Practice what you preach

I have been a huge advocate for early intervention since Max's autism diagnosis.  Early intervention helps not only the child but gives parents resources, a community, and also a place to learn how to better help their child.  Both Max and Dexter have benefited from early intervention through Giant Steps Autism Pre-School.

"If you have met one child with autism, you have met ONE child with autism."
Each child on the spectrum is different.  What works for one child might not work for the other.  Something that might be really hard for one child might not be a challenge for another.  I believe this to be true with all children not just those on the spectrum.  But when you say "my child is autistic" there seems to be a in the box definition. Believe me when I say, autism is never inside a box.

Dexter is going to be four this July. 

Dexter, 15 months.

Dexter has been attending Giant Steps since September 2016.  We are eight months into the program and we have seen amazing strides in his development.  Dexter is really smart, he is cognitively on track with his typically developing peers.  Sometimes I put the other challenges he has aside because he is so smart and so clever.  This week I had a huge wake up call and Will and I had to make some big decisions about Dexter, something that I was not expecting.

The plan for next school year was to have Dexter at Walden.  Walden is where both Will and I teach.  Walden has a preschool and he would thrive academically but there was this nagging feeling that other aspects of his development would regress.  I wanted so bad for him to be at a typical school, and selfishly I wanted him to just "be normal."  Having Dexter at Walden would help our family schedule, our family finances, and would just be easier (day-to-day).

Yesterday I met with Dexter's teacher, his speech therapist, and his OT/PT specialist to go over his progress and some testing results.  And while his cognitive development is great, he struggles in other areas (you know the areas I was ignoring).  I realized that Dexter needs Giant Steps.  He needs the physical therapy, the behavioral therapy, and the occupational therapy that he wouldn't get at Walden.  He needs an autism specialist, and frankly so do I.  Dexter is so different than Max and I need to be educated on how to best help Dexter on his own journey.  The strides he has made this year are astounding, why wouldn't I want him to have another year of early intervention to keep the momentum going?  I was being selfish.  Dexter deserves the same support Max had for two years at Giant Steps.

The future is unknown.  Will Dexter go to Walden, who knows?  Will Dexter go to Spectrum with Max, who knows?  What do I know about his future?  Not much, except that his mom promises to do a better job looking at his whole person.

*A huge thank you to Tiffany (Dexter's teacher) who has been so supportive and loving to Dexter this whole year.  She has been the perfect person for Dexter to learn and grow from.  We love you Tiff.

----------And for the record----------
"My colleague, who is not a parent, and lately has no filter, reminded me that the needs of my children are more of a priority than my convenience. For four hours a day, it is not worth the progress he could be making,' she said in a matter of seven seconds after being questioned. 'Our school isn't equipped to handle autistic children in a way that Giant Steps can. Besides you waited forever to get into that school. It's a no-brainer."'

Thank you Jamie for talking to me and also for being an upfront good human. 
I needed to hear this.

Graduating from Giant Steps and Interviewing Max.

This last month has been full of a lot of emotions.  As a mom I have felt sadness, happiness, loneliness and pure joy as I have watched Max graduate from Giant Steps.
When he started Giant Steps Autism Preschool a year and a half ago I was scared.  The future was daunting.  I wanted so bad for Max just to look at me and say "I love you." 
With the help of amazing teachers, especially Amber, Max has grown and developed so much more than I could have ever foreseen 18 months ago.

Above picture:  Max's first day of Giant Steps November 2014.
Below picture:  Max and Mrs. Amber on Graduation day June 2016. 

Max still has a lot of growing and developing to do.  He is still socially and emotionally behind typical children his age.  He will receive speech therapy and occupational therapy (for his food and sensory issues) in kindergarten next year and for many years after. Max is working very hard on his reciprocal communication instead of just repeating what you asked him.
For example:
Mommy:  How are you doing Max?
Max:  How you doing Max?
Mommy:  How old are you Max?
Max:  How old Max?
*We are working on him actually answering these questions instead of simply repeating them.

I sat down next to Max while he was playing with his new pirate ship, garbage truck, and castle and also watching the iPad (Yes he does all of these at the same time) to ask him the following questions: 
*All answers are exactly what Max said (or what Max did) to answer each question.

