July 8, 2020
Posted in Life's Little Moments, My Take on Autism tagged autism, autism acceptance, autism awareness at 7:05 am by autismmommytherapist
My eldest son is giggling fiercely, entranced by the 3D tour of Universal Studios I’ve googled for him on our computer. He sees the Hagrid Motorcycle ride and gives me the briefest of glances, and I smile and acknowledge that yes, we’ve been on that together. The video is a good twenty minutes long, and I know that afterwards he will amuse himself with other similar fare, and doesn’t need me anymore to orchestrate his entertainment. Every year he grows more and more independent, small steps away from us doing so much for him.
It is a joy to witness.
Something interesting has happened during this long lockdown. For years I have been working on fostering independence with self-help skills and chores with Justin, and while we’ve made progress, it’s been incremental. These last few months I’ve been seeing a subtle shift in his willingness to do more on his own. I’ve seen it in how he dresses himself in the morning, or bathes himself in the shower at night. It’s taking less nudging for me to get him to use a fork at meals. He’s putting his clothes away at night with less prompting. And I have to say, most importantly, he’s been so compliant with me as I’ve put him through his paces with school, having him do chores, worksheets, and work on the computer since his school shut down.
I think the shift has to do with the world slowing down, and us being able to focus on the task at hand without having to rush off to do something else.
Justin will never be completely independent of us. This remains, and will always remain, a bitter pill for me to swallow. My boy was diagnosed with autism at the tender age of seventeen months, which was quite an unusual age in 2004. I then threw myself into doing therapy with him for the next year-and-a-half because Virginia did not provide ABA therapy or recognize an autism diagnosis at that time. My goal was for him to reside at the milder end of the autism spectrum, and ultimately to gain independence from us.
My son will never recognize either goal.
I wish I could change that about his life trajectory. I know some people would say that wish would change him fundamentally and it’s wrong, but I disagree. At the core of who he is Justin is a kind loving soul- that would not change if his degree of autism shifted. I would prefer to leave this earth knowing my child could fend for himself when I’m gone, was not reliant for his lifetime on individuals who won’t even be born when I leave this earth.
I can’t change the fact that he will often remain dependent on others. But I can do all I can to help him do for himself as much as possible.
The knowledge that my kind, brave son can still make progress with patience and practice keeps me going. Knowing that if his parents and his teachers keep working with him he will acquire more skills, which will make things easier on the people who will care for him when his dad and I are gone, is a gift. Realizing that this beautiful boy, who gave me my most important and life-changing role seventeen years ago, will continue to grow and be happy gives me hope.
I know we can continue to grow together.
And at least during this difficult period of quarantine, I can say the two of us have been able to do just that.
Follow me on Facebook at Autism Mommy-Therapist
Permalink
June 24, 2020
Posted in AMT's Faves, Fun Stuff, Life's Little Moments tagged autism, autism acceptance, autism awareness, Father's Day at 10:50 am by autismmommytherapist
Dear Jeff,
It is seventeen years ago last month that you became a Dad. And while up until then I’d done most of the work, that dynamic changed the moment your first son came into the world.
My friends had told me to give you a couple of jobs (middle of the night feeding being a favorite), just so you had “ownership” of something related to our boy.
It wasn’t necessary. You’ve been there for him, and for me, every step of the way.
I know things haven’t turned out exactly how we planned. Somewhere in a parallel universe we still live in Washington, DC, we both work, and our two kids, two years apart, are a teen and a tween respectively and driving us crazy with their backtalk (okay, that still applies to one of our kids). Nowhere in “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” was there anything about sleepless nights for a year, reflux that just wouldn’t quit, a general extreme crankiness that defied all logic (that often extended to us too), and a penchant for spinning things that also defied logic (and often gravity).
I know there have been days with Justin that have just completely broken your heart.
And yet, you never give up trying to give our son, and our family, the best life possible.
When our boy was diagnosed at the tender age of seventeen months and we found out Early Intervention in Virginia is a travesty at best, you figured out a way for me to quit my job and do dozens of hours of therapy with him until he could start school. When we realized the school program wouldn’t be right for him (and I began to burn out on ABA) you figured out a way for us to move to Jersey, a chance to give our boy some amazing therapists, a great school program, and proximity to relatives and friends who could help.
I truly don’t know how we would have made it those first few years without that bold move.
We’ve had so many decisions to make over the years, some of them soul-suckingly hard. Where to live. What school placement to put him in. What ancillary therapies to provide him. What medications to try, and try again. Which doctors to take him to for first, second and third opinions. Whether or not to have another child (we did, and happy to say, it worked out). Hell, just for dealing with our insurance companies you deserve a medal.
