(K.C. 6 1/2 and his Big Brother 7 1/2 years old)I have finally made a decision regarding the SMD classroom. The stress that this has brought on us is just too much. I have decided to keep K.C. home, home school him. On Monday I am getting all the necessary paperwork together (affidavit) and getting it notarized (the homeschooling paperwork). I did talk to the districts lead Psychologist and we are going to have a meeting for a Service Plan for K.C. A Service Plan is services the district still must provide K.C. even though he's home schooled. The good thing about the Service Plan is I get to choose which two services I'd like for K.C. to have, the ones I feel are most important. So when he gets these services I will be going with him while he is having for example, O.T., Speech etc. whichever ones I feel are most important. It's just a huge relief to not have to deal with the school system anymore. Maybe he's just not ready for public school yet.
He is still receiving O.T. and Speech therapy outside of school and one session of ABA at home each day.
We have alot of planning to do when it comes to academics, but I really feel this is going to be what is best for K.C.
Big Brother has been doing fine these days. He's been reading alot about Spiders (mostly the poisonous ones.) Tomorrow he's going to go back to the library and sit at one of the little tables and read. He loves the library, he likes to sit in the kids section and I have even noticed that he'll really watch what the other children are doing. He sure does want to have a friend. He has been talking about making a friend and how to do it. It will happen, he's such a caring little guy, I know he'll make friends soon.
The Superbowl is being played in AZ. and the supermarkets have been packed with visitors from New York (mostly I have seen N.Y. visitors) I am not a big football fan but like to watch the commercials! Hope everyone is doing well :)
26 comments:
Tina, I am sure it was a very difficult decision for you to make; I believe it is the right one for right now. As you knw, we are fairly new to homeschooling, too. I found that I had to allow all of us to have a couple months of adjusting and finding a new routine, a new balance.
You and KC will find yours as you go along, too. Of that I am certain.
The picture of the boys is absolutely beautiful. KC smiling and looking right at the camera, big brother with his hand and chin resting on KC. This is a photo full of love, hope, and possibility. I think you should put this on your blog header so that everyone that comes here can see the light in KC's eyes. (Just my opinion.)
Sending you much love and wishes that you "survive the Superbowl!" LOL
OH! i was hoping you'd do this! i was going to suggest it, even as a short-term solution, but i didn't want to add to your stress. congratulations!!! i bet you will see a huge difference very quickly. KC can get the services he needs and open up to learning in an environment where he feels safe. if there's anything i can do to help, even in the way of providing cheers and emotional support as you embark on this journey, please don't hesitate to ask!
"Maybe he's just not ready for public school yet."
It sounds more like they aren't ready for K. C.! And that's their fault, and their loss. I'm glad you've found an alternative that feels more right for him. There must be other local parents doing this--might help to find them and exchange ideas and experiences.
What's best for KC and what's best for your family always comes first. Good luck! I'm not sure why you are limited to 2 services in your ISP, but maybe your state is different? You can also consider stating you want his placement to be changed to Homebound and retain your IEP, but I think I'd do what you are doing at this point so you can not worry about dealing with them. I often think about homeschooling, but I have my own issues that make that a very unlikely possibility.
Hugs to you and your family!
Wow, what a big step, i wish you much luck.
As parents we have to go with our gut feelings, and we are usualy right.
I wish you the best in home schooling. I am happy to hear that you are not pressured or stressed by the school to make a decision that you do not want to do. Schools can be cruel to parents and I am glad that you didn't allow that to happen to you. As you research and find, you will see that no one can teach him the way you can. He is already doing better than anything they could have offered him and its all well and good because he has you on his side. :)
Good for you girl! I am so happy that you have made a decision and can rest easy that he is getting what's best for your wonderful little guy.
That is the best photo of them that I have ever seen, I agree with Niksmom that you might consider using it as the header on the blog. They are so beautiful Tina! You have got to be such a super proud mommy!
I love you guys and I am proud of you because you have been so strong and made a very difficult decision all on your own.
Homeschooling has really reduced the stress on our family as well. Good luck!
I completely agree that THEY are not ready for KC, not vice versa. What an absolute shame that they're going to miss out on your amazing boy. But, good for you that you have found a decision that gives you peace. The last thing that our kids need is to feel "bad". That environment would do nothing to bolster his self-esteem. You have two beautiful kids, Tina. I see that light in KC. You know that I do. You keep working with him and keep hoping. He's loving you for it. Hugs.
Like Niksmom, I noticed right away that K.C. is looking straight at the camera in this picture! I love it!!!
I KNOW you will do well! AND you know where to find me if you need anything! ;)
I am totally behind your decision. I know you would never make it lightly and I am quite sure you are doing what's best for your little guy.
