Need a Vacation after our Vacation

Well, as you may have noticed I have not posted in awhile.  We were on vacation with Austin's grandparents.  Wish I could say it was an awesome break away from real life...the thing about real life is that it follows wherever you go.  We did have wonderful moments that created forever memories which we will treasure, but that was among the meltdowns and sensory overloads.  Thankfully we were somewhat prepared with his noise canceling headphones and his favorite games.  It's funny I never would have imagined that I would need to be sure and pack my 13 year old son's favorite pillow with us in order for him to sleep, or the he wouldn't want to be in the "cool" pool with the water slide but rather in the quiet pool.  Although even I appreciated that part!!  Our 10 year old daughter was amazing she did not get upset about the breaks that were needed or the fact that he would want to eat the same foods everyday.  We did really enjoy watching both of their faces when we ate at a Japanese restaurant where they prepare the food on the grill in front of you!  That was fun!!  After the long 10 days I was not only ready for my own bed to sleep in but a vacation from our vacation.  Maybe one of the days Jimmy and I will plan an adult only get away.  But for now it's back to reality and preparing for the Holiday season.   Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we are very thankful for all of you. 

Emotionally Drained

Well our meeting today with Austin's IEP team went over by an hour, although that was needed.  So thankful for our advocate Larry Davis.  He was able to put into words what we have been trying to say for a long time.  Austin is not thriving in this school setting and it needs to be reevaluated.  No matter how much I try to keep the tears back I can't seem to hold them in during these meetings.  I just want to say to the team, if this was your child what would you be doing?  We want what is best for our son and that may not be in this school.  Don't get me wrong they are trying and they have tried but it isn't working for him.  Our daughter will be there next year and for her the school will be great.  For Austin it is like walking into a combat zone, he can't block out all of the sensory inputs and concentrate on his work.  I think that they are finally starting to see this.  Very small baby steps forward.  We have another meeting on the 1st of December to discuss evaluation options and what needs to be done for Austin.  I am praying that we can all come together to find a fit for him so that he can start being proud of himself again. 

IEP Meeting at the School Tomorrow

Well, I am sitting here typing this and praying at the same time that my stomach settles down.  Every time we have a meeting with the team at Austin's school my stomach is in knots until it's over.  This time especially.  I am not sure what to expect, I do know that our advocate that we hired will not be there in person but will be on conference call with us.  I can't explain what a relief it is having someone else on your side that truly understands what Austin's specific needs at school are.  He has so many different things to factor in, Asperger's, ADHD, Anxiety and his learning disability that it is very difficult for the school to accommodate all of his needs.  We understand this but also know that we have to make sure he is getting the education that he deserves.  I will be sure to post tomorrow to let you all know how it went.

Pray for us.

Medicine causing side effects

Well yesterday at Austin's appointment we found out that he has gained 10 pounds in 2 months...not good news and we are concerned that this could potentially go into diabetes.  But we know that taking him off of the medicine that is increasing his appetite is not an option, we tried that and it did not go well.  Major meltdowns and mood swings.  So our only options are to force exercise and most likely he will have to take another med that will help with controlling the insulin concern.  I hate having him on so many medications!  He also needs another blood draw to make sure he isn't diabetic already.  These are never easy for kids let lone ones with major sensory issues and anxiety.  Hopefully I will be brave enough for both of us.  Please send positive thoughts our way.  Thanks.

Full Time Job

Being Austin's Mom is a full time job, and sometimes I feel like I should be fired lol.  Take today for instance.  I have been so focused on the fundraising for the service dog this last week that I have forgotten to check online to see his grades at school etc.  Well that was a big whoops, he is failing 3 classes.  I am not quite sure how that happened seeing as no one has let us know this was happening.  So I have been emailing his advocate and his IEP team all day scheduling a meeting.  We will be meeting Thursday afternoon to discuss the many changes that were supposed to take place at school for Austin, see what is working and what is not working.  How to make school a more successful place for him.  Meanwhile I am planning the Holiday Sing a Long fundraiser at our church.  We also have an appointment with Dr. Kwon today to follow up on Austin's meds to see how they are working and get refills. 

I work 7 days a week and I am on call 24 hours a day.  I even work holidays!  It might sound to you like I am complaining but really I am just trying to open the world's eyes to what it is like to be a parent of a child with special needs.  I have to fight hard to keep a good relationship with my daughter Grace too,  enjoying the role of assistant leader for her Girl Scout troop and getting to take her to her piano lessons each week and listen to her amazing talent as she learns. ( she has something I never had when I tried to learn piano, a good ear!) 

At the end of the day I would not change a thing about my family.  I am blessed to have married my best friend, and God gave us 2 wonderfully unique children.  I love them with all of my heart.

So as a right now we are not hiring and hopefully we never will. ;o)

Changing Back the Clock

Setting the clocks back an hour sticks.  Throws off our entire week.  I am already not a morning person, by the way neither is Austin and this just makes it worse.  Adjusting for the next week or so will be trying.  I hope you all had a great weekend and that continues into the week ahead.

Great Day!

Austin had an AWESOME day today!!  It is the 1st day in a very long time with not a single meltdown, even at school.  We celebrated with his favorite Domino's Pizza and then some DQ for dessert. 

Not only that but today our story was published in the local Auburn Reporter that comes out tomorrow and the story can also be seen online!!  We are spreading the word about our fundraising efforts and slowly getting closer to our goal.  Here is a link to the article so you can read it.

http://www.auburn-reporter.com/community/133122863.html

 

Stop Flipping the Switch

Ever feel like some people work on a light switch?  That is how I feel sometimes with Austin.  He can be happily playing and then the next thing you know he is in a full meltdown.  Of course what makes it even more difficult is that he doesn't have the skills needed to tell you exactly what is wrong.  It can take either a few minutes of deep pressure or he may need the full treatment, that is what I think of it as.  Meaning I turn off the lights in the room, make sure it's quiet and then the deep pressure.  Then if it was a short episode he can "switch" back to a good mood, or if it was a full one he usually is tired and wiped out.  All of this of course takes place at any time, for instance tonight we were hoping to run a few errands, when this occurs we have to change our plans to fit for Austin.  At these times I just want to say will someone please stop flipping the switch.

One of our many blessings with Austin is that he does love hugs, it's a great form of the deep pressure he craves and gives the best hugs ever.  He even likes hugs from his sister, she gives them to him when he needs them but other than that it's yuck. Lol.  Tonight she even helped with his deep pressure.  Grace is awesome with him.

Keep sharing!