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Pete the Cat Logic

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  Discussion of topics to build awareness, increase knowledge-base, and ultimately assist in conquering the challenges of being special parents of kids with special needs, such as those with autism or adhd.      T o my disappointment, my son was not interested in books at all for a long time.  I was very well aware of the importance of reading to your child daily, and I wanted to do it.  It made me happy to think about sitting with him in my lap and reading to him.  But, as I stated, he was not interested.  He pulled the book out of my hands, tried to turn the pages after I'd read only two or three words, would rip the pages instead of turn them, or would just look anywhere and everywhere besides at the pages in the book.  It seemed he could not focus long enough to appreciate what I was reading about.     My dad had actually bought a book for my son when he was a young toddler.  This was not surprising to me because my dad regularly read books to me every night when I was a little
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Celebrating A Goal Reached

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  Discussion of topics to build awareness, increase knowledge-base, and ultimately assist in conquering the challenges of being special parents of kids with special needs, such as those with autism or adhd.     G oals have to be set to make progress.  Without a doubt, I want my son to make progress.  But I have to admit, I have often felt hesitant to set a goal and work with him to attain it.  Much like I fear my own failure, I fear his failure.  I have been afraid to try because, 'what if we are never able to do it?'  Pitiful, I know, but honestly, the fear is real.  Fortunately, with parental shame as a catalyst along with a sense of parental responsibility that is stronger than my fear, I am able to muster up some courage to do what needs to be done.  One does not need to start with astronomical goals.  Starting with small goals is even better because they serve as stepping stones to reaching larger goals.     One of the most recent goals I have set is to teach my son, now
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Watch the Shenanigans of the School

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  Discussion of topics to build awareness, increase knowledge-base, and ultimately assist in conquering the challenges of being special parents of kids with special needs, such as those with autism or adhd.      S o, there came a point in time (back in mid November of 2022) when my son was doing good with his reduced hour schedule at school and his teacher had to be out for a few days in a row.  His teacher was kind enough to message me to let me know in advance about her impending absence.  She said that the paraprofessionals, who were relatively new to her classroom, would still be there.  Also, a more seasoned para who had previously worked with my son, but who had recently transferred to another position at the school, would also 'be around' to help out if needed.  Everything seemed to be in order.     Well, on the very first day of his teacher's absence, when I arrived to pick my son up, he was already in the office with an administrator.  Mind you, for the entire prev
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Fun Time On Break

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  Discussion of topics to build awareness, increase knowledge-base, and ultimately assist in conquering the challenges of being special parents of kids with special needs, such as those with autism or adhd.     M y baby and I had the best time over the holiday break.  I love being able to do productive things with him.  Although, I sometimes have to be careful that I'm not depriving him of a variety of activities because I'm simply afraid of accepting the challenges that come with having a child with special needs.  Yes, he requires more help to do things.  Yes, I may have more to clean up.  Yes, I may have to put more thought into planning appropriate activities.  But when I see him enjoying himself, learning something, strengthening his abilities, and building some confidence and self-esteem it is worth it for me to take on the challenges.  He was home with me for 2 weeks.     First, I decided to have us make some simple bird feeders.  It was super easy to do.  All we needed
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Now We're Getting Somewhere!

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  Discussion of topics to build awareness, increase knowledge-base, and ultimately assist in conquering the challenges of being special parents of kids with special needs, such as those with autism or adhd.         I am so happy to be able to provide this update. My son's behavior at school has changed trajectory remarkably.  Back in October, I think my hair was about to fall out from the stress and grief I experienced.  Back then, my son was being aggressive with other students, the teacher, and the paraprofessionals in his kindergarten special education class.  He was not completing any work.  On one occasion, he had damaged school property.  The day before a scheduled IEP meeting, my son was suspended from school for one day.  He was definitely crashing and burning, in great need of an intervention.     That intervention (outside of what I was doing at home) included requesting a Functional Behavior Assessment on him.  Also, it included him having a reduced school schedule.  O
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