The last few weeks I've been having trouble sleeping, feeling uneasy without a real reason, knowing something was bothering me.
Last Thursday, as I walked the dog through the dark neighborhood, i admitted what was wrong. i didn't feel right about sending the twins to preschool. It came down to the ratio--one teacher and one aide to work with seven boys with autism. I like the teacher, I liked the IEP goals, but I don't think those numbers make sense. Therapists who work with my boys individually sometimes seem "challenged"!
Once I knew what was wrong, I knew what I had to do. It was embarrassing calling on a Friday to say that the twins wouldn't be starting on Monday, but who cares? If I learned anything from all these evaluations, and therapies, it's that my gut instincts are usually right.
We are going to get a few more ABA hours each week and hopefully a second OT session, but mostly things will stay the same. I get to be with my sweet boys, and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.
9 comments:
It's hard to trust ourselves, isn't it? I hope that you sleep better now that you've made this decision and that you and the boys enjoy the extra time together--a gift, really, when you think about it.
Keep us posted!
I LOVE the pictures.
And I can completely empathize with the process of figuring out what is right for you. Sometimes with some kids ratios aren't a big deal ... but with some (like mine and sounds like yours too...) it makes a huge difference. It's a gift to them that you are plugged in and realize what they need.
I'm happy that you are enjoying your time with them. That's the greatest therapy of all!
Hola, mi hermana hermosa.
It was only a matter of time after you sent me the link to your blog before I would break down and read it! I'll have you know your blog is responsible for my staying up way too late. (Of course it's not; I am. But it was worth it.)
Once I started, I ended up reading the whole thing backwards, all the way to the first post. It's wonderful! Your love for the kids really comes through, as does their sweetness. (I'm hardly an unbiased reader, but still...)
I am disappointed that I don't get mentioned more often, but I am grateful that there are no pictures of me during the unfortunate growing-out-my-bangs period. :-)
It's hard to comment on over a year's worth of posts at once, so I'll stop. Besides, I'll probably talk to you tomorrow night. Hugs to your husband and to my darlings J, B, & G.
Much love,
your little sister
If only this decision could be easier!!! But, you are so right in the end you have to follow your gut. There are no rules when it comes to our kids. Sometimes you have to take a flyin' leap, and hope you find your footing on the other side.
Ive also learnt to go with my gut feelings and they are usualy right.
Sometimes it is so hard to know if what we're doing is right, and sometimes we do, just know. Trust that and enjoy more time with your babies. The ratio sounds difficult to me too, I can't imagine that.
Hey there.
I want you all to know that J, B, and G go to the best nursery school there is with Mrs. Hoop Dee Doo as their teacher. There's a 3 to 1 ratio, a third of the kids are NT, and the teacher has the training and experience that she needs. I'm so proud of this mom for doing a great job.
Hoop Dee Doo's big sister, a.k.a. maybesocks
It is hard to listen to our feelings but usually the right thing.
Hope you sleep well.
FAbulous photo. It's hard to take that