4TH GRADE REVELATIONS

It's hard for us to believe that our son is now in grade 4.  And its hard to believe that he's only had an official ASD diagnosis for just 4 years.  But as each new school year approaches, we naturally begin to worry about his behaviour, the curriculum, and other things.  So needless to say, we were quite worried about grade 4.  This year is when things really start to matter in regards to learning advanced things in math and English.  Plus this is the year that kids in Canada start learning French, which is our second language.

We've officially finished week 3 of the new year, and thankfully, this has been the bet start to a school yar that our son has had.  He's been much more productive and emotionally controlled during class time and its amazing to us how hard he's working.

Now the interesting thing is trying to figure out why/what it is about this year that is making things flow so well.  It could be all the ABA training that we've been involved in, which has given us countless tools and strategies to help our son.  It could be that he's just getting older and realizing that he doesn't need to get angry when someone laughs.

Or it could be that this year the kids are all acting more mature as a whole, because this year most kids in his class will be turning 10.  Sure they still act silly, but acting appropriately is more prevalent in my sons school.  Plus the entire teaching staff are becoming more understanding and all of us are collectively learning to help our son.  And it appears that the great relationship that we, and the school have is definitely having a positive effect.

No matter the reason, we are truly thankful that things are starting to turn around for our son.  We've always felt that as he aged, he'd develop better understanding of how the world works.  Honestly, while he has outbursts now over simple things, we don't think that he will get upset at a child for being loud when he's a teenager (gulp).

I can't believe I just said that.  But like the other kids in his class Jacob is almost 10, which means that in a few short years, he will infact become a teen.  And from what I remember, that time in a persons life offers a whole new set of issues.  We just hope that these earlier issues are mostly resolved by then.  But if they aren't, I'm already bald any way.

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.

JACOBS FIRST DAY BACK TO SCHOOL? WELL.....SORT OF

It's official.  Today is the first day after Labour Day, which for many means the first day back to school.  While many new parents struggle with the idea of their child venturing out into the world alone, many celebrate the return to peace and quiet.  But for us, the beginning of anew school year leaves us with a feeling of dread.

For us, a lack of planning all too often leads to meltdowns and anxiety in our son.  And at our sons school, lack of planning is evident right from the beginning.  First thing this morning, all 500+ students will be ushered into the gym and a roll call will be done to determine which student goes with which teacher.  I know what you're thinking, why doesn't the school tell us in advance?  Well, they just never have.

So I invite everyone to picture what a gym full of students on their first day looks like.  All the screaming, yelling and boisterous play is enough to make any child with an ASD have a meltdown.  Naturally when all the class registers get filled, they start with the lowest grades first.  And since my son is going into grade 4, it means an extra 30 minutes of anger.

Then there's the question of who my sons EAs are going to be.  Even this isn't disclosed until the first day.  So there's plenty of room for anxiety even before school begins.  Because when my son, who rarely shows an interest in school, asks mom and dad questions like "Who's my teacher this year?"  Or "Are my EAs going to be the same?" And even "What friends are going to be in my class?"  We simply have no answer to give.

So we've come up with a simple equation to follow.

First day back + no idea who the teachers, EAs or students are + a big gathering in the gym =

Keeping Jacob home on the first day.  I know starting the school year with an absence seems drastic, but in the big scheme of things, does it even matter?  This way we can just all into the school and find out all the necessary information before sending him.  This way we can at least try to start the year on a more positive note.  And hopefully make our son happy about getting back to the daily grind.

AUTISTIC BOY THREATENED

This just in from Canada.  Makes me wonder what is going on up here, because this really hits home.  You can read the story here.