It's All Okay

Just a mom blogging about life with an autistic child.

Name:
Location: Canada

I'm a stay at home mom with two boys. Patrick is my youngest and has ASD.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Unforgiving

"I don't accept their apology" he says loudly. "It was purpose."

How many times he's complained that the other children don't believe when he does things "by accident" and yet he's so unforgiving.

He's also turned into quite the little police officer. And he's loud and confrontational about it.

"HARVEY! WHY ARE YOU SITTING? STANDING FOR O CANADA!"

"BRIANNA! YOU SHOULDN'T PUT THAT IN YOUR MOUTH, IT'S GERMS!"

You get the idea.

We are patiently trying to explain to him that he's only responsible for himself. But how to get that message accross when half his class are little tattletales and he's often the target?

And I don't even think I want to get started on how loud and upset he gets if someone 'butts' in line ahead of him or takes his spot...

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Sensory Regulation

Patrick has been wearing a "superman vest" at school for short periods of time. It's basically a shirt that adjusts around his core and gives him a bit of a squeeze. Wonderful results were reported by all. Now, of course, it has to go back to where it was borrowed from. So I need to talk to the school about what their plan is. (my fault I havn't gotten in to talk to them)

In the meantime, anyone use anything like this? I've been looking online at items varying from scuba suits, underarmour, rash guard, etc. Trying to find something that he can wear under his shirt that will give him that same little squeeze. Also considering making something. Any material suggestions? Are there patterns out there for these sorts of things similar to the patterns available for weighted vests/blankets?

Friday, April 10, 2009

Happy Easter

A four day holiday weekend. Oh, yay! (Can anyone hear the sarcasm?)

With hubby away for work I'm the #1 go-to parent. Four days. Two kids. Hmmm.

Anyway, hope everyone has a happy weekend. The weather has finally made its way above freezing in these parts, so my master plan involves an awful lot of outdoor play. He can run around and scream as much as he wants...only the trees to hear him.

Oh, anyone else trying to limit chocolate consumption this weekend? Theirs, not mine. I tried really hard not to buy very much at all, to try and compensate for the well meaning family who feel the need to supplement.

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

The other shoe

Ok, not really. It's unrelated to good/bad days at school. But still, did I need strep in the house this week?

Or, as Patrick would say, he has 'bacteria in his froat'. He made sure to educate the pharmacist on bacterial vs viral infections and how the antibiotics fought the bacteria. She was amused, I'm sure.

And, lucky us, he likes the 'pink' taste.

Monday, April 06, 2009

Waiting for the other shoe to drop

Why do I do that to myself? Can't I just be happy everyone had a good day??

Great day. Super day. Saw some amazing social reciprocity going on at school. Doctor checkups that went really, really well.

I try to be an optimist. I do.

On a side note, I realise my attempts at daily blogging will be boring for a while. I'm hoping once I'm in the habit I'll be able to actually think of something to say!

Friday, April 03, 2009

April Fools

This is going to sound mean but it was really, really, funny.

I told you about the meeting Wed night that Patrick went to alone. Well, halfway through one of the leaders came out with this serious look on his face and said "Can you give us some help in here?". So I go running in(thinking he's in a fight or melting down in the corner or something) and as I pass the doorway they all (the leaders ) turn to me and yell "April Fools". So I made some parting comment and went back out to the other parents.

Then I thought about it for a minute and burst out laughing. They really got me. They said they did it because I looked so stressed sitting out there wondering how it was going, etc. They did ask later if I was upset and of course I reassured them that I thought it was funny.

Got me!

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Boy Scouts

Patrick's worker can't come to Beavers with him this week. I think I'm going to send him without support and see what happens. The parents sit just outside in the foyer so I'd be there if he needed me but....I'm thinking this might be a good time to see what happens. Honestly, the only reason I send her is to protect him from all the "normal" kids in there who can't seem to behave to save their lives. The main leader has always encouraged me to just send him.

Also, teacher interviews are next week. I think I know what they're going to say but I suppose there could always be a surprise in there somewhere. Patrick is doing very well academically and the social stuff I know all about. I think she might mention again that Patrick hasn't been hearing everything she's saying. I know it's possible he's just tuning her out but it can't hurt to get his hearing tested just in case. Hmmm, not sure how that will go. Well, maybe if the tester is really understanding about the fact that his receptive language isn't so great yet...