HUGS
i applaud your decision...i know it is a hard one. it is one i made for my son some years ago. i had been blogging about autism and then i stopped to take a break and now i am starting again. would love for you to visit my blog...it is a private blog i just started. i am trying to find how to email you but i see no address so...come to my profile and i have my email address there if you are interested.
OH TINA I AM SO LATE,,, I am sorry I think you have made the right choice yep you will be able to give hime what he needs. Need anythign let me knwo.
I am happy for you for making a decision that you feel is right. I am mad though that our schools are failing our kids and more and more parents I read about are left with no other decision than to homeschool their children. And I must admit that reading about some of the issues that parents face in other states, it makes me feel lucky to live in a state that is moving in the right direction as far as educating kids with autism. After visiting Andrew's classroom last week, I was happy to be reassured that he is in a very enriching environment. I wish the same was true for all of our kids.
I commend you for your decision though and wish you the best of luck. I hope you can find all the support you will need to help KC best.
The picture is adorable!!!
Do you know that autism is mercury poisoning tru vaccination? Do you know that autism is reversible? Yor child is suffering from severe mercury brain poisoning. I pray to the Lord Jesus Christ that He will have mecies upon you child.
Wach this 4 min. video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7Hhgaf3Co0
I have more info for you if you are interested. joyinsalvation@gmail.com
Irene
Understanding the Inner Ecosystem & Unlocking the Mystery of Autism
Over the last few years groups like Defeat Autism Now (DAN), started by doctors whose own children suffer from the condition, have done an excellent job of diagnosing what's gone so seriously wrong with millions of children -- mostly in the last five years. They have consistently found a combination of conditions including severe intestinal dysbiosis, systemic fungal and viral infections, mineral deficiencies, abnormal serotonin levels and an abundance of toxic materials including pesticides other chemicals, mercury and other heavy metals.
To date, attempts to solve autism focus on the use of supplements and various therapies to correct the disorder (and its milder forms, including Asperger's syndrome, ADD, ADHD and ODD). And yes, diet is key: the recommended gluten-free, casein-free diet has proven to be extremely valuable. But while health-care professionals can be commended for their sincere attempt to find a more natural solution to the problem, they are meeting with only limited success. The missing piece needed to solve the mystery of autism lies deep within the intestinal walls.
A lack of understanding of the role of our inner ecosystem is preventing researchers from unlocking the mystery of autism. If we fully recognized the value of the amazing "subculture" of microflora that our intestinal tracts are designed to support, we would discover the key to preventing and healing this disorder.
Setting the stage for autism
Following conception, a child grows for nine months in the sterilized fluid of the womb, free of bacteria. But as soon as the mother's cervix begins to dilate in preparation for her baby's entrance into the world, bacteria from her birth canal contaminate the sterile fluid and begin to coat the body of the emerging fetus and even enter his digestive tract. Since this phenomenon is literally unseen, it goes unnoticed as people focus on the obvious things- for instance, the mother's well-being and whether the child has all his fingers and toes. No thought is given to the critical importance in these first few days of life to the development of the baby's inner ecosystem, intended by nature to help ensure human survival in a world dominated by bacteria (which are mostly beneficial, but sometimes harmful). It's this inner ecosystem that will determine the effectiveness of the child's immune system and ability to digest nutrients and remain free of toxins, and thus the quality, and even the length, of her life.
Unfortunately, because cultured, fermented foods are not a part of our western diet, few mothers have a healthy predominance of beneficial vaginal bacteria needed to "inoculate" their babies at birth with these vital components of a healthy inner ecosystem. Instead, all too frequently, they unsuspectingly pass on pathogenic bacteria and yeast to their newborn child. In addition, many infants begin life with the added disadvantage of inheriting from their parents weakened adrenals and congested livers. These factors often combine with a lack of Colostrum at birth to build the immune system to fight fungal and viral infections, the use of soy formulas (high in copper, manganese and plant estrogen) and the early introduction of sugars and carbohydrates that feed the yeast and viral infections. While the child may seem healthy from all outside appearances, the stage has been set for autism.
A series of vaccinations containing toxic mercury and aluminum add to the amounts of toxic metals already inherited from the mother and father. The combined result is that the brain and nervous system stop functioning as they should. For most of the children who, at birth, are "normal, bright, high functioning little beings," the measles mumps and rubella vaccine takes them over the edge. The measles virus mutates, the body's undeveloped immune system has no resistance to this combination of three viruses and the gut lining becomes infected, a condition that is not detected since it cannot be seen. That's why following this vaccination, some children develop a fever, act ill and begin the steady decline into autism. Sadly, all this could, and still can be, prevented.
The gluten-free, casein-free (GF/CF) diet -- is it enough?
