We went and visited the autism classroom at the elementary school. Although it was set up nicely and the staff was well versed in autism, it left much to be desired. Caleb was far and aways TOOOOO high for that class. He would be the only verbal child, and the only one working on reading skills and math. They suggested we look at the classroom for 3-5th grade autistic children. We went to that school and saw a much better fit for Caleb. It was set up more like a classroom and the children were working on actual educational goals...like reading and math. Because I'm still concerned about socialization, Caleb losing connection with the great class he has at our home school, and then our home school not being prepared for him to return in a year or 2....we are contemplating a dual enrollment. Caleb would be enroled at the autism school 3 days a week, and our home regular ed class 2 days a week with it written in his IEP that upon successful achievement of listed behaviors he will return gradually to his home school (regular ed). Hopefully by then the staff will have had some help in setting up his education to best suit him...not the teachers. That's really the problem. If they'd just look beyond the behaviors to focus on his education and how best to teach him...we'd have none of this crap. Instead, they all want to make it easier on themselves and get him out of the school. I'll have none of it! I'm not "dumbing him down" and taking away his best asset--that of incredible intelligence--so he can go be part of an autistic classroom where he's not pushed nor expected to succeed. This is a child who's on the verge of normalcy, but still struggles with erratic behavior at times. I would just love to see these teachers go observe some autism classrooms to see just how far Caleb has come! Sigh.....I may end up homeschooling yet! Let's face it...no one will see the good in my son like I will. I just don't want to do Caleb a disservice, so I continue to fight.
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We'll keep praying for you and Caleb. I know that good teachers in regular ed. who are well equipped to handle SpEd needs are rare. The political and economic climate, particularly in MI, certainly don't help matters when it comes to teachers having their hearts and focus on the kids rather than their paychecks. You know well that I believe homeschooling to be a terrific option for a myriad of reasons, but I also know you have a great deal of concerns about that. I'll be praying that God gives you clarity and conviction in your decision, that He blesses Caleb and your family richly through whatever course you decide upon, and please know that you're loved and supported regardless of what you do. You're a great mom and we all stand amazed at the dedication and great things the Lord has done through you for Caleb.
What an encouraging message! We continue to pray for direction. Caleb is back to being his happy self this week, so no one is back to telling us to send him elsewhere....this week! Who knows what next week brings.
I have always felt that the Lord has led me, and the rest of our family, down a hard, but uniquely special path. It can just be hard to figure out which decision to make. Thanks for your encouraging words!
Our home school will be getting significant special ed. students in the coming year (one in a wheelchair who is also hearing impaired; and 2 other mildly autistic children). They need to find a way to service these children, especially since the ISD and other specialized classrooms are over an hour away from here. It can be very hard for parents, who are concerned with their child's health, to send them to a school where they, as parents, will not be readily accessible if something happens. So much is in transition in this community, as well as this state, and ultimately this country. So much praying to do!
Anytime. :) I'm so glad Caleb is having a better week! Wondering, too, just what God is doing here... perhaps it is that he's preparing you for a ministry other than nursing when the youngest kiddos are school-aged? ;)
I often wonder about that myself! We shall see what God has in store!
Jen,
I am the mother of a 17 year old "borderline autistic" boy. I don't even know what borderline autistic means. When he was about 2-1/2 we started noticing changes in our son. He had other health problems and the physicians attributed it to that at 1st. Later when those issues resolved somewhat they gave him hte "borderline autism" label. My husband was military and with all of our moving around I managed to leave those medical records behind. Since that time teachers and others have talked to me about the possibility of Zach being mildly autistic. Zach is bright, skilled in math and mechanics. I opted to homeschool him to give him the greatest academic challenge in an environment that was not bothered by the challenges he presents. I also got Zach involved in 4H, church activities, boy scouts -- you name it.... lots of social interaction opportunities (but not for 8 hours at a time!) where I could begin to work with him on appropriate behaviors for appropriate circumstances. Now Zach is 17 and a Junior in high school. He's taken his ACT for the 1st time and made a 24. I thought he'd do a little better, but 10-11 years ago I certainly never dreamed he could sit for the ACT without getting kicked out -- much less score a 24. Think of the challenges that face Caleb and how you can work with them in bite size pieces. Then think about how much your tolerance and patience will do for him in a homeschool setting. You could provide him with the opportunity to learn without distractions from others or being a distraction to others and still teach him how to better fit in socially. It doesn't all have to be done at the same time or place. Give Caleb a way to excel -- let him see and do what it is that he is best at in school. He may make a career of it one day. In addition to that provide smaller doses of those things that challenge him. Tradtional school was too much about conformity for the teacher's sake to benefit Zach. I'm glad I found a balance and Zach is too. He plans on becoming an aeronautical engineer and would like to attend Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought..... Looking back I can't see how we could have come this far in a traditional school where it seemed to me they put more barriers that opportunities for success up for Zach. Only you will know what is best for Caleb.
What a wonderful message! It really gives me encouragement! I'm still considering what to do for Caleb, but I so appreciated your insight! What a wonderful story of your son and what a testament to the many years of faithfulness and love you have given him!
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