas and his diaper. Tom went in and put his diaper back on. We haven't always been putting his pajamas back on since we figured that maybe he was just warm. At some point he took his diaper off again and at 12:30 I had to get up and change his bed since he wet the bed. With new sheets and a new diaper, he went back to sleep fairly quickly. This morning was pretty much the same routine. Michael cried as he got on the bus and I got teary eyes. The bus driver said that he will pretty much stop crying by the time they are at the end of our short street. I'm sure that things will get easier as time goes on and I know that he will love it more and more!
He was dropped of at the house around 11:00 and looked so happy. I decided to take them out to lunch and called Nonna and Papa to come to lunch with us. Unfortunately my mom was only off for the morning as she had her appointment to schedule her chemo and was going back to work, but my stepfather joined us. I decided to trial pizza. At first I was just going to give them macaroni, but figured I would see how they responded to cheese. All three kids were so well behaved at Prince Pizza. They ate a ton of food and sat in their seats even though they were not buckled in. We then needed to drive around since the twins fell asleep and I didn't want to risk waking them. When we got home I noticed that Michael was starting to have the raspy breathing again and at night Eva Rose was snoring more than usual. I don't know if the cheese was the cause, but at least for Michael, I believe that the cheese was the cause of his breathing change. I really want to watch what he eat since I think he has more of an intolerance to dairy than the other two.
Bedtime was the normal routine and all 3 kids pretty much went to bed the same way they always do. Thomas and Eva Rose climbed into their beds and went right to sleep with no intervention. Michael, on the other hand, decided to strip out of his pajamas and his diaper. Tom went in and put his diaper back on. We haven't always been putting his pajamas back on since we figured that maybe he was just warm. At some point he took his diaper off again and at 12:30 I had to get up and change his bed since he wet the bed. With new sheets and a new diaper, he went back to sleep fairly quickly. This morning was pretty much the same routine. Michael cried as he got on the bus and I got teary eyes. The bus driver said that he will pretty much stop crying by the time they are at the end of our short street. I'm sure that things will get easier as time goes on and I know that he will love it more and more!
Waiting for the bus
Amy
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Pre-school
I got the call today to say that I could bring Michael in for his pre-school visit tomorrow and that he could start school on Monday. I immediately called to see if I could find a babysitter. Thankfully, my step-father is great and he said he would come by tomorrow and watch the twins so that my could do his intro day. I can't believe that he is old enough for pre-school. It doesn't feel like I've been a mom that long. I am so excited for him to start school. I think it is going to do him a world of good to be away from me for a couple of hours a day. I think his social skills will improve as should his communication skills. I am a little sad that he is growing up, what seems like, so fast., but I can't wait to watch him grow with all of thes egreat changes! Now we need to go find him a back pack and a lunch box for school on Mondy! Off to LL Bean this Saturday!
Amy
Amy
Monday, March 7, 2011
Makes My Monday:IEP and Preschool
Michael turns 3 tomorrow. I can't believe I have a 3 year old and he will be starting school soon. Michael has a fairly significant speech delay and has been in EI for 6 months until he aged out at 3. EI made a referral to the public school system given his speech delay and him being somewhat behind in his social skills. We went for his initial IEP meeting and I really felt like those that observed him, got a really good picture of who he is. They talked a lot about his strengths and how those strengths would be really beneficial in helping him with the areas that he needs to work on. I got to see his classroom and I found out that he is going to need a back pack and a lunch box. I am considering making him a lunch bag instead of buying one. It's something simple that I can do and it will be nice for him to have something that I made for him. For now he will be attending the 1/2 day pre-school program and will even be getting services through the summer. This plan is in place for the next year. I guess then we will have another IEP meeting. I am so happy that he got into the pre-school program. I really think it is going top be good for him to be in school and away from me for a short time. I'm sure that it is going to be an adjustment for all of us, but I am so excited and can't wait to see him bloom into who he is.
Having my oldest start pre-school and hopefully getting better with his communication skills and social skills totally makes my Monday!
Amy
Having my oldest start pre-school and hopefully getting better with his communication skills and social skills totally makes my Monday!
Amy
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Public Preschool Eval
Michael turns 3 in about 3 weeks. This means he'll age out of early intervention.He still has a pretty huge speech delay so we are having him evaluated through the public school system. I know that he'll qualify for speech therapy, but I am also hoping along with speech, he'll get to go to the public preschool. I think that he'll benefit from the preschool program for his socialization skills. He is just starting to parallel play with others. He is just starting to be social rather than always being on the outskirts of things. I know that this is most likely just him being more introverted and shy, but I think that he needs to work on this skill and I think our EI group has really helped him with this. I also think that this will help his speech instead of just having speech therapy a couple of times a week. In 2 weeks, the school psychologist is coming out to our EI group to evaluate him. The next Monday, the day before he turns 3 we have his IEP meeting where we will discuss what the public school's assessment is and what the plan is. Thankfully our EI worker is going to the meeting with me. My step father is watching the other 2 so I can go to the meeting and hear what they have to say.
I really can't believe that Michael is going to be 3. It feel like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant with him. I was just looking at the picture on the top of this blog, for Halloween 2010, and from that short time, it looks as if he has become such a big boy. I can't believe how much he has changed. He has done so well in EI, but he really still needs loads of speech therapy. I really hope that the school feels the same way and he gets to go to preschool with in a week or so after he turns 3.
I am so looking forward to tomorrow, but I am actually a little nervous too. Any words of advice from others who have been there?
Amy
I really can't believe that Michael is going to be 3. It feel like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant with him. I was just looking at the picture on the top of this blog, for Halloween 2010, and from that short time, it looks as if he has become such a big boy. I can't believe how much he has changed. He has done so well in EI, but he really still needs loads of speech therapy. I really hope that the school feels the same way and he gets to go to preschool with in a week or so after he turns 3.
I am so looking forward to tomorrow, but I am actually a little nervous too. Any words of advice from others who have been there?
Amy
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Way Back When-esday
Once again I'm joining in with http://twinfatuation.blogspot.com/
I just interviewed for a job this week. I haven't worked since almost 2 years ago when I returned to work after a 3 month maternity leave with my first son. 2 years ago, I was hoping for time to slow down so that I could enjoy my time off. By the time I had returned to work July 2008, I was again pregnant and I knew it, I just didn't know that I was going to have twins or that I would only be at work for a total of 4 months before I was put on bed rest. Now here I am 2 years and 3 kids later still wanting for time to slow down, and not wanting to go back to work!
This is a picture of Michael 2 years ago at this time of year!
I just interviewed for a job this week. I haven't worked since almost 2 years ago when I returned to work after a 3 month maternity leave with my first son. 2 years ago, I was hoping for time to slow down so that I could enjoy my time off. By the time I had returned to work July 2008, I was again pregnant and I knew it, I just didn't know that I was going to have twins or that I would only be at work for a total of 4 months before I was put on bed rest. Now here I am 2 years and 3 kids later still wanting for time to slow down, and not wanting to go back to work!
This is a picture of Michael 2 years ago at this time of year!
May 21, 2008
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