Monthly Archives: September 2011

…But What About the “Other” Kid?

Jack is homebound currently. We are anticipating him entering a virtual school next fall. If not, then he’ll homebound some more. Jack isn’t my only child. I have a very neuro-typical child. As a matter of fact, she’s the most wonderful kid in the whole world. She’s bright and compassionate and funny (just like her…

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Getting Included in the Mainstream Classroom Despite SPD

Every school year proves to be different than the one before; this year is no different. This year though has proven to hold an interesting change; J’s teacher wants him. Now, that simple statement is convoluted and confusion. I’m sure some of you might be saying ,”of course J’s teacher wants him” or “does that…

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Progress Report

About eight months ago I shared a story about the challenges of my daughter interacting with neurotypical peers on the playground after school (and presumably during school, though I am not there to witness it.) At the time she was trying to master the game of bar tag, and all of the social intricacies surrounding it,…

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Special Exposure Wednesday – Vote For Kayla

No photo of the boy today. Instead, I’d like to ask all of you to help one of our kids, Kayla, win “The Most Beautiful Eyes” contest. All the details are here. To go straight to voting, just go here. As a thank you, here are some flowers & chocolates, 🙂 Share what you managed…

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Helping Siblings Deal with “Survivor” Guilt

A month ago my 8 year old entered a residential treatment facility. Three weeks and 6 days ago, my 9 year old began to feel horrible about it. No matter how hard things had become at home with her little sister’s behaviors, her absence brings anxiety. Partly because said 9 year old has challenging behaviors…

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Beginning to Loath The IEP

As special needs parents, we all find ourselves fighting for our children. (Even ‘typical’ parents do.) Adam and I often look at each other and comment that raising a special needs child shouldn’t be so hard. Why are there so many hoops to jump through? I’m tired just trying to keep up with the girls….

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I Went to the Dark Side…

I did it. I went to the Dark Side. All this time, I’ve been super vocal about the difference between being an advocate and being a…. well, you know. Yesterday, all that changed. (To read the whole drama, go here) I felt bad about it all day. I felt like I had worked so hard…

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Bedtime (Yawn) Routine

We figured out a long time ago that the child works best with routines, but with an occasional change of pace. I am also noticing that her apparently neuro-typical siblings can take advantage of routine to create chaos. Recently this has all appeared in the form of marathon bedtime routines that leave me ready to…

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Special Exposure Wednesday – Nosy Neighbor

Our neighbors have a nosy neighbor, 🙂 Share what you managed to capture this week. Please don’t forget to spread the comment love around.

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Homework Strategies for Moody Kids

A few weeks back in school and all the old frustrations are in full swing. The pencil-breaking. The paper-ripping. The weeping. The gnashing of teeth. You’d think schoolwork was, in fact, hell on earth. But really it’s just hell to a child with a learning disability. Especially one that’s at the mercy of bipolar mood…

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