You’ve been there to help me with all of them.
You have listened when I poured my heart out to you about my quandaries around inclusion, my desire to give him a hobby other than technology, my drive to take him out into the community even when it wasn’t pleasant. You have held my hand when I’ve had to let many of our dreams for Justin go, and helped me rally to remember all the good things he has in his limited, but generally happy life.
You have been my sounding board, my sanity, my friend.
Perhaps most importantly, you learned how to be a part of Justin’s world, meeting him on his terms, which has forged such a close bond between the two of you. He loves when you echo his favorite lines from “Up,” adores when you scratch his face with your five o’clock shadow, treasures those moments of “snuggle time” on the couch.
He loves you, truly and deeply, with a connection forged in your relentless pursuit to bond with him.
He is one lucky boy.
I am one lucky wife.
From Zach, Justin and myself, Happy Father’s Day my love.
Follow me on Facebook at Autism Mommy-Therapist
Permalink
June 11, 2020
Posted in AMT's Faves, Life's Little Moments, My Take on Autism tagged Coronavirus, Veterans Memorial Middle School at 10:48 am by autismmommytherapist
To Mrs. Kotsianis, Mr. Carr, Mr. Walski, Mr. Richards, Mr. Calabro, Mrs. Bearse, Mrs. Wnuk, Mrs. Detata, Mrs. Fallon, Mrs. Foley, Mrs. Dunne, Mrs. Hansen, Mrs. Reilly, Mr. Lafferty, Mr. Schnorrbusch, Mrs. Curran, and Mrs. Sammarco:
Last year I wrote a glowing homage to all of Zach’s sixth grade teachers, praising them for their creativity and attentiveness to him. I closed with the wish that his seventh grade teachers would mirror their excellence.
I have to say that for once, my dream came true.
I feel like there will now be a great divide in all of our lives, our time before Coronavirus, and after. I know some things have changed in my family. As horrible as this all is I find we are laughing more, sleeping more, and when not thinking about what’s happening “out there” are more relaxed than during our usual frenetic pace. There are definitely some “befores” and “afters” now, with notable changes.
One thing that hasn’t changed has been the quality of Zach’s instruction, and for that I am truly grateful.
Before we all self-quarantined I had been thrilled with Zach’s new batch of teachers, and the retention of some from sixth grade. They somehow managed to make middle school fun, treated my son with respect and compassion, were always accessible for any questions, and made Zach want to learn.
No small feat with a burgeoning teen.
When I picked Zach up on March 13th I can’t say I knew he wouldn’t return this year. I can say as a former educator I knew what a Herculean task it would be to create even adequate online instruction practically overnight.
And yet, all of his teachers rose to the occasion. Online learning was up and running three days later after one (I’m assuming) very long staff meeting. Certainly, it is not the same as in-school instruction. Yet I feel that Zach is still learning, acquiring concepts, and mastering skills. He still feels connected to his teachers. He is still making progress.
And as I listened to other friends’ woes about their districts’ issues in the following weeks, I knew just how lucky we were once again in regards to Zach’s education.
This year is certainly ending differently than any other year in Zach’s educational career. It is so sad that none of you got to say goodbye to “your kids.” I remember when I left my fifth graders six weeks early to have my first child how heartwrenching it was not to finish with them- the sobbing wasn’t just the hormones. They are definitely missing out on some special events both with other students and staff. It’s sad, and we’re allowed to mourn.
But thanks to your collective commitment to excellence, your constant creativity, and your compassion for all those you teach, my son and others in his class will not only not fall behind, but will be ready to conquer eighth grade in whatever form it takes. Zach will be prepared for whatever challenges befall him, and given the world climate, I am confident there will be many.
Thank you to all of you for your kindness towards my boy. We truly appreciate you!
Follow me on Facebook at Autism Mommy-Therapist
Permalink
May 25, 2020
Posted in AMT's Faves, Life's Little Moments, My Take on Autism tagged autism, autism acceptance, autism awareness, Covid-19 at 7:10 am by autismmommytherapist
Dear Justin’s teachers,
It would be the understatement of the year to say we miss you.
It’s been ten weeks now of home instruction, and while I feel extremely grateful to say it’s gone well, I know having his mom teach him is no replacement for all of your expertise. The fact that he lets me lead him around the house to do various tasks is not nearly as much a testament to my teaching prowess as it is to the landscape of learning you’ve laid down for him since he was seven, inculcating a love of learning and a willingness to be taught that I could never have inspired here.
