JACOBS FIRST FULL WEEK OF GRADE 4

It's even hard to type it.  It seems just like yesterday that Jacob was a baby in my arms.  Now he's almost ten years old, and he officially started fourth grade last week.  Of course, as usual, there have already been some ups and downs, but why wouldn't there be?  We have come to understand that Jacobs life will be full of ups and downs.  The question is, how many?

The best partof grade 4 is that this is the year that students start to learn French.  Jacobs mom and I have often wondered how he would fare with learning a new language.  And we are pleased to say that he already knows the days of the week, plus a few other words.  It's almost hard for us to believe that just 7 days ago, he knew zero french.

But like many days/weeks/months before, the downs can come quickly.  I had just walked in the door from work today and the phone rang.  It was my sons school.  Jacob had a meltdown, and would not settle down for anyone.  So I had to postpone my shower and run to the school in my flip flops.

When I arrived, Jacob was crying on the floor in the schools hallway.  The EA there explained that his teacher, asked some other students to be quiet.  Needless to say, Jacob exploded, and he let everyone know it.  He even wanted to tell the principal what the issue was.  Thankfully once I arrived, Jacob quickly settled to the point that I could get him out the door.

Then once we got home, we quickly put our ABA skills to work.  We remained calm, and explained that his behaviour was unacceptable.  But not until he came out of his room.  We find that when Jacob is hot, he'll often go to his room to calm down, often on his own.  Because trying to explain anything to him when he's upset is a bad idea.

So he's reading a book now.  And talking about French things.  I'm going to change my work schedule for tomorrow just in case there's a repeat performance.  Plus, Jacob ABA therist is coming to our house tomorrow to review things and follow up on how things are going.  We do enjoy the support we receive.  Not only is it helpful, but it reminds us that many kids with ASDs are just like Jacob, and more importantly, it reminds us that we're not alone.