Onwards and Upwards….. 2017 has already taken hold.

A.J.'s positivity shines through
to many people he meets

I haven't written any 'life postings' for a while, as I busily set up new school routines, and head into new and exciting projects with the ASD Support activities I have prepared to make available to our locals.

The extreme heat over summer has also put a holt to many plans, as I dealt with health issues caused in some ways by those dramatic conditions.

We've had such a busy last few weeks, with the back-to-school routine schedules.

A.J.'s happily settling in, confronted with his many new activities and subjects, he was still able to cope extremely well.

Remembering his diagnosis - Autism Spectrum Disorder - DSM 5 - level 2

He is very highly intelligent, academically, although socially and emotionally etc he is still very delayed,

Many of the areas needing support and assistance relate to his Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety, and OCD, although his Scoliosis may also become aggravated after a day of climbing stairs, physical sport/PE, etc.

This year sees A.J. in year 9, he was pleased to see his choices for subject electives chosen last year were selected, his preference coming from a vision of being a lawyer, although thinking he may like the possibility of a psychologist.

A.J. is a very observant child who loves the main concept of learning, soaking up all forms of knowledge like a sponge.

Helping and encouraging his dream is our no.1 priority, and we'll do anything to guide him head onto the right path.

This year we have already noticed his excitement when gaining new information, wanting to share his passion to anyone who will listen, it's very exciting and inspiring.

A.J. still struggles with certain concepts, especially around doing "homework" at home - as all school requirements should only be done at school, leaving him time for "his important things" at home.

We never know how things may turn out, regardless of the lengths we take to try and assure the right outcome, so making allowances for their mental health, and catering to childhood enjoyment time, is still very important as well.

This being said, he still needs to understand the process of his education, and other areas, still need to be addressed and dealt with.

Having the chance to access supports that can help in these areas is very important, and with A.J.'s inclusion into the NDIS we have opened the opportunities, although with each step into the process he questions and resists the change it will bring, causing a new set of issues to address and deal with.

His anxiety went into full-swing delaying some of the programs beginning when first planned. Now he questions the validity of him needing to continue. All prime examples of his reasoning to avoiding change.

Regardless we forward on, hoping something, anything, will help take a little stress away, to help him focus and progress, step by step.

It's still not easy for anyone, we all have our 'moments' like any other family,

Sometimes I even 'lose it' a bit, although A.J. believes my version is a comedy show of sorts, and can only laugh, settling down the moment, or will just begin a normal conversation as though nothing had ever happened.

Bringing on new moments and new beginnings.

That's what it's all about - Moving forward.