1. What is something mommy always says to you? A toy mom!
2. What makes you happy? A happy! 
3. What makes you sad? I love the T-rex when sad
4. What makes you laugh? I love laugh
5. How old are you? Angry
6. How old is Mommy? You happy mom
7. How old is Daddy? Its good.  
8. What is your favorite thing to do? toys!
9. Who is your best friend?  Daddy
10. What do you want to be when you grow up? everything
11. What are you really good at? Happy
12. What are you not very good at? (head butts me in the arm)
13. What did you do today? a toy!
14. What is your favorite food? strawberries.
15. What is your favorite song? Charlie Brown (music from the Peanut movie)

16. What do you want for your birthday this year? I love presents!
17. What is your favorite animal? Ankylosaurus* 
18. What is love? I love the present ankylosaurus.  (He didn't get this dinosaur for his birthday, we failed as parents this year...)
19. What does daddy do for work? I love happy birthday!
20. Where do you live? big trunk
21. Where is your favorite place to go? I love the school the bus.  

I love my Max with all my heart.  He is the coolest.  He makes me such a proud mom.  And I can't wait for his kindergarten adventures next year. 


*If you are interested in knowing what an Ankylosaurus is click this link.
http://www.livescience.com/25222-ankylosaurus.html
And if you see one in the wild, please make sure to take a picture (or buy it) for Max, his parents will pay you back.   

Giant Steps Auction 2016

Hello wonderful friends and family!

For the last 2 years, Max has attended Giant Steps, an amazing preschool just for autistic children.  When dealing with Autism, early intervention is very important.  One March 31, Giant Steps is having a charity dinner and auction.

The auction raises funds to pay for field trips, occupational therapy, music programs, classroom supplies, and a bunch of other fantastic stuff.  Our family wants to raise enough money to sponsor a table at the event.  We are organizing a donation team called "Spaceship Max" and we want you to join!  Your donation, combined with the donations of other friends and family, will make a big difference in the lives of some very special kids.

Please help us give back to a school that has changed all of our lives.  Giant Steps has helped us to enter Max's world.

For more information on how to donate go to friendsofgiantsteps.org.  When you make a donation, either by PayPal or by check, be sure to note that you are a part of team "Spaceship Max."  Use the memo line on a check, and to donate online click the donate button on the website.  Then once directed to paypal type a note by clicking on "add special note to the seller" line.

Thank you, from Will and Tiffany Strong

*A special thank you to Bryan Sours Photography for taking the amazing pictures of Max.

Thank you Giant Steps - Year 1.

Words can't describe how blessed Will and I feel to have Giant Steps Preschool in our life.  Max started Giant Steps in November 2014 and has made amazing progress since then.  Early intervention is so important when a child is diagnosed with Autism.  It helps build a foundation for the future and gives the child coping skills they will use for the rest of their lives.  Giant Steps is amazing, and I am so happy Max has another year left in the program.  Giant Steps helped Will and I enter his world, and boy are we glad we did!  It is one amazing world to be a part of. 

What a difference 8 months has made:
-Max can now say over 50 words and makes some two-word statements.  In the beginning of November Max was almost non-verbal. 
-His tantrums have decrease tremendously. 
-He has inflection in his voice. 
-He can say names including his own, some friends, close family, and his teachers. 
-He is 80% potty-trained.
-He will look you in the eye when asked. 
-He loves school!  (Even though some days drop off still is hard and there are tears.)
-He is more confident.
-He is eating a little better.  He still mostly has a liquid diet, but has done a food program at school and will at least lick new foods.  
-He has friends at school and knows their names. 
-He knows how to follow directions with multiple steps.
-Knows when to use "please" and "thank you" and "sorry".

We are working on:
-Dressing himself.
-Potty training at home.
-Not running away. 
-Asking for things using "Can I...?"
-Sleeping. 
-Eating.
-Drinking from a regular cup. 
-Writing letters and cutting with scissors.  (He is left handed like his Grandma Strong!)

This summer Max will be attending the Giant Steps Summer Program two days a week in July.  We are going to try our hardest to keep Max on a schedule.  *Try* is the key word.  

