Monday, November 3, 2008
An Asperger's Blog on My Horizon?
If I had to guess, I'd say it's a definite. A week ago today my son was diagnosed by a child psychologist with PDD-NOS and signs of Asperger's. I don't know if he could have both, or if she couldn't decide what he had. These are disorders that fall under the spectrum of autism. Asperger's is like a high-functioning autism, but when she examined my son she suggested he might actually be more on the autistic side. I really didn't expect to hear her say that. I'm not sure I buy it either.
After reading up on Asperger's I truly believe this is the correct diagnosis. The PDD-NOS is like a non-specified type of diagnosis and I'm still trying to get a feel for how he may or may not fit into that diagnosis appropriately.
In any case, many of you know I've had an ongoing struggle with me 7 year old son for a very long time. Actually, things have always been a struggle. He's like having 2 children, sometimes 3. He's a handful!
What does this mean for our homeschool? It might actually be the nail in the coffin. I don't know this for fact just yet, but there's a very good chance he'll either be in school part-time or full-time next semester. If I could have it my way, he'd only start half days just to get acclimated. It's been suggested by countless people that he go to school. That he needs a lot of therapy that he cannot get at home. Therapy we can't afford outside of the school system. I could use a lot of prayer about this. Seriously, this would be a huge change for our family.
I want what is best for my son, but sometimes it's hard to know what that is. Especially when he's now been labeled special needs. We can't give him everything he needs here and I do recognize that. He needs speech therapy, occupational therapy, likely physical therapy, and the list goes on. Fortunately we live in a wonderful school district that excells with special needs children. So, while I hate the idea of public school, I am willing to consider that at least for a couple years it might be the right answer.
I'll keep you all posted.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Please do keep us posted on this new journey for YOU!
Wendy, I would not know what I'd do in your position either. I think I'd feel the same and I have a cousin whose child is special needs and is doing really well with the therapy given her. She's never homeschooled before, my cousin, but I know if she had been when she found out, she'd make the best decision she could based on all the facts, and of course, through answer of much prayer.
HUGS to you, Wendy. I wish I could be of more help...other than to know I have a friend who works with special needs/family therapy in a nearby school district. He knows a lot about this area but I can also say although he's always supported us in our endeavor to homeschool, he's not been big on the idea (i,e. ~encouraged~) ANY homeschooling for anyone).
If you'd like, I would gladly share with you his online link. :)
Many thoughts and prayers to you!
Amy
Bless your heart, Wendy! I understand your journey. Our youngest son was born with multiple disabilities including CP and OCD. Though he hasn't been officially diagnosed with autism, I sometimes think he exhibits symptoms of it as well. I feel blessed to have been able to continue to homeschool but I have been able to get occupational and physical therapy at no cost to our family.
I know what turmoil you must be going through right now. But just keep praying for the Lord's guidance and you'll make the right decision for your son and your family as a whole. The Lord will keep you in perfect peace.
I'll be praying for you as well.
Lea
Your story sounds so very similiar to ours. Our son was finally diagnosed on Nov. 3. We always knew he was a bit different from other kids his age. By the time I made the appointment with the Ped. Dev. Specialist I was aware he exhibited signs of Asperger's Disorder. It wasn't a suprise, but it took 4 years for me to be ready to test him.
Homeschooling really has been a blessing for us. It gives my son the ability to work independantly and not have to conform to classroom learning expectations. He has fine and gross motor skill delays that make writing difficult (and he hates it). Being at home allows him to use the keyboard more and find creative ways to express himself that wouldn't be allowed in school. Of course we also live in Idaho and although our special ed teachers are amazing they can only do so much with the money allocated to the program. There are never enough SLPs and OTs in the schools. Every one who does work in our public schools deserves a great big hug and a raise. They work miracles every day. We do access therapy through the school but pursue academics at home.
When Chris was in Kindergarden (public school) we spent as much time doing homework as he spent in school every day. It was horrid! If we were to go back to the school system I'd address the amount of homework he should be required to do in his IEP. You have a lot of power in helping develop the IEP. Don't ever forget that you can ask for revisions mid-year too. If you find that something in the school just is not working for you ask in writing for an IEP meeting and hammer out the issue. I made a mistake in filling our entire evening with homework (for a 6 year old). Now I realize that I could have asked for other homework options that would have been completed within a more age appropriate timeframe.
Sorry to take up so much room in your comments! Good luck!
I will pray for you. I have a son who has autism.He is low-functioning.I was blessed with a Dr. who gave valuable information.Referrals for testing or anything else my son needed.We got him on SSI due to his autism. And i homeschooled for a few years. Found therepist some came to the home.While he was homeschooled he got more therapy. I wish you the best.
Post a Comment