I was sent home again today, and this makes three times in the last two weeks. My mom sure was frustrated, but not really at me and not really at the school. At "IT", she said. Whatever that means.
Mom has nothing but good things to say about my teachers and the other kids, but she thinks they are expecting too much of me. It's a K-2 class, and all the other kids are either 1st or 2nd grade. They are bigger and more mature than me, and need to do more academic work than me, but I have to tag along and do what they do, which makes me cross. Not only that, but they don't give me any time at all the whole morning to play outside, which is apparently normal here but mom thinks is pure-D craziness. She said that, not me (though I agree!)
The other trouble is that my teachers have never been trained in dealing with kids with Autism. Now, even I can tell you that's going to cause problems! They think I hit and kick when really I'm just trying to communicate and play. I understand that when I do it the other kids do it too and that makes it hard on everyone. My teachers are really trying to help, but mom thinks something is going to have to change. Next week is a short week for me (holiday!) and then the week after is THE meeting. In between mom will go to a meeting of the Autism society and hopefully make some good connections to help us.
Well, we just took a walk to "Rolly-pops" with all four of us, and now it's time for bed. Talk to you soon!
Love, Adam
Adam Brock
Adam in full swing
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Happy Thursday!
This has been a week of tests, and it looks to not be over yet. Mom took me in early on Wed. for testing, my vision first, then the "arena style" one: the OT, Speech therapist, physical therapist and psychologists all sat around and watched me and did some general testing of my abilities and developmental level. My teacher told mom I did well and they got a lot out of me--maybe that's why I was sent home early the same day for "bad behaviour"--just plumb tuckered out! I was, in fact: mom took me home and we had a nap together and then I was a good boy all afternoon.
So, the debate continues: Will I or won't I stay at the school where I am now?? I can tell you right off that I like it--the teachers and the class are great. Ms Kincey makes me LAUGH, the other kids give me high-5's and hugs--mom knows it's a good fit for me. BUT, they expect me to trace numbers and letters all morning without a recess break--humph! Who can do that at my age, I ask you?? We'll have a meeting on the first of Oct. to talk about things, and I trust my mom and dad to advocate for me. I'll let you know what happens.
Otherwise, we've had some cooler weather this week, some rain, and nice bright sun today. We went to the park, where I'm getting proficient on the big-boy swings, I tell you!
More later, Love Adam.
So, the debate continues: Will I or won't I stay at the school where I am now?? I can tell you right off that I like it--the teachers and the class are great. Ms Kincey makes me LAUGH, the other kids give me high-5's and hugs--mom knows it's a good fit for me. BUT, they expect me to trace numbers and letters all morning without a recess break--humph! Who can do that at my age, I ask you?? We'll have a meeting on the first of Oct. to talk about things, and I trust my mom and dad to advocate for me. I'll let you know what happens.
Otherwise, we've had some cooler weather this week, some rain, and nice bright sun today. We went to the park, where I'm getting proficient on the big-boy swings, I tell you!
More later, Love Adam.
Friday, September 12, 2008
My Daddy's back!!!
I've taken a pause from jumping on (and off) the couch and being swung around by one leg and one arm (I REALLY love that one!!) to tell you the good news: My daddy came home yesterday from Cambridge and we are finally four again! Not that brother and I didn't have fun with mom...she did the swinging trick and played lots with us too, but dad is best. Any of you who have ever seen us in action know we do pretty cool acrobatics!
Dad had a good trip and no problems on the airplane. He said the symposium went well and so did the conference. He also got a lot of work done with his professor friend, Bernd. I like Bernd, he and his family are very nice to me and they gave me a great ball once. Dad stayed with us all evening, but he did go to bed pretty early!
I also forgot to tell you that mom and I went to see my doctor on Wednesday, and I really like him. He's a Christian, and also does a lot of research in the field of Autism. You would think that meant I wouldn't scare him when I played up in his office, but I think I scared him anyway! I was pretty bad, but mom didn't mind too much. She laughed when I wedged myself behind the garbage can and laughed for a while--it was pretty funny if I do say so myself!
