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| Thu, 02-08-2007 - 2:11am |
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Victor's new teacher? She is WONDERFUL. We had another IEP meeting today to discuss his OT results (requested the test in Sept.. accomplished in Jan) Turns out he does qualify. They are going to get him a slant board for class and use him to work problems on the math board for examples, work on his posture while he's writing and by June he should be typing 15 wpm.
Well during past meetings, Ms. J would just sit there and nod, not ask questions and of course not follow through with any mods. Ms. A sat in there and said "Okay, how do I approach Victor about straightening his posture while he writes? I don't want to cause him any more stress." She asked things that she should look for for signs of a meltdown, offered ideas on getting him a slant desk maybe, or even offering up that we might want to think about modifying his state tests. I was SOOOO floored that she was able to offer ideas and really be a part of the meeting that I think that was the most silent I've ever been during a meeting. I did however take time to tell Ms A how well Victor's behavior had improved and how wonderful I thought he was doing. I made certain to say right in front of the principal that it was a "night and day difference" in his behavior and personality and that when he thinks he's had a bad day and she gives him a smiley face, it tends to put the whole day into perspective and he wants to work twice as hard to make his teacher proud.
Oh, and I lil OT sidebar. I am taking interpersonal communications this semester. In order to take this class as an honors class, I have to do a specific project. My teacher asked me to discover the link between interpersonal communication and special ed. children.
Alexis

Alexis,
Thanks for the update.
I am very glad to hear this move was so sucessful for Victor. It's amazing the difference a good teacher with an open mind can make on a child's progress and sewlf-esteem.
But not all credit should go to the teacher:
You followed your gut instinct. You made noise, pushed the issue and it paid off.
WTG Mom
-Paula
visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
Rock On, Alexis! That is absolutely fantastic news.
Ditto to what Paula said...you may have been forced into being a squeaky wheel, but by golly the oil sure is working!
Amy
Alexis,
Great to hear the good news! I love good stuff!
I was just coming here to send you a message to have Vic check his E. Mike finally got around to checking his last night (I forgot, my bad). It was so cute! He was so thrilled to get those emails and sent a couple back. Isn't it so much fun seeing them enjoy that interaction?
Renee
I am SO happy that Victor has a friend now. He tries so hard around here and he always ends up left behind. Victor got caught up on his own work tonight, so we'll have to check e-mail tomorrow. It is so fun to see them getting along. It's what inspired me to do the research into interpersonal communication for special needs kids. What's so difficult for Victor to do face to face, he finds it very easy via e-mail. Oh, and Dad just sent us the Playstation 2 back, so I'm sure the video game talk is going to go through the roof. LOL.
Alexis
Cool, Mike will love that. He loved seeing Vic's name in the chat tonight and that he was playing playstation. I got to hear all about how he played that game at mackenzies house in 3rd grade. Probably the last time he had been invited anywhere :-(.
I am glad too that they are really hitting it off. It is nice to have friends, even virtual ones. Heck I have more virtual friends than IRL friends and some of my virtual friends have turned into IRL friends.
Renee
Its all really wonderful. I'm so glad Victor's doing better. A good teacher can make a world of difference. Very happy for you guys
Samantha
You know its interesting about this computer thing and Autistic kids having friends online....
I also belong on another board, with alot of adult Aspie/autistic people there. And most of their contact with friends are on that board. They prefer it that way. It allows them to be social, but not have to be "pushed" into rl stuff that confuses them.
Its been a great board to be on, as I can ask them stuff and get answers from them. Its like a different perspective, and they are so cool!
My son has been more and more reluctant to go find his friends to play with at home. Its gotten worse over the years, and I was so happy he at least has them, he has known since he was 5. But, if they do come over, he finds away to gradually separate himself from the group, and go off and do something in the house by himself.
The kids mom, who is a friend of mine said she asked her son why Chris hasn't shown up lately, and he said I don't know mom, he just doesn't like to leave his house...
The computer is a great thing for our kids who need to be social, but just can't do it as well in rl.... I'm so happy your two boys have found each other and are forming friendships :)