Reflections 2024

 

This has been a year of goodbyes and new things. A season of trying to understand that by living, things will eventually end. A lot of missing things and empty places. Some new sprouts of things that Could Be in New Places.

A year ahead that looks exciting in a good way for James. That is what I am trying to focus on.

Over this past year I am finally starting to see and become involved in supports and groups I've been hoping for for decades: Online parent groups and forums that allow us to feel seen and mitigate our isolation and weariness. Inclusion in a school and the parents. New opportunities for my guy as an adult. 

I am thankful for those and hopes this is a wave that just keeps growing. 

Independent Living Skills: The Schedule

 Fall is a good regrouping time for many special needs families - the start of another school year, support services are done with summer and vacation schedules. Goals are one everyone's mind.

With ABA legacy, current school Transitional IEP, and new Behavioral Respite teams on board, it's time to surround James with opportunities and support for honing and growing his independent living skills.

Yesterday, the focus was on washing his own dishes. We have a bottle brush and gloves that help him with that. Today it's removing trash from his room and bathroom. I am still doing the heavy lifting for both activities, but we are building James'' skills. The practice, with reinforcement at school and during respite, will help.

ABA had lovely schedules at first. What ends up working best now? a brief list of Chores and Rewards (incentives). 

I am inspired to get us on a whole house chore chart for daily and weekly chores, especially with 2 more cats and storage boxes in the house. Pinterest and Google are most obliging with ingenious designs.  

Chores were verbally assigned and understood in my home, growing up. Both James and I can benefit from a visual organization. 

Advocate Psychology for Special Needs Parents

 I have been a special needs parent for 17 years now. My "kid" is an now an adult. I've debated about continuing with posting and decided that I will, but veer more to the parental side. I want to respect my guy's privacy, but there are so many new parents starting this hell of a ride, as well as those looking at that post 18 years old transition we are currently navingating. I still have thoughts, things to say, and info to share.

Allons-y! But first, some humour. 

Here is my approach to IEP meeting prep and crafting email messages, requests, and responses (after the initial emotional outburst). Each day, every day. Sometimes continuously, from the time I wake up until the time I fall asleep where I am sitting.

With thanks to all the brilliant folks at Pixar.