The next step is to see an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor, on Sept. 24, to talk about my ears and hearing aids. Mom is excited to see what they have to say...I just hope it doesn't mean too much sitting!
That's all for now...have a good weekend!
Adam
Dad had a good trip and no problems on the airplane. He said the symposium went well and so did the conference. He also got a lot of work done with his professor friend, Bernd. I like Bernd, he and his family are very nice to me and they gave me a great ball once. Dad stayed with us all evening, but he did go to bed pretty early!
I also forgot to tell you that mom and I went to see my doctor on Wednesday, and I really like him. He's a Christian, and also does a lot of research in the field of Autism. You would think that meant I wouldn't scare him when I played up in his office, but I think I scared him anyway! I was pretty bad, but mom didn't mind too much. She laughed when I wedged myself behind the garbage can and laughed for a while--it was pretty funny if I do say so myself!
The next step is to see an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor, on Sept. 24, to talk about my ears and hearing aids. Mom is excited to see what they have to say...I just hope it doesn't mean too much sitting!
That's all for now...have a good weekend!
Adam
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
I got sent home for fighting!
he he...just wanted to see if you were paying attention! Mom got a call from my teacher today at 12:15 to say that I was "hitting and kicking aggressively" and would she come and get me. She came, and boy did she let me have it (in a nice way, of course) when I hit my teacher in front of her. She made me say sorry (do the sign) and my teacher was amazed, they didn't know I could do that. Of COURSE they didn't know I could do that--you think I WANT to say sorry all the time?? I am a kid, of course.
Anyway, we went home and mom gave us Mac-n-cheese and we had a nap. Then we went to the store and had ice cream and played outside for a while. I must say, and mom agrees, I was a very good boy all afternoon. Mom thinks I just need attention and want to engage with my classmates and teachers, and she is right. She also thinks I need my daddy back since he's been gone for a week now, and she's right there too. Come back soon Daddy!!!
Tomorrow I see my primary care doctor for the first time, and I'm looking forward to it. He sounds like a nice guy, and specialises in Autism, so he should know what to do with me. Also, we get to go without brother so it won't be quite so crazy!
I know I haven't said much about school for a while, and that's because there is some question as to whether or not I'm in the right place. They are going to test me in different areas and we'll have another meeting on Oct. 1 to see if this school is best or another one. They have other classes for kids like me with Autism, and that may be one suggestion. They may also say that I can only go half-days, which is fine with me even though mom and I both think I can do full days. Mom has been talking to all sorts of Parent Advocates and school professionals, so I know they will sort it all out for the best. We're just happy people are taking this much time with me, especially for only a year.
That's all for now...more later. Got to go practice my left hook, right jab (just kidding!)
Adam
Anyway, we went home and mom gave us Mac-n-cheese and we had a nap. Then we went to the store and had ice cream and played outside for a while. I must say, and mom agrees, I was a very good boy all afternoon. Mom thinks I just need attention and want to engage with my classmates and teachers, and she is right. She also thinks I need my daddy back since he's been gone for a week now, and she's right there too. Come back soon Daddy!!!
Tomorrow I see my primary care doctor for the first time, and I'm looking forward to it. He sounds like a nice guy, and specialises in Autism, so he should know what to do with me. Also, we get to go without brother so it won't be quite so crazy!
I know I haven't said much about school for a while, and that's because there is some question as to whether or not I'm in the right place. They are going to test me in different areas and we'll have another meeting on Oct. 1 to see if this school is best or another one. They have other classes for kids like me with Autism, and that may be one suggestion. They may also say that I can only go half-days, which is fine with me even though mom and I both think I can do full days. Mom has been talking to all sorts of Parent Advocates and school professionals, so I know they will sort it all out for the best. We're just happy people are taking this much time with me, especially for only a year.
That's all for now...more later. Got to go practice my left hook, right jab (just kidding!)
Adam
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Mom had a busy day
Hi folks,
I know I don't talk about mom very much, because my activities are all important in my eyes, but I'll tell you what she told me about her day today.
