So here we are 4 years from when my little guy was born. At least people won’t look at me crazy anymore when I say he is 3. He’s been in his new school about three weeks now and beginning to settle in. No major problems but a few minor ones. He was clearly exhausted the first week he came home from school. The second week potty training was non-existent but we have since had a bounce back. And unfortunately some hitting and pinching of his classmates. I never thought I would be that parent, the one that all the other parents wonder why I can’t control my kid. I put him in time out and I even raise my voice to convey how very inappropriate any forms of aggression are. But with his diagnosis he is doing it for attention, because of aggravation, because he is scripting out what he has seen in a movie and now because he is in new unfamiliar surroundings. In a classroom where his typical peers can be a big help to him but also a source of more aggravation.
Today I got a note home from the teacher describing in detail that he had pushed a child hard in the chest and pinched another child hard. Sigh, I did not want to read that. And especially when she ended it with that the incidences were “unprovoked”. So the teacher is adding an additional sensory diet to his morning routine, he already has an afternoon sensory session. What’s a sensory diet you ask? Well some children, not only on the spectrum, have what is called Sensory Integration Disorder. In easy language it means their bodies are off kilter and need activities specific to their needs to help regulate them. This could be jumping on a trampoline, swinging on a special swing, deep pressure and even listening to music designed for this. While this is typical of children on the spectrum it makes my heart sink. I hate that there are these additional stresses in the classroom causing this behavior. But it’s another something we all have to tough out. He has even more language improvement in the new classroom. We have to accommodate, finagle and rearrange in any other areas where he needs the additional support so he has a better experience in the classroom overall.
On the up side the teacher is being very conscious and aware of the needs P has. I am in short, impressed. We have a communication book with the teacher and I get an update every day on how he is doing. We didn’t have this in the more intense classroom. We will make adjustments at home too so that he is going into school with his sensory needs being met. P will think its heaven when I bring in the trampoline and maybe even the cool frog swing if I can figure out how to rig it from the ceiling.
And so Happy Birthday to my little guy! We are going to have the best year ever as we continue our journey together.
Recent Comments