Have I mentioned we miss you?
As usual, as soon as school closed you had a plan, and instruction started the first day Justin no longer had the option to physically attend school. You quickly implemented Zoom meetings which always elicit at least a few smiles from my boy when he sees you (and smiles from me when it works), and with your excellent instructions I’ve seen my boy make progress. To my delight I can’t say he’s regressed in any area so far.
May that remain the truth.
The support from all of you has been incredible. The fact that my son can still get excellent ABA services, speech therapy, occupational therapy and PE while a global pandemic is going on is phenomenal. And while I am fully aware that all of you do a much better job than me, I still feel like he’s moving forward and acquiring skills.
I even dare say he’s enjoying it.
I’ve learned a lot about my son these last two-and-a-half months. I’ve completely shed my fears that he’d be miserable at home if there’s a significant gap between graduation and a day program years from now. I’ve learned that my son likes long walks, and won’t try to get into the car to go somewhere a lot more fun than his house. I’ve realized that my boy, who is at the cusp of adulthood, a still-child who has had significant behavioral struggles in the past, is yet again that inherently happy soul I knew in his youth.
And so much of that peace, that contentment, those rare smiles that undo me, is because of all of you and your hard work with him this decade past.
I don’t know when he’ll return to you. But I do know this.
With all of your help, hopefully I will be sending you back an almost- man who’s made progress with self-help skills.
And with luck, I will be returning a student who’s improved academically, with his love of learning intact.
I am confident I will be giving back a child who is infinitely happier seeing his teachers in person than seeing them on a screen.
Thank you for all you’ve done for him and all your students this year, and every year past. We can’t wait until this is over, but in the meantime, thankfully, we’re okay.
We hope to see you soon!
Follow me on Facebook at Autism Mommy-Therapist
Permalink
May 10, 2020
Posted in Life's Little Moments, My Take on Autism tagged autism, autism acceptance, autism awareness, Mother's Day at 10:36 am by autismmommytherapist
Oh, what an interesting Mother’s Day this will be.
Normally, there is a lot of pageantry surrounding Mother’s Day in this house, as I consider it to be a high holiday. In years past there have been scavenger hunts conducted by my youngest, and homemade cards galore. There is always at least one meal I don’t have to cook (yay!), a few gifts, and a general air that I am queen for a day. My youngest and I usually go to church, followed up by a family trip to Great Adventure. Top that off with a visit from Grandma to celebrate, and Mother’s Day has always been a special event chez McCafferty.
This year, of course, will be different.
Hopefully the not cooking one meal will stand (a girl must have her dreams). My youngest is now way too old for scavenger hunts, and Great Adventure along with everything else in the world is closed.
If there is a Grandma sighting, it will be with her masked and waving from the driveway.
No, Mother’s Day won’t resemble anything like our usual celebrations.
But cherish it I will.
Seventeen years ago this month my beautiful son Justin made me a mom. I hoped for healthy and happy, and secretly wished he’d love to read and go to the beach as much as I do.
For short periods, he likes to do both.
I can tell you that almost none of what I envisioned for his life trajectory has come to pass, nor will happen. I envisioned playdates and driver’s licenses. Prom, college, and maybe grandkids before I was ancient.
The truth is, absolutely none of this is going to happen.
I won’t tell you it doesn’t matter. But what I will tell you is that my boy and I have been able to forge an unbreakable bond of love and trust I wouldn’t trade for the world. He has taught me patience and tenacity in spades. I love him to the moon and back.
Thirteen years ago my incredible son Zach completed our family. He has taught me to look at the world in unique ways, to perservere, and to love Marvel movies with all my heart. My youngest will have more of a “traditional” life, whatever form that takes.
And I can’t wait to see what form that takes.
The truth is, I have many roles in this world, but the one of mom has been my calling. I couldn’t ask for better sons.
I will fight for your happiness with my last breath.
I will always be your champion and ally.
I love you both so much.
Thank you for making me a mom!
Follow me on Facebook at Autism Mommy-Therapist
Permalink
May 2, 2020
Posted in Life's Little Moments, My Take on Autism tagged autism, autism acceptance, autism awareness, Coronavirus at 6:43 am by autismmommytherapist
Week Six of homeschooling complete. We have survived.