At Body Ecology our goal is to teach parents of autistic children to take the GF/CF diet to another level. The Body Ecology Diet was originally created to reverse fungal infections including Candidiasis (present in children with autism), so it is a great start. Besides having no gluten or casein, it is also free of sugar and bad fats.
Unlike other diets, ours primarily focuses on establishing the inner ecosystem deep within the intestines, then healing chronic and acute bowel dysbiosis, correcting the nutritional deficiencies, strengthening the adrenals and conquering the systemic infections. We do this by having the children under our supervision eat and drink foods that are fermented or cultured every day. These essential foods lay down a critical foundation for establishing a healthy inner ecosystem in the intestinal tract and follow Nature's way of building strong, healthy immune and digestive systems. Soon after incorporating fermented foods into their diets, our autistic children are able to digest high quality fats essential to becoming well.
This includes plenty of raw butter and raw cream (which may contain insignificant amounts of casein). These foods are rich in the raw, saturated fatty acids (like those in mother's milk) that nourish the brain and intestinal lining. Anti-fungal and antiviral coconut oil, cod liver oil (DHA, EPA and vitamins A and D), and unrefined seed oils such as pumpkinseed oil (zinc), flax seed oil (omega 3), evening primrose, borage (GLA), and raw, casein-free Ghee round out an excellent fatty acid profile. Our Vitality SuperGreen alkalizes their overly-acidic blood and heals and nourishes the mucosal lining of the intestines. We add undenatured whey protein (Immune Pro) to increase glutathione levels -- helping with the detoxification of toxins -- and raw egg yolks (rich in choline, fats and vitamin A) to also nourish the brain. (Vitamin A also helps fight the viral infections) Once large amounts of friendly dairy-loving microflora predominate in the intestines, we add buttermilk and whey, and then finally have many of them back to drinking fermented, organic raw milk (kefir) with casein. Cultured veggies, a special water from Japan, vegetables from the land and ocean and a limited amount of raw fruits always combined with a fermented coconut water drink to eat up the sugars in the fruit, give our autistic children the nourishment they need to start them on the road to wellness.
One thing has become increasingly clear: autism isn't the congenital condition that it was once assumed to be. It is preventable, and even treatable if we understand the multiple causes of the "systemic failure" that brings it about.
Sorry I have not stopped by for some time. I see a lot has changed for you. I hope his self harming has stopped. I am so sorry this has been such a hard road for you. How are you doing? Have you had any help or support from family or friends? I am thinking of you and praying for you.
I have not been around in sooo long. I have been so busy with work and school.
Yeah on the Homeschooling. That is what I have ended up doing. I think it has worked out better for us.
Please keep us posted on how it is going, Also, so many of our esteemed blogging moms homeschool. They are so smart and supportive. There is so much out there for our children. It will be great!
Wow- I just caught up on the whole school issue! You absolutely have me in tears, as we are in the same boat. I feel your anger, fear, frustration, and love for your son.
Please let me know how the homeschooling goes! I am trying to find a way that I can homeschool Jaysen, but the truth is, I need to work. Until I figure out a way, I am fighting the district tooth and nail. My current battle is to get Jaysen transferred to a more supportive school, and have his current school foot the bill (transportation, supplies, equipment, whatever.).
Best of luck to you and K.C. He is a beautiful boy, and you are a wonderful Mom!
Sorry I was distracted by the comments!
Best wishes
I'm finally catching up [I hope!] Nip on over and collect your award [Less than three award] when you have a free nano second.
[That would perhaps be sometime in the next few months if you're anything like me?]
Best wishes
I hope that your doing alright, I was just thinking of you.:) Big Hug!
By the by, the other day when I was reading this , one of my chaps came up and saw the photo - he said 'is that my friend?'
[I said yes!]
Best wishes
i'm back to say how happy i am to hear that homeschooling is going well!!! might i also be so bold as to suggest looking into RDI? maybe i could send you the latest book which is all about RDI and school, including lots of chapters on homeschooling. i know it was a HUGE support to me when i started homeschooling fluffy--in fact, i essentially used RDI as our base curriculum the first couple of years. you may find that helps you and KC the most at first before you even begin to look at the academics. i know for us, fluffy needed HUGE support with basic regulation and developing his referencing and emotion sharing before it made any sense to work on academics. just a thought!
sending our xxx!
I haven't visited your blog in a while and was surprised to see that you had made the decision to homeschool. I'm glad that you did though, I felt so bad reading about what you had been going through with the school. I'm glad to hear you say you're enjoying spending more time with KC. This is my first year homeschooling my autistic son, and I'm enjoying his being home as well. We have some crazy days and weeks, but I know I have done the right thing!
Best wishes to you and your family!
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