A few of Max's amazing teachers who we love so much:

This is Amber, the Autism Specialist in Max's class.  She is amazing and has helped our whole family. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This next year Will and I have been made Co-Chairs of "Friends of Giant Steps" (FOGS), which is a non-profit organization that provides support for the Giant Steps Preschool.  We are both nervous and excited to have the opportunity to serve the program.  We are very proud to be a part of such an amazing organization, and we have blessed with so much love and friendships.  Wish us luck!  And when the Charity Auction comes around in March 2016 I hope to see you there!  We would love your support. 
If you would like to stay up to date on Giant Steps Events make sure to "Like" the FOGS facebook page:  Link here.  

Autism Awareness: What have I learned in the past year?

Last April 2, 2014 Autism was so new to me.  It was very fresh. I was so lost and confused.  I was heartbroken and very worried about Max's future.  Will and I had little knowledge about Autism and we didn't know how to help our son.  I have over the years as a teacher taught some students on the Autistic Spectrum, but I had never thought about having a child of my own with special needs.  And honestly who does?  How can you prepare for that?

Christmas 2013 - Max was official diagnosed January 2014.

Fast forward a year.  I am still learning everyday.  I want to continue to learn as Max grows and enters different stages of life.  One thing is certain I am more confident as a Autism Mom.  I am not angry or upset, but have the deepest joy and love for Max.  He is amazing just the way he is.  He has led us into his world, and I am so lucky he has.

10 things I have learned in the last year in not particular order:

1.  You have to take suggestions of how to "treat" a child with Autism just like that - a suggestion.  We have been approached by so many people telling us about the latest treatments: Natural oils that cure Autism, do not vaccinate, not allowing him to drink cows milk, taking red dye out of his diet completely, etc.  Some suggestions have been wonderful and we are grateful for them. But we don't use all suggestions because we have to do what we feel is best for our child. 

2.  Vaccinations do NOT cause autism.  It has been proven over and over again.  Then end.

3.  Early intervention is KEY.  I have said this so many times but if you notice something doesn't seem right developmentally with your child or you have a gut feeling that your child isn't thriving socially talk to your pediatrician.  Early intervention can start as early as 18 months.

4.  Find a support group.  I don't know what I would do without friend and family, but sometimes you just need to talk to someone who has a child that is dealing with the same issues your child is.  I love being a part of the Giant Steps community.  I love being able to connect with other Moms to share stories, ask questions, and get advice.

Max's first day at Giant Steps November 2014

5.  Take time for yourself.  Everyone needs a break.  Everyone needs time to be alone and not be in charge.  I go to the gym, I zone out on my ipod, and I watch bad television.  But it helps.

6.  Be honest with your feelings.  There are really tough days.  There are days where Max has had tantrum after tantrum that last anywhere from 5 minutes to 45, didn't sleep the night before, has only had chocolate milk to drink all day, and won't put on anything but a diaper.  Oh and to top it off has watched the same Thomas the Train Episode on repeat.  This is a frustrating day.  And it is okay to be frustrated.  It is okay to cry, to be mad, and upset.  Validate your feelings.

7.  Progress is progress.  Max is about 18 months to 2 years behind his peers.  It is hard to see other friends with children the same age as Max doing things that Max can't do yet.  But on the flip side it is so rewarding to see him accomplish even the littlest thing.  Max is working on full sentences with commands at school right now.  He says "I want choco-milk."  Or "I want bread."  This is huge progress.  Socially Max says "Hi and Bye" and waves to people who are entering a room.  I love progress because it can be little or big but it is moving forward, it is a step in the right direction.

8.  I used to be so scared to take Max out of the house.  I hated taking him anywhere because I didn't want people to stare at him while he was having a tantrum, or crawling on the floor watching the wheels of the shopping cart, or repeating the same word while flapping his hands.  I was embarrassed.  And that was the wrong thinking.  Max isn't embarrassed, he doesn't know any better, and you know what he is happy crawling on the floor.  I needed to change my thinking.  Max deserves the same experiences other kids have, and if that means a few tantrums and people saying something rude or staring at us, so be it.

9.  Talk about your child.  People are curious.  It is human nature.  I am open to telling people Max is Autistic.  I am not trying to excuse a behavior, I am hoping it makes people aware.  People are different.  Children are different.

"Everyone is handed adversity in life. No one's journey is easy. It's how they handle it that makes people unique."