The weeks have gone smoothly with my middle schooler. He is so used to doing assignments in Google Classroom that there’s been barely a hitch all these weeks, and his schoolwork has kept him busy on average about four hours a day. This left me ample time to monitor my severely autistic teenager, who has been an absolute champ at rotating through stations in my house where we do work.
By the end of the first week of homeschooling I’d received lesson plans for Justin that went into full force. Doing ABA, speech, OT and PT has been a bit challenging, but has revived skills I used with Justin many years ago. Ironically we’ve gone “Circle of Life” here because sixteen years ago I spent almost a year-and-a-half as his ABA teacher. We lived in Virginia then, which offered me scant hours of speech and OT, and no hours of core autism therapy. I got trained in the practice of ABA and worked with him about six hours a day until we moved to New Jersey and within weeks had more than thirty hours of instruction weekly in our home. No matter how challenging the coming months may be instructing Justin, nothing will ever compare to that period where I daily felt desperate that I wasn’t doing enough or doing it right. Whatever Justin gets out of this, he will be fine.
And I will be fine too.
It is an understatement to say it is not easy to homeschool your own child (homeschooling moms and dads everywhere, I salute you!). The first week I saw posts on Facebook by incredibly strong moms who were brought to their knees by 10:00 on the second day. I taught fourth, fifth and sixth grade for twelve years in DC and Virginia, and I can honestly tell you that teaching thirty students who are not yours is often easier than teaching your own. Add in that some of these parents are still trying to work from home or have to work outside their houses, have multiple kids, not enough computers, have elementary school kids who are more hands-on, or might have children with special needs who need one-on-one instruction (plus the meals!), and posts about “suspending” their kids are completely understandable.
I just want you to know you’ll get through this too.
None of us knows as of this moment how long this will last. One thing I do know however is that you’re going to figure out how to give your children what they need, even if it takes a few weeks in the process. Especially for those of us with severely disabled kids, don’t make yourself crazy trying to get to every assignment. The teachers at your child’s school are trained in what to do with them- most likely you are not. I can guarantee they are not expecting you to deliver services like they do, and they will be happy to see your child is doing something to keep skills in place and stave off regression. Do what you can. They will be okay.
You will too.
Parents, make sure you take breaks too, whether it’s exercising, a stolen show on Netflix, or just some wine you hopefully stocked up on in case the liquor stores close (heaven forbid!). Do your best, but be good to yourselves too. You will figure it out.
Take care of yourselves.
Eat chocolate if you have some.
Just breathe.
Follow me on Facebook at Autism Mommy-Therapist
Permalink
April 13, 2020
Posted in Life's Little Moments, My Take on Autism tagged autism, autism acceptance, autism awareness, Coronavirus, homeschooling at 7:04 am by autismmommytherapist
The familiar notes of the Edmark Reading Program emanate from the computer, as my son lets out his elusive giggle and stares me straight in the eye. He is on this program often so I’m not certain what instigated his mirth, but perhaps it’s because his mom is sitting next to him this time. He continues to laugh as I choose programs for him, hoping to elongate his homeschooling just a bit longer. All too soon the laughing ceases as he gets back to the more serious business of learning, and the moment is gone.
The cool thing is, I am confident there will be more of those moments to come.
Please don’t think this is a rousing endorsement of sheltering in place. I desperately wish my severely autistic seventeen-year-old was in his beloved school. We worked so hard to get him this placement, and I have tried so hard to get him there every single day that was possible. I am so grateful this is not his last year, and feel so badly for those of his classmates who will probably never go back. I know I will be a mess when he graduates, and am grateful I am spared that sadness this year.
Justin has been absolutely amazing these last few weeks. When we first heard about the two week school quarantine, and I began to suspect it would last much longer, I wasn’t sure how this was going to go. In past years Justin would have been throwing his shoes at me every day and clamoring to go to the car. Our existence would have been a nightmare, as no explanation would have sufficed for a kid who could clearly see there was no snow outside, and no earthly reason why his mom couldn’t take him somewhere fun.
Just shy of two years ago Justin began terrible body movements that after nine months and seven different diagnoses was finally termed tic disorder, and I cannot imagine how that terrible almost-year of waiting and worrying would have played out could we not have left the house and met with the doctors. The timing for this, at least chez McCafferty, has been doable.
So far, he seems to have adjusted beautifully. There is a rhythm to our days now, which is important to him. We work together in the morning, he takes a technology break, and then we work together after lunch. It’s been smooth sailing thus far.
