Jahmeir 2nd grade ending

Overall I can't say I'm completely happy with Jahmeir's 2nd grade academic year. In fact he seems to have regressed in reading, which was his best subject. While I feel that his teacher was very nice, it was clear she was not capable of dealing with a student with Jahmeir's needs. I think it's important that teachers receive trainings about ASD because kids with ASD are not necessarily in special education in fact a large population of them are in the general education classrooms but struggle with the social piece. Jahmeir's attention has been a huge issue this school year and its seems to become harder and harder for him to focus and follow through with a task. It's also very frustrating for me as a parent and at times I think I push him too hard. It probably has alot to do with the culture aspect as well because african american parents tend to be in extreme denial about our children's disabilities and struggles and we look at it as a fault of ourselves which turns into frustration and sometimes anger. (Side Bar)

I think I am going to move Jahmeir to a new school for 3rd grade with a different population and see how he does. He needs a smaller classroom size where the teachers is not overwhelmed and I know at least most of his needs will be met. Call me crazy but I will do whatever it takes to ensure my son has a good experience in school as I know as he gets older the challenges he will face because of his difference will become harder and harder...

Day 1

Jahmeir had a HIGH FIVE DAY (he needed few to no reminders to stay on task). I'm so happy that today he got his homework done in 10 minutes!!! Jahmeir cracks me up with his random outbursts of laughter. I asked him a few minutes ago what he was thinking about and he told me he wants to be an avenger so he can protect his family...UMMMM okay Jahmeir I didn't know we were in danger....Then he take off...lol i took a quick picture of him because its soooo hilarious.

I wanted to do this blog to also help myself. Its hard to open up and freely express your fears and doubts about parenting a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It even took me a while to accept the fact that Jahmeir was different although I saw the signs early. Jahmeir was fluently reading at 3. I was so amazed with his ability to read so well and his imagination was well beyond the typical child's imagination. Despite this wonderful discovery the random self talk and "stemming" was far too obvious. I remember when his preschool teacher bought it to my attention. I could tell she was scared to say something to me but I'm happy she did. I won't lie though I denied her observation until he was in Kindergarden and would play alone at recess and had poor social skills.

After the initial diagnosis I cried A LOT!! I blamed myself... what had I done wrong? But there was no worse pain then the pain of seeing your child cry because they didn't know how to make friends or because they have a hard time focusing.

"The kids laugh at me mommy"
" I can't go to school"
"I'm trying mommy but I just can't stop talking to myself"

What was I suppose to do?? I had to get my child help.... Sad thing is the necessary help needed isn't included in my insurance so that means I pay out of pocket for his therapy. But you know what.... its for him so its worth it!! Well that's enough got today... I've just babbled about in the post!! I hope u enjoy!! COME ALONG FOR THE JOURNEY AND FEEL FREE TO COMMENT!!