A couple posts ago I talked about the IEP evaluation and how horrid it went. And I said "We're not taking services." And then last week, I started having a change of heart, that maybe it wouldn't be terrible if we enrolled Bug in school. Then on Friday I went to the meeting to actually write up the IEP, and I ended up being surprised by how reasonable the IEP was. Basically, they suggested that we do Early Childhood 5 times a week for half days. I said that was too much to start, but I'd be comfortable with 3 days and they said that was reasonable. The goals were very realistic and I felt like they were good next steps for us. So I said that I wanted to think about it and talk it over with Adam over the weekend. Adam and I talked a lot this weekend, and prayed about what to do. It seemed like every good point had an equally good counterpoint. But by yesterday, I realized that a lot of my "nopes" didn't have super strong reasons--or were fears that every parent has when they first put their children into preschool. So I guess what I'm saying is that we've decided that we're going to accept services. Starting at the end of the month, Bug will be attending a nearby school 3 days a week. We'll still continue our speech and OT privately, and I feel like I still have plenty of time to work with him at home, and he'll still have lots and lots of time to spend with his neurotypical peers. AND, if we feel like it's a poor fit, we can take him back out or make changes to the IEP. We know that it's not the absolutely best fit, but it's at least a step in the right direction and we feel good about that.
Bug had his first Sunday School class this weekend! We had a little trouble getting in, and a lot of trouble paying attention, but we got through it and it was not a bad start. We also spent a little time in the church service, which was harder for him. From what I can tell, it's a little overstimulating for him. But again, it was at least a start and I think that if we can make it a consistent routine, we'll end up being very successful.
Another good thing: We finally have a plan for the PRT training I've been trying to line up forever! Unfortunately, the Virginia Tech thing didn't pan out, but we are able to do online sessions with the Koegel Center and are currently working on making videos for them to evaluate. I'm excited to finally get some feedback from someone who's trained so we can start incorporating PRT into our lives and our therapies.
Bug also used a paintbrush for the first time this weekend! He actually asked for paint and was fairly interested in it!
We are still having such major struggles with going places, especially to speech. Bug gets so frustrated and upset if we don't go where he wants. The visual schedule helps a little, in that he can see where we're headed, but he gets really upset if we don't go to the right place or if we're doing a nonpreferred activity. Today at speech was seriously awful and it just breaks my heart. Bug didn't want to leave the house, but then in the car was ok and he was laughing up until I made him get out of the car. Then it was an epic tantrum that lasted the entire session plus. Hitting, screaming, crying, the whole bit. Kathy and I feel like it's more of a control thing or a new routine than separation anxiety, but it's so hard to tell. He would actually behave worse if she praised his good behavior. It was definitely the hardest therapy session we've been in. Hands down.
The next couple of weeks are going to be a bit of limbo. I've kind of resigned myself to just taking it day by day and powering through. I'm hoping that once school starts for Bug that I'll be able to focus on him better and hopefully we can power through some of these behavioral and emotional issues we're having. We could definitely use a break!
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