But what I didn’t anticipate would be those fleeting yet frequent moments of connection, the gift of eye contact, that elongated hug that is often all too short. One of the things the tic disorder seemed to deprive my boy of was the need for affection, once a staple in his life. I’ve missed that part of him as he was always my cuddly boy, which a lifetime ago had made his diagnosis seem impossible. I’m seeing some of that affectionate nature to return, and it makes these difficult times easier to bear.
It helps to get me through these days of worry and uncertainty, and for me the hardest part, not knowing when they’ll end.
He is a joy, and I love him.
And for now, that will have to be enough.
Follow me on Facebook at Autism Mommy-Therapist
Permalink
April 2, 2020
Posted in AMT's Faves, Life's Little Moments, My Take on Autism tagged autism, autism acceptance, autism awareness, World Autism Awareness Day at 6:20 am by autismmommytherapist
Today is World Autism Awareness Day, thinking of all families during this difficult time!
I walk into the kitchen area holding my Tupperware, material for one of the many activities I’ve been doing with Justin, my severely autistic teenager (he matches lids to bottoms better than I do). My eldest is now heading upstairs for some computer time well-earned, and my youngest is on hour three of virtual homeschooling. I take a moment to reflect upon how grateful I am that the last two weeks have gone so smoothly, and treat myself to a piece of chocolate.
My priorities are still intact.
There were a few glitches when I started homeschooling Justin, but the staff at his school have been wonderful with communication and I think I’ve figured them all out. I’ve been reaching out to my group of friends with autistic children, and there seems to be a unanimous consensus- everyone has adjusted and is doing really well. Autistic kids and adults are not really known for their capacity to adapt to change- many love their routines religiously, and the virus has completely disrupted that sense of continuity for them. Like many of my friends I’ve worried that Justin would have meltdowns when he realized he wasn’t going to school or anywhere- years ago, this would have completely been the case. Instead, like my friends’ children, he has completely gone with the flow, even complying to take walks around the neighborhood and not insisting on getting into my car.
I’m grateful for that too.
The truth is I’m not surprised by how well it’s gone for me and my friends. Being autism families, most of us have all spent a great deal of time in our houses at some point in our lives. There were years where there were only a handful of places I could take Justin due to his behaviors, and certainly we were not going out as often as most of my friends with neurotypical kids. I remember when we came up to Jersey from Virginia to house hunt I told my husband we’d better really love the house we chose because we’d be spending a lot of time in it, and that has proven to be true. And while my ability to get Justin out has increased over the years, his desire to go certain places has decreased. We are home a lot. We’ve had a lot of practice with self-quarantine.
We’ve also had a lot of experience with adversity.
While I am thrilled with our success and the success of my friends’ families, I am under no illusion that shelter in place has gone so well for all the families in our community. I have read many posts online of families who are really struggling. There are those with higher functioning children and adults who don’t understand why they’re not going to beloved schools and day programs. There are more challenged adults and children bereft at their inability to go to a favorite restaurant or movie theater. There are children who have begun to regress in skills, adults exhibiting aggressive or self-injurious behavior.
There are many families not posting pictures of their fabulous social distancing hikes.
I’m writing this post because there are families out there who are truly struggling, who are even more isolated than they were two weeks ago. There are many with children and adults who are truly suffering with these restrictions, who are unable to comprehend why mom and dad can’t tell them when this will be over.
I want you to know you are not forgotten.
I want you to know you are strong, and you will get through this.
I want you to remember that someday, while we will have a “new normal,” this will be over.
We see you.
We remember you.
Don’t give up.
Follow me on Facebook at Autism Mommy-Therapist
Permalink
March 18, 2020
Posted in Fun Stuff, Life's Little Moments, My Take on Autism tagged autism, Brick Public Schools, Corona virus, homeschooling, Veterans Memorial Middle School at 11:24 am by autismmommytherapist
Today is day three of “education chez McCafferty.” To homeschooling moms and dads, it’s just Wednesday.
I’ve waited a few days to write just because I wanted to see how things played out. Virtual learning will start tomorrow with Justin, and Zach has been faithfully spending about three hours a day doing his work remotely. I admit on Monday morning I was worried about how this would go, but when I inquired I got “the hand” and an exasperated “Mom, I got this” and moved on.
Having a teenager has taught me to walk away (and fast).
I want to take this time to thank the teachers and administration at Veterans Memorial Middle School, who at least for my child have put together seamless instruction in about five minutes that has blissfully kept him occupied for hours. Speaking as a former veteran educator myself, I know this has not been easy. Like many of us, teachers now working remotely have children of their own at home who need access to computers and homeschooling. Many have small children who they need to keep alive while answering emails. Some may not have the strongest technological skills, and remote learning may be a challenge.
