I have always loved this

Some random updates

Sammy is doing wonderfully in his new school.  His teachers are amazing and he is having NONE of the problems that he was having in his old school with his other teacher.  Given everything I now know about what was going on in his old classroom I know that moving him was the absolute best thing for him.  He is no longer having the anxiety, stomach issues and bad dreams that he was having and he once again LOVES going to school.  He still has some problems with his coping skills but that too is greatly improving.  It's so good to have him happy again and not fearful or scared all the time.  He still says he's sorry for everything but that too is getting better.  We always assure him that there is no need to apologize because he's sick or needs something and that we are there for him.  I'm sure I don't know everything that went on in his old classroom but just the fact that he was apologizing for everything little thing and scared all the time really worries me for the other students who are currently in her classroom.  Some people just do not need to be teachers if they can't handle it.  ALL children need help sometimes and when dealing with an autistic child you absolutely MUST have patience, understanding, compassion, and time to deal with that child in an appropriate manner.  Something small to you and I can be a HUGE deal to an autistic child and we are still undoing the damage that the other teacher did to him.  Luckily Sammy is incredibly resilient and has parents who are willing to stand up for him and protect him.  Now that he is in this other school I don't worry nearly as much about him during the day because I know that he is with teachers who understand him and love teaching.  He is with people who are compassionate, caring and devoted which is what a teacher should be. 

We are still wondering how he is going to handle the changes with us moving in a couple of weeks.  He is really excited but sometimes mentions his nervousness about the change.  I know that his excitement will turn to uncertainty once we start the actual moving process.  So far he is doing really well with the packing and the large amount of packed boxes in the house.  I have a feeling this will be like Christmas and his birthday.  He will be super excited and talk endlessly about it but when it actually happens he's going freeze up and get anxiety ridden and question participating.  I fully expect him to cover his eyes and need coaxing when we take him to see our new place.  He and his sister will be staying with my parents for a couple of days while we start moving in so I think the day before we actually start the moving process we are going to take them over and let them check out the place and pick their bedrooms.  I think that will help him adjust easier if he knows what to expect beforehand.  Talking about it doesn't prepare him nearly enough sometimes.  Then again he may surprise us all and happily jump right in to it, but I think letting them go over there and play inside before we actually move in will help him greatly.

On another note he goes Halloween day for another renal ultrasound to check his kidneys again.  We are desperately hoping that he is outgrowing the reflux since he hasn't had any infections since the beginning of the year.  I still hate that he went through surgery just to have it not work but hopefully this will be something he will outgrow.  So as you all can see we have been busy around here and things look to stay that will until after the holidays.  Oh speaking of holidays I wanted to throw this out there because we are super excited lol.  Sammy's birthday is coming soon and he ALWAYS asks for educational toys or plastic letters and numbers.  This year he actually asked for something FUN,  he wants a Nintendo DS for his birthday.  We were excited because last year he wanted space and geography items for his birthday and Christmas which is what we got him.  Now I'm in NO WAY knocking him for wanting educational toys because that is great that he is so into learning but it's awesome that he wants something typical that little boys his age are asking for.  I suspect he isn't wanting it for the, "fun" aspect of it because he has found a math and spelling game that he is wanting to go with it.  Sometimes it's the little things that get you excited.

I LOVE This

Autism is a trip posted this on her blog and I wanted to share it with you all.

I am the child that looks healthy and fine. I was born with ten fingers and toes. But something is different, somewhere in my mind, And what it is, nobody knows. I am the child ......that struggles in school, Though they say that I'm perfectly smart. They tell me I'm lazy -- can learn if I try -- But I don't seem to know where to start. I am the child that won't wear the clothes which hurt me or b......other my feet. I dread sudden noises, can't handle most smells, And tastes -- there are few foods I'll eat. I am the child that can't catch the ball And runs with an awkward gait. I am the one chosen last on the team And I cringe as I stand there and wait. I am the child with whom no one will play -- The one that gets bullied and teased I try to fit in and I want to be liked, But nothing I do seems to please. I am the child that tantrums and freaks Over things that seem petty and trite. You'll never know how I panic inside, When I'm lost in my anger and fright. I am the child that fidgets and squirms Though I'm told to sit still and be good. Do you think that I choose to be out of control? Don't you know that I would if I could? I am the child with the broken heart Though I act like I don't really care. Perhaps there's a reason I'm made this way -- Some message I'm sent to share. For I am the child that needs to be loved And accepted and valued too. I am the child that is misunderstood. I am different - but look just like you. (via Autism Support and discussions).