10.  Laugh.  A lot.  Oh do I laugh a lot.  Max has said and done the funniest things.  He makes jokes, and wants to make you smile.  He is a fun kid.  Entering his world as been the BEST decision I have made as a mother.  I love his laugh, and I hope he continues to like mine.

Autism Awareness Month April 2015 - I hope you all Light It Up Blue for Max and for Autism.

Thank you for your love, support, encouraging words, and prayers.  It means so much.
Tiffany Strong

Be an advocate

Ever since I can remember I have wanted to be a teacher.  I was still playing school secretly in my room in 8th grade.  I would organize grade books, make lesson plans, and even grade fake papers.  When I got to college and started to take developmental psychology classes I was convinced I wanted to teach early elementary students.  Boy was I wrong.  I adore 6th grade.  I love ages 11-12.
Fast forward 10 years and I still enjoy the hormonal 12 year old students.  They have taught me so much about my own life and I am very grateful that I am a teacher.  Teaching and understanding education has really helped me be a better mother to Max and Dexter.  I feel like Heavenly Father knew I would need this important career to help my own family. 

On Tuesday nights Will and I attend parent training for Giant Steps.  These training have been very helpful and have allowed Will and I to make connections and friends with other parents in the program.  There is about an hour presentation on many different topics and then after we get into small groups and discuss anything that we need help with.  We have been given a lot of good advice especially with eating, potty training, and dealing with meltdowns.

He tried it once, and never has liked it since. 

This past Tuesday the topic was IEP's and 504's.

What is an IEP?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written education plan designed to meet a child's learning needs.

What is a 504?
The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.

IEP's are for education and learning, 504's are for typically behavior.  Behaviors don't have to be negative.  If a child has high test anxiety a 504 can be written so that they are given extra time on tests, can be tested in a separate room, can have multiple breaks during a test etc.  I have seen so much good come from a 504.  The allow the student to reach the curriculum and help them be successful.

A TEAM helps your child.  And as your child's parent you are a part of their team.  If you are noticing something at home please inform the teacher, allow them to be a part of your life.  Good teachers want to know the WHOLE child, not just if they are passing math or not.  Good teachers want to know if the family dog dies, or if your child has been waking up 8-10 times a night and not sleeping well.  These things effect their education.  After an IEP is made you can meet with the IEP team whenever needed.  It isn't set in stone that the meeting only has to be once a year.  That is just a guideline.

When you meet to go make an IEP or 504 PLEASE be your child's advocate.  Make your feelings and opinions known.  Make sure you understand what your child is going to be working on at school.  Make sure you understand your rights as a parent.  This is so important not just for those children who are autistic or have disabilities, but for all students.  School is such a huge part of life, it is already stressful for the whole family.  If something isn't working, switch it, if you need something changed, change it, and if you are not getting answers from your child's teacher go elsewhere. 

 

This is something that I am very passionate about and this post hopefully shows that.  I love teaching, I love education, I love learning about each one of my students.  Max is very lucky to have teachers who feel the same.  I know he is getting a whole education, and I am hopeful that this will continue.   

Giant Steps Charity Dinner and Auction

Max goes to a wonderful preschool.  I have been so amazed at the progress he has made because of Giant Steps Autism Preschool.  He has the most amazing teacher, aides, and support team.  They go above and beyond the call of teacher.  They are friends, advocates, and support my entire family.
Just yesterday Max's teacher offered to come to our house to help with potty training.  It is gestures like that that make Giant Steps amazing.

Giant Steps is holding a Charity Dinner and Auction to raise money for the classrooms.  It cost over $250,000 dollars to start a new preschool.  There are currently over 130 children on the waiting list for the five classrooms in Utah County.  Each classroom can enroll 10-12 students.  There needs to be more classrooms in Utah available for children on the Autism Spectrum.  Support for the entire family is key, and so is early intervention before a child enters Kindergarten. 

The Charity Dinner and Auction is MARCH 28, 2015.

Recently the Provo Mayor did a blog post on Giant Steps Autism Preschool.

Giant Steps was also on the news promoting the school and the Charity Auction. You can watch the video on the Mayors Blog post or on the Giant Steps Website. 

We need your help.  