I’m certain many are validating something they already knew- that being a teacher is in no way a bonus when teaching your own progeny.
As I scroll Facebook for something to do I’ve seen numerous posts bemoaning the situation we’re all in. They range from hoping to expel their current students, to throwing schedules out the window, to my personal favorite, “now you know the teachers were right about your kid.”
So it is my great hope that something good will come out of this, namely that parents who are not educators will have a greater understanding of the complexities and sometimes arduous nature of this job. I’ve had two friends ask me “how did you do this for twelve years?” These are friends who are struggling just to get their kids out of their beds, not to mention monitoring them to see if they’re actually doing their work (yes, there IS a PE curriculum!).
I want to personally thank Mrs. Wnuk for her incredibly encouraging comments to all “her kids,” (I’ve shared them all with Zach and even got the hint of a smile, both sides of his mouth!). They mean a lot and I’m sure many teachers in the Brick Public Schools are doing the same. I know this because this town cares about its kids, its teachers work incredibly hard, and we are lucky to have them.
So to all my friends and parents out there thrown into something it takes years to perfect while trying to forage for food and keep your day jobs, hang in there. I am confident many bumpy roads will smooth out soon, and if not, there’s always Netflix. I wish you all the best, and thank you again to Veterans Memorial!
Follow me on Facebook at Autism Mommy-Therapist
Permalink
March 9, 2020
Posted in Fun Stuff, Life's Little Moments, My Take on Autism tagged adult day programs, autism, autism acceptance, autism awareness at 12:58 pm by autismmommytherapist
Last week I had the good fortune to meet a dear friend for lunch (Indian food, my fave!) in a town halfway for both of us, which means a good forty-five minute drive for each. I am compulsively early to things (my mom is too, I come by it honestly), so of course after running errands I managed to get to the strip mall twenty minutes early. As I drove in I happened to look up to my left at the first building in the lineup (hoping I could compensate my compulsion with some shopping) and saw in big letters the sign “Disability Allies,” and knew I’d found a place to kill some time with a purpose.
I knew with a little luck I’d get my first tour of a day program for autistic adults.
Justin is just about to turn seventeen, so even though I’m a planner extraordinaire I will not start formally looking for about another three years. I thought to myself however that I could go in and try to talk to someone and most likely get turned away, or perhaps I could charm my way into an impromptu tour.
Lucky for me, the latter transpired.
I had a fifteen minute conversation with the director, Audrey, who told me all about her adult child who attended this day program (a plus in my book), how they were relatively new, and her dreams for the place. She could not have been lovelier, taking time out of her day for a fellow special needs parent who was most likely not going to send her child here due to distance, but wanted to “host” her anyway.
We had a lovely chat, and then I got the tour.
I really wasn’t sure what to expect as I’d never visited a day program before. Quite honestly I’ve been told by friends whose kids are in their twenties that my expectations should center around keeping him “happy and safe,” which has never exactly seemed like a rousing endorsement to me. I’ve kept those two goals in mind (including “clean”) and hoped frankly I wouldn’t walk out of these centers depressed that there is nothing out there which will ever come close to his amazing autism school where he’s been for ten years.
Honestly, nothing will ever come close to his amazing autism school.
The truth is however a day program he must one day attend, and I am devoted to finding one that’s a good fit for him, where he gets out into the community frequently, has some fun, and yes, is happy and safe.
After my brief tour I will tell you I have a lot more hope that I can accomplish this goal.
We began in a large, organized and well-lit room where several instructors were working with the disabled adults on theater. We then progressed into a clean kitchen where several other adults were whipping up something delicious (if it wasn’t for the forthcoming Indian food I would have been jealous), an activity which they do several times per week. We finished the tour by ending up in a conference room where the adults were working on life skills such as creating budgets and goals for their future.
In each room, every client looked happy.
Do I think Justin would get anything out of a program like this? No, I don’t. I will be looking for something with daily outings, access to computers and DVDs, maybe even a heated pool if possible. I know my boy’s likes and dislikes and his ability level, and this program would never match them.
But still, on a whim I got to see a place that was clean, and where the participants were happy and safe. I got to meet a director impassioned to deliver excellent services to her charges, who was excited about all the things she hoped to bring to her program in the years to come.
In one day I got chicken tikka masala and hope.
A good day for all.
Follow me on Facebook at Autism Mommy-Therapist
Permalink
Next page
