Coping with Change......

Coping with change……

Our precious children struggle to cope with change, no matter how simple or extreme.

I have noted in a post highlighting the issues within the school environment.  https://sites.google.com/site/lithgownannastouch/lithgow-support-group/4--transitions-changes

Issues can also occur in the home, while changes may be a little more subtle these issues can still have a major impact for them.

It could be caused by a simple loss of an item; just recently A.J.’s android tablet was damaged unable to be fixed, this was for some time now his sole existence, especially during high anxiety or sensory moments needing to self-regulate his emotions, he would sink into his alternate world, calming him.

Now the journey begins to find a replacement.

It is also a pair of shoes, sandals that were his favourite for comfort and whatever simple reason he felt was important.

High Expectations……

Do not STARE at me because I am different
......LOOK at me as a person,
Do not JUDGE me if you don't know me
.....SPEAK to me and learn about who I am,
Do not CRITICISE what you do not know
EDUCATE yourself to the differences of others.

How is it, that society has such high expectations for ‘children’ in general?

Adults can have a “moment”, an “Off day” or “temper-tantrum”, as such, when things don’t go their way, yet a child, any child, still coming to terms with the continual changes within themselves, and the environment around them, are required to be perfect reflections of their adult counterpart’s expectations.

Then when adding to the mix, those little quirky mannerisms our special little one’s can display when expressing themselves, uncontrollable and unexpectedly, many on the outside are shocked and horrified by the display of what they say is ‘unsatisfactory behaviour’.

We're Finally Here......

All of our story posts to date have been a review of A.J.’s history, how he came to live with us (his Nanna and Poppy), why he received a late Autism diagnosis, and most of all the experiences we have faced during his educational journey. 

The reason A.J.’s history is so hard to fathom, even now so long after the events, from being removed from his mother’s care due to her drug related issues and neglect, factors that are still so raw for us all today, facing the realisation of being left in an unimaginable situation by those that knew and turned a blind eye, until we were notified to take care of him.

Faced with the reality of our life, so many are stunned and speechless to fathom the extent of the situation, questioning why we would go down this path at all, or at minimal how do we do it. It was never a question to us.

‘Family is Family’ regardless and any innocent child deserves the very best chance for a normal life……It’s that simple!!! 

The Outcome.

(Chapter 13)…

For the first time in a long I am stumped and motionless…

I have been running on some form of adrenalin for so long, always at the ready to solve the latest in the long line of repeated issues and problems, and when I thought I had a chance of seeing a “light at the end of the tunnel” perspective it all came crashing down and crushed everything we had worked so hard to achieve over the past 10+ years

To be honest I’m amazed that we have actually made it to this point still intact.

Losing the Fighting Spirit.

(chapter12)…

This new-year is the start of A.J.’s 5th grade school year, heading towards the final chapter of primary school life, with two years to go, I felt it important to consider the path into his secondary education.

At the start of A.J.’s educational journey I chose the school specifically for personal and security factors and I definitely choose to stay where we are to gain those needs educationally.

This decision was strengthened due to the high school A.J. will be attending.

Although I now understand this decision put us in the difficult situation of being unable to access the total support services for his needs; I felt the smaller, more personal school environment, would benefit him, believing all schools should have systems in place to cater for the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or any special needs. 

the High's and Low's.

(chapter 11)…

School holiday time has arrived yet again; facing the prospect of what type of things we could do? I would love so much to plan a great get-away for A.J. and us, although unfortunately the reality is that it’s not possible. So we are hopefully going to arrange a few day outings to break the monotony!

Poppy has planned to set up the new trampoline that we have purchase with the hopes of helping with over-stimulation issues. This was suggested by his O.T.

Planning out each day and working to keep A.J.’s rigid routine in place, as the ‘relaxed state’ he so easily settles into can become a struggle to keep school routine mode.

Connecting Education and Autism.

(chapter 10)…

We cover many experiences in the unchartered pathway that connects education with Autism, as this is where most of the issues arise.

It can be difficult for any child, ready or not, to gain a totally stress-free transition when entering the door to Education, confronting the unknown entity of school life.

After having ushered my own 3 children through the life-path journey of their school experiences, I never once sat down and really looked at the big picture. The fact that as a parent, being solely responsible for raising our children in the secure, nurturing, safe, loving, environment of our home for a total of 5 years we then push them straight out the door into the arms of complete STRANGERS. People that we will take for granted to be of high morale, tender caring, protective giving, that can be trusted to take over the role of educator and so much more to our most precious of possessions, for the next 13 plus years!

Knowing that these people have dedicated a lot to achieve the gift of becoming a teacher and educator, we therefore subconsciously are comfortable with the fact that our children’s journey will go from beginning to end quite smoothly with no issues, worries or concerns.