If you know of a business, family, or would like to personally make a donation or be a sponsor please either contact me at Tiffstrong707@gmail.com, or follow the link to directly donate on the Giant Steps Website.  Please share this blog post with others if you feel inclined.  

Follow Giant Steps on facebook.  Join the event page to get updates and also view items that have already been donated for the auction.

And most of all THANK YOU for your love and support.  Max is so lucky to have so many people in his life that love, care, and pray for him on a daily basis.  We are so grateful as a family and feel your love daily.   

 We have entered Max's world 

and it is such a wonderful world to be in!

Potty Training - just the beginning.

Potty Training is something I have been dreading.  It is something that has given me anxiety.  But with the confidence from Max's teacher last week we started the process.  And it is a process. We started January 29th and here is our 9 day story.  

Max doesn't really feel when he has to go to the bathroom, so we have to help him.  The first day was baptism by fire.  He went to school in diapers, and as soon as he arrived his Thomas the Train Underwear were on.  He had no successes that first day.  None.  He cried when he had to be placed on the potty and came home from school very upset. 
I had 5 pairs of pants to wash and lots of dirty underwear. 

At school Max is asked every 5 minutes if he has to use the toilet.  Then every 30 minutes they put him on the potty.  I can tell you the first few days were very rough.  Max hated being at school.  It was hard.  He would cry a lot.  But then, last week I got a text from his teacher that simple said "WE HAVE A SUCCESS!"  He went.  The happy dance was done by everyone in his classroom and he was happy at school.  And then he didn't go again for a few days.  He was getting really stressed out.  Over the weekend he cried and was having so many tantrums.  So on Sunday I said "Diapers!  Just put one on!"  And that is what we did.  And Max slept, and all was right again with the world. 

But then we started again on Tuesday this past week.  He does much better at school.  He has improved over the week.  He started with 4-5 accidents a day, and today he came home with only one pair of dirty pants.  At home it is harder.  He hasn't gone for us yet.  But we still try to follow the same routine at home.  At night he wears pull-ups with underwear over them.  And if we go out we do the same.  He LOVES his underwear, so we put them right over the diaper. 

Rewards:  Because Max doesn't eat candy, chocolate, cake, cupcakes, or cookies this hard been harder.  He will lick dum-dums, and at school Gerald is his reward.  If he has a success he gets five minutes of Gerald time.  He is allowed to play with trains while he sits on the potty, and we are overly excited when he has a success.   At home we let him sit on the potty with the ipad.  He doesn't really understand stickers or a chart, and because of his sensory issues we don't feel like it is fair for him to have to clean up his own mess.  Maybe when he is older? We have had so many good suggestions given to us, and we appreciate them.  We are not trying to rush him, or give him more anxiety, we want him to be successful. 

But until then, Max sure looks adorable in his little boy undies!

And yes, that is the potty in our living room.  We will try anything.  Anything. 

9 Days in...February 6th...
Say some potty prayers for Max. 

KUTV-2 News Story on Giant Steps

Here is the link for the news story that was done tonight on KUTV-2:
I will have more information soon about the Auction.
I am so proud to be a part of Giant Steps Preschool. I am so proud of our family.
Max is growing and learning, what more can I ask for? 

http://www.kutv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/For-those-who-can-get-enrolled-program-making-giant-steps-for-families-facing-autism-71995.shtml#.VMmv8naEotw

"Max has found a voice at Giant Steps, you can see it in his eyes."  -Poppi.

Being a friend

Kids just understand each other.  They just do. 
Cousins understand each other more than anyone and they make fantastic friends. 
I was not close with my cousins growing up so I missed out on having friends that were also cousins.  Max is lucky, he has cousins that are close in age to him and also live close.  He has built in friends.  A build in support system. 

Will and I were talking just last week about friends.  Making friends is a fear I have and I am sure I will always have for Max.  Making sure Max had a good support system at school, and in life in general is really important to me.  Max doesn't really socialize at school with other children.  He stays to himself and in his own world.  His best friends are his trains, Gerald the Giraffe, and his favorite TV characters. 

But then this past weekend we were at the BYU Bean Museum with his cousins.  We were reminded, (again) that Max does have friends.  He has friends that love him, support him, and understand him.  And we are so lucky that they are his cousins. 

