Walker Starts Preschool

Grandson #1 is starting preschool on Monday. He was invited to go meet his classmates and play for awhile yesterday.  I know he is going to have a fun year learning and making friends. JUST LOOK AT THIS ADORABLE FACE!

It looks like he has everything he needs in the shopping cart...a variety of healthy vegetables, an extinguisher in case he accidentally starts a fire while cooking, and a dust buster to clean up afterward. 

Walker's a smart one, I tell ya. His teachers are gonna LOVE him!

Due Process Hearings (Reposted)

Beginning a new school year can be stressful for students and parents alike, but if you have a child with special needs, you may be dealing with issues that seem overwhelming and frustrating at best.

For this reason, I decided now would be a good time to link you to my post Due Process Hearings from the 2010 archive.

Hopefully your school district will work with you to create a positive educational experience for your child. However, it is nice to know there are options and a world wide network of parents who are willing to support and help in any way they can.

Como Se Dice "Don't Break My Routine" en Espanol?

Cody loves holidays AND speaking Spanish, therefore, I think it's appropriate to air out my archives and share the following experience, originally posted October 4, 2010.

When Cody was in high school, he chose Spanish as one of his electives. He enjoyed it so much that he took it his sophomore, junior and senior year.

Every day, at the beginning of the period, the entire class would, in unison, say the alphabet in Spanish. One particular day, this important part of the routine was skipped. Cody became upset and no one could figure out why. Of course Cody would never just come out and say what was bothering him. By the end of the period, tears were streaking down his cheeks and when the bell rang, he would not budge! When the teachers and peer tutor finally figured out Cody was upset because the class didn't say the alphabet, they tried to convince him it would be okay. The class would be sure to remember to say the alphabet the next day. However, no amount of coaxing or persuading would get Cody out of that desk!

When students of the next period began to arrive, the teachers realized something needed to be done about Cody, who by this time was full on crying and causing a scene. They decided to pick Cody up, desk and all, and move him into the hall.

I don't remember what happened after that. Obviously Cody eventually calmed down and got over it, but I'm not sure his Spanish teacher ever did.

"Thank You For Being Awesome."

Remember my co-worker friend John? He's the one who went in for an Angiogram and came home with a uterus. (To read how something like that can happen, click here .)  Anyway,  it's teacher appreciation week at school and this morning John came into the classroom to show me something one of the students gave him. He was so happy about it, he had it laminated and is taking it home to frame.

And, just so you know, I wasn't completely excluded from acts of kindness. Look at what one of the Kindergarten girls and her mom brought me...



Autism. Watch & Learn on PBS.

If you know someone with autism, click on this link.
If you don't know anyone with autism, click on this link.
If you think you don't need to be bothered because autism doesn't concern you, CLICK ON THIS LINK!

Autism Blogs Directory: PBS's Upcoming Series on Autism

World Autism Awareness Day by the President of the United States of America

A PROCLAMATION

With autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affecting nearly one percent of children in the United States, autism is an urgent public health issue with a profound impact on millions of Americans. World Autism Awareness Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of individuals with ASDs and rededicate ourselves to the cause of understanding and responding to autism.

Men and women on the autism spectrum have thrived and excelled in communities across America and around the world. Yet, despite great progress in understanding ASDs, challenges remain for these individuals and their loved ones. For too long, the needs of people living with autism and their families have gone without adequate support and understanding. While we continue to encourage the development of resources for children on the autism spectrum and provide necessary resources for their families, we must also remember that young people with ASDs become adults with ASDs who deserve our support, our respect, and the opportunity to realize their highest aspirations.

As our understanding of the autism spectrum grows, my Administration remains dedicated to supporting children and adults impacted by autism. Led by the Department of Health and Human Services, we have expanded investments in autism research, public health tracking, early detection, and services — from early intervention for children to improved long-term services and support programs for adults. My Administration maintains a firm commitment to advance autism research and treatment, as well as promote education, employment, and equality for all individuals with autism, from early childhood through employment and community life. We will continue to work with the Congress, experts, and families to improve Federal and State programs that assist individuals with ASDs and their families and to bolster the impact and reach of community support and services. I encourage all Americans to visit www.HHS.gov/autism for more information and resources on ASDs.

With each breakthrough in research and each innovative treatment, we open endless possibilities for the many American families who have been touched by autism. As we mark World Autism Awareness Day, let us recommit to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by ASDs and creating a world free from discrimination where all can achieve their fullest potential.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2 of each year as World Autism Awareness Day. I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Unfathomable

My daughter Katelyn and I were having a conversation when she said to me, "I just don't get it. Why is it so hard for some people to talk to a person with disabilities? It's easy for me. I just treat them like I would anyone else." I pointed out that it is second nature to her because she grew up having an older brother with disabilities in the home. I also mentioned to Katelyn that when I was young (which really isn't that long ago), people with disabilities were not included in public schools; they were institutionalized. This opened up a great discussion about the importance of inclusion and how it benefits kids with and without disabilities. For the most part, Katelyn's generation is more comfortable around individuals that have special needs because they have been included in society. I wonder if our children and our children's children won't look back on segregation of kids with disabilities like our generation looks back on segregation of race...unfathomable.

Temple Grandin/ A Must Watch for Every Parent of an Autistic Child!

Katelyn's friend Bo had to watch this movie for one of his college classes, so he brought it over last night. We LOVED it and I couldn't wait to share!