Supportive and Nurturing ways to Socialising......

socialising the best way for the child
(picture from clipart)

The one thing I continually stress and worry about with A.J. is the interactions he has/doesn't have with his peers. Knowing how he still struggles with the correct verbal expression in relation to his conversation with others.

Without knowing the context of what is appropriate and expected verbal banter, having his own format of using unconventional conversation content for expressing his opinion and lifestyle, totally confusing and bewildering anyone not use to this form of interaction.

A child is a child first and foremost...

***please also read footnote***

While chatting over time with different clients, service providers, and more, I've noticed a pattern forming regarding the personal opinion and option preferred regarding the wording for the diagnosis terminology,

-whether it be - eg- "autistic person" or 
                          "person has/with autism"

Some will even become very pedantic or offended when hearing someone use the other preferred option.

I myself have used both at different times, and can say I have no preference.

Realistically we need to get back to basics and remember that we are all facing the same situations and should be as equally considerate to others as we want received back.

IEP and school progress......

knowing what they need is the first step,
the second is making sure they gain it.

The school called to set out an appointment for A.J.'s new IEP plan.

After having years of fearing these dreaded meetings, knowing I would be there alone facing a team of so called 'professionals' dictating their opinions of what was best for the school and what was expected from A.J. without accepting any input from me or for what was best for A.J. 

I would spend days correlating information and evidence of what would be best suited for A.J.'s needs, plus providing proof to why I would state their demands were unreasonable.

The emotional outcome of these meeting would leave me drained for days, and stressing about how I could better support my child through what should have been an enjoyable life experience.

Having Moments......

A.J. and our little Laura,
she's becoming so helpful  

Facing an emotional roller-coaster for any reason can be a hard thing to handle in normal situations, so when we add the sensory and anxiety issues our ASD kids face it becomes a whole different ballgame. 

Unfortunately today at school was one of those days for A.J. and the result was evident after picking him up in the afternoon.

The moment happened after trying to hold his emotions in check all day, then when finally making it to the safety of our car with someone he can trust to help out he had a relapse and lost emotional control.