Cousin C is who I would call his best friend.  They even hold hands when they are together.  She chases him, and teases him, and loves him.  I tear up when they hug each other.  She does so much for Max, she is teaching him how to socialize.  Cousin C also has helped me realize Max does and always will have friends.  They will love him for all his quirks. 

The Christmas Program

Max's school Giant Steps put on an adorable Christmas Program.  There are four different Giant Steps schools in Utah County, which has a total of 45-50 Autistic Students.  So imagine all of these 3-4 year old students on stage in Santa hats.  It was cuteness overload.  They sang a medley of Christmas/Holiday songs which lasted about 25 minutes.  It was the perfect little program. 

Max came out on stage and you saw the fear in his eyes.  He doesn't do well in crowds, with loud noise, or when all the attention is on him.  So as soon as he figured out what was going on he got really sad.  His bottom lip started to tremble and you saw the tears coming.  His amazing aid, Brooke, put him right on her lap and did her best to try and make him smile.  Once the program was over, and Max saw Will all was well with the world. 

We took pictures of the program but had to sign a release that said we wouldn't share other children's pictures, which I completely understand and respect.  I cropped a few pictures so Max was just viable. 

This program was another testiment of how wonderful Max's school is.  We are so lucky to have such wonderful teachers taking care of Max during the school day.

Merry Christmas!

With Brooke before the program started.  She loves Max and the feeling is mutual.

Family Picture after the program.  Max was so proud of himself and very happy to be off the stage and with his Dad.  

Progress is Progress

This time last year Will and I started to research Autism.  We started to wonder if our son was on the Autistic Spectrum.  In December  of last year Max had his 30 month well-check from his amazing pediatrician and it was determined that Max was on the spectrum and we needed to get him officially evaluated.  Dr. Adams said something to me that day that has stuck with me and I say it to myself daily: 

"Progress is progress no matter how big or how small."

He gave me a lot of guidance last year.  He sat with me alone and talked with me one on one.  He told me that mothering Max would be different, but it would be magical.  And he has been right. 

Max has made tons of progress this past year.  Some of the progress he has made seems small, and for the average child it might not even be noticed. 

Here are some of the small but MIGHTY progressions Max has made in the past year:

1.  He is occasionally speaking in complete sentences.  "Oh no, what happened?" and "What you doing?" are his current favorites.  He mostly says one or two words, but he tries new words all the time. 

2.  He is a great mimic.  He can memorize shows, movies, and songs like no one I have ever seen.

3.  He has made friends with his cousins and his little brother.  He makes eye contact with all of them.

4.  He says "Hi and Bye" on a daily basis. 

5.  He is sleeping with the help of melatonin, but he is sleeping. 

6.  He doesn't run into the street anymore, he stops at the end of the sidewalk.

7.  He is pretend playing.  This just started a few months ago, and progress has been slow, but he is doing it more and more. 

8.  He doesn't have daily 45 minute - 60 minute tantrums. 

9.  He can build a train track all by himself.  He interlocks the pieces and puts a whole track together.  This is a huge progression in small motor skills. 

10.  He can be separated from Will for long periods of time.  He understands that he will see Daddy again. 

11.  He says Mom now, which to me is the BEST progression of the whole year. 

12.  He has been learning how to drink out of a cup (without a top), we have had a lot of spills, but he is learning. 

Why all the progress?
Will and I entered his world.  We have been open to telling people about Max instead of being embarrassed about him. 
His teachers at school have helped us so much, without the therapists and amazing Autism specialists at Giant Steps we wouldn't be as far as we are now. 
Constant love and support from friends and family. 

Max is a very special boy who does make our life magical.  And we are so lucky!

Max's first week at Giant Steps

Max started Giant Steps Preschool this Wednesday. 

I was very nervous to send him but knew it was the exact place he should be at. 
Giant Steps is a Government Funded Preschool specifically for those children age 3-5 with Autism.  I put Max on the waiting list last January and never thought he would get in.  There are 131 children in Utah County on the waiting list.  That is a lot of children.  There are three Giant Step Classes in Utah county and each class has 12 students. 

Max attends school Tuesday - Friday from 9am-3:30pm.  It is a long day, but worth it.  He gets one-on-one Therapy three times a day, plus Music Therapy, Physical Therapy, Computer and Speech Therapy, and even Food Therapy.  The day is packed, and busy. 