First, at 11am she met with a man named Steve Harper who coordinates volunteer tutors to help children of refugee families from the mountains in Central Vietnam. She didn't even know these people existed, but there are apparently about a thousand in Durham and some living nearby who need help with school work. One family has a boy about my age who also has Autism, so mom will get to talk to his mom about what that is like. She will do this on Thursdays, and seems to be excited about it. She and Caleb walked to the Duke building where they had the meeting--sounds like they got hot since it was over 90 again today!
Then at 1pm she met with a woman from Blacknall Presbyterian about being a childcare worker on Wednesday nights and Thursday mornings. She might even take Caleb and I with her on the Wednesday nights if things work out.
At 3pm she met with a lady from the ARC of North Carolina, an organisation that coordinates support services for people with special needs. Mom will be assigned a "support broker" who will create a personal needs plan for me and help mom figure out what kinds of services I might need and receive. I think she's most interested in the respite services, but she'll have to call the ARC of Durham for that. I think having a support broker is way cool! I liked the lady too, she was pretty neat and talked nice to me and Caleb.
Then mom took us to Burger King and we had a picnic in the park, since she was too tired to cook. We didn't argue, it was nicer out then and we got to play. Now it's off to bed for us all--whew!
Love, Adam
I know I don't talk about mom very much, because my activities are all important in my eyes, but I'll tell you what she told me about her day today.
First, at 11am she met with a man named Steve Harper who coordinates volunteer tutors to help children of refugee families from the mountains in Central Vietnam. She didn't even know these people existed, but there are apparently about a thousand in Durham and some living nearby who need help with school work. One family has a boy about my age who also has Autism, so mom will get to talk to his mom about what that is like. She will do this on Thursdays, and seems to be excited about it. She and Caleb walked to the Duke building where they had the meeting--sounds like they got hot since it was over 90 again today!
Then at 1pm she met with a woman from Blacknall Presbyterian about being a childcare worker on Wednesday nights and Thursday mornings. She might even take Caleb and I with her on the Wednesday nights if things work out.
At 3pm she met with a lady from the ARC of North Carolina, an organisation that coordinates support services for people with special needs. Mom will be assigned a "support broker" who will create a personal needs plan for me and help mom figure out what kinds of services I might need and receive. I think she's most interested in the respite services, but she'll have to call the ARC of Durham for that. I think having a support broker is way cool! I liked the lady too, she was pretty neat and talked nice to me and Caleb.
Then mom took us to Burger King and we had a picnic in the park, since she was too tired to cook. We didn't argue, it was nicer out then and we got to play. Now it's off to bed for us all--whew!
Love, Adam
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
We got it!
My mom said to share with you all the great news that our application for Medicaid was approved for my brother and I. This may not sound like blog-worthy news to you, but if you were over here sweating in North Carolina without health insurance, and you were anything like me--Unpredictable!!!--you would be very glad too. It means my brother and I are now covered, and since Dad left this afternoon for 10 days, mom is relieved. I can tell because she danced extra with brother and I tonight, and let us watch the rest of the Cars movie. I liked it OK, but not as much as Caleb who said "Ka-chow" all night!
We had a nice Labor Day yesterday, and by labor I mean we did nothing! Played all morning, went to the river all afternoon. I'm sorry for any of you who had to actually work!
They are doing digging work at the house right now, making it so the water does not come into the basement so much when it rains. This is good as "Hanna" is coming pretty much right toward us. Brother and I are ready to play in the rain again, should we get any.
Not much else to report--more after mom has her big meeting at school tomorrow to discuss my progress. I'll see what I can cook up for while she is here....he he!
Love, Adam
We had a nice Labor Day yesterday, and by labor I mean we did nothing! Played all morning, went to the river all afternoon. I'm sorry for any of you who had to actually work!
They are doing digging work at the house right now, making it so the water does not come into the basement so much when it rains. This is good as "Hanna" is coming pretty much right toward us. Brother and I are ready to play in the rain again, should we get any.
Not much else to report--more after mom has her big meeting at school tomorrow to discuss my progress. I'll see what I can cook up for while she is here....he he!
Love, Adam
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Caleb unplugged!
