FFFF Me!!!!

[scotts]

Ok so my 10 year old son is Autistic. While 95% of the time he is cute as the dickens everyone once in awhile the autism comes up to slap you in the face. His homework this week has been a little hard to handle. I know how to do it, but how to explain it to him has me puzzled. Today he brought home some science homework. He does his science in a general education class. I could tell that here was no way in hell that he would understand what the homework was. Like I said, sometimes it slaps you in the face. To know that he could not understand what other kids his age understand is, well to say frustrating. Plus in half an hour I need to take him to a playgroup so that he can learn social interaction.
Sorry but every once in awhile I have to vent and since I am out out of work there is not many people to vent to. I have to tell you that I love the hell out of my son and I cherish him. It is just that I wish that he was not autistic.
For all of you parents with children that have no problems please give them a hug and a kiss for me and tell them how much you love them.
Scott

 

[saltymom]

((((Scott

)
I know its hard. My son has a learning disability and ADD.
I can only emagine what you must have to go thru with autism, as Ive never personally known anyone with an autisic child. So I have no idea what that must be like. I just know, It takes a special person to raise a child like that, and thats why God gave him to you. Hes your blessing...and you are his.

Ever since KG they have just been pushing my son through. He is ten and in third grade. Can barely spell his name correct everytime he writes it. Cant tie his own shoes.. cant read...cant even begin to learn cursive..cuz he can barely write letters. He can't spell at all. They read him everything, including all his tests..and then he guesses at the answers. If its anything he has to write...well..you cant even read that at all. I dont know what they are thinking at that school. He gets modified subjects, then modified grades..so it appears he is getting As and Bs..when he is getting Fs (they say thats for helping his self esteem) I wonder how his self esteem will be when they shove him into middle school...what will I do then!
I wish I had the know how...I would homeschool my children.
Its just that with Brandons disability..I dont know if I could handle teaching him all myself or not. But on the other hand, I really dont think public school is doing him all that much good either.
Hang in there!

 

[saltysyd]

I have to say although I am not a parent, I surely feel your pain. I am a nanny to 6yr old triplet boys, 2 of which are special needs and I have worked with them since they were 1yr old. Their parents did everything right as far as early intervention from birth but even so they are both mentally retarded, one is non verbal, and didn't walk until he was 4, and the other is ADHD, autistic and has the speech of a 3yr old. This year in school has been especially tough for the one with ADHD. Although he is on medication, according to the school his behavior at school is totally unacceptable for a "typical" classroom and although he has a personal aid in the classroom with him, he spends most of his days isolated in a seperate room because as they put it he is "out of control" This situation is not only sad but also very frustrating to me, mainly because I see none of these behaviors being exhibited at home and would like to think better of the school but can't help but wonder if they are trying to build reasons why he should be in a "special" class so they don't have to deal with him. He has been sent home about 15 times since the beginning of the school year for being out of control however, when I arrive at the school I find him wiating quietly and patiently in the nurse's office and he is far from out of control the rest of the day too. The worse part is I have nothing to say or do about it because I'm only his nanny. Sometimes I've gone home and cried over what a sad situation this is, but then I jus go to work, put on smile and at least try to make some off his day happy and loving, hoping it might make at least a little difference.

 

[karajay]

Originally posted by saltymom
I wish I had the know how...I would homeschool my children.

I really think you could do it. I've researched it myself. It is so common now that there are helpful resources everywhere. Loads of books, the internet, local groups. A friend of my sister home-schools all eight of her children with success. She started when she was told by the public school to either put her son on Ritalin or they wouldn't allow him in class. She hasn't had any trouble (and her son is not on medication). With the more difficult subject matter in the higher grades, her theory is "If I don't know, then I learn it too." The teachers know far less about how to educate your child than you do. They have experience teaching and a familiar curriculum to fall back on. But you know your child, and IMO, that is far more important. You really should take a look online to see what the requirements are for your state. It's probably easier than you think.

 

[scotts]

SM, Thank-you. You know how hard it is and every once in awhile it just gets to you. I was actually going to delete this thread until I read you post. Who knows this may help other people. You are a very special person taking care of your son! Actually my son is usually pretty good at the academic things, it is the social things that he has a problem with. He is fortunate that the school district has identified the autism problems that is going on and he is in a class with all autistic kids. Although they run the full spectrum. My wife and I have ben through a lot with Daniel and my daughters medical problems. Those medical problems have left her with issues of her own. (Not looking for pity, just explaining why I cracked today)
SD, That is too bad about the schools for those kids. It sounds like they do not understand special need kids. You say that the one kid has the speech of a 3 year old. I have told people for years that you have to learn how to "speak Daniel" He can speak, you just have to learn what he is saying. He does not speak like normal people do. Once you understand what he is trying to say he makes a lot of sense.
K, Home schooling special ed kids is tough. My son is in a social group with a home schooled kid. The only thing that I can say is that he is a blank slate. There is not much there.
Scott

 

[watergal]

Scott - you are obviously a very caring and awsome dad!! I think all parents get frustrated with their children regardless of a disability. My daughter turned 9 today - and sometimes I think we are going to have the same love/hate relationship I had with my mother. I have a very good career but the most important thing I am is a mom. I was only able to have 1 child and I couldnt imagine my life without her, even when I want to scream & pull out my hair!!!!! Hang in there