My biggest concern was Lunch time.  Max doesn't eat much in the way of solid foods.  We were told to pack a bunch of different foods that he is tried or even liked in the past.  The first day he hardly ate anything.  When he came home is drank two full sippy cups full of carnation instant breakfast.  Max only drinks out of a specific sippy cup.  And if we get him to eat one piece of solid food during the day we call it a good eating day.  He mostly drinks his diet of Chocolate milk and apple juice.  And YES we have tried everything, we have done everything and made anything he wants to get him to eat solid foods.  It is a texture issue and with some therapy and help outside our home we are hoping for an improvement.  So after three full days he started eating more and more.  I know he is hungry!!

Each day we drop Max off at 9am.  He can't be late.  They are on a very strict schedule.  And right at 3:30 Max is done and waiting for us outside the building.  The parents don't go inside.  Max doesn't bring in Gerald.  And he walks in with the help of an Aide.  It is all a system, and it is wonderful for a child who is Autistic. 

We got back the testing this past week and although I am not going to share his test scores, because in the scheme of things they don't matter.  We know he is Autistic, and the testing just confirms that.  But we do have a better understanding about where developmentally he is.  His speech is the most delayed, and soon Dexter and Max will catch up to each other in the way of speech development.  He is more sever in a few areas, and we will work with the Giant Steps teachers to help him in these specific areas. 

The first day I texted his teacher and she was so nice to send us pictures and text us back at lunch and share how he was doing.  They also send home a progress note daily that shares with us how he did during his Therapy Sessions.  So the "What did you do at school today?" question is answered each day by this progress note. 

Progress Report

So far so good.  Will and I are extremely happy with the choice we made.  It was made with prayer and guidance from Heavenly Father and I know he is watching over Max.  We are also overwhelmed by the support of friends and family.  Thank you so much for the notes, text messages, emails and phone calls asking how Max was this week.  We are so blessed to have such a great support system. 

School Changes

Max has some big school changes coming in the next few weeks.
This decision was one Will and I had to make with tons of thought, research and of course prayer.
We want to give Max access to the best education for him.  We want him to learn and grow in an environment that will nurture him. We are just like any other parent, we want the best for our child.  I think being a teacher has really opened my eyes to realize that children all learn VERY differently.  And my child is no exception.  And as his parent I want to make sure I am putting him in a school that will help him reach his own potential.

Currently Max is at Sunrise Pre-school in Provo.  It has been great for him.  But he needs more.  We have noticed growth but we have also noticed a plateau in his learning.  His teacher talked to me two weeks ago and she agrees.  Sunrise is a school for children with developmental delays.  They don't specialize in Autism.  They don't do some of the proven therapies that would help Max thrive.
Will and I started researching and finding out about our options.
Last year we put Max on the waiting list for a program called Giant Steps. And I honestly forgot about it because I was told that he might never get in.  The waiting list was very long.
Giant Steps is a preschool for Autistic children.  The main school is in Orem, but they started an extension program for 12 students in Provo.  And fortunately for Max there is a spot open!  We have a home visit to see if Max would be a good fit.  Giant Steps is an intense program.  He would go to school 4 days a week for 6 hours.  This is a lot of school, but it is also a lot of therapy that Will and I couldn't provide at home.  This program is also free and the state of Utah provides funding for the program.

Another option is a school called Clear Horizons.  It is a Private School in Orem specifically built for Autistic Children Pre-school to 17 years old.  We went on a tour on Friday and Will and I were very impressed.  They have a new Principal and he seems to be great at his job.  The facility is beautiful and Max would benefit from all of the technology, tools, and sensory rooms that the school provides.  The hard part is that it is a private school and therefore it has a tuition.  The tuition is expensive and not something we have in our budget right now, but we are hoping that in the future we can get Max into Clear Horizons.

I want to write more about the different therapies in another post.

These therapies include:

• Principals of Learning and Behavior Modification such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Attending Leveling (taken from “Getting Ready to Learn” model) and Curriculum Progress
• Principals of Greenspan’s FloorTime/DIR
• Basic principles of TEACCH (picture schedules)
• Alternative Communication Methods such as simple Sign Language or the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• Social Stories

But right now we are praying a lot and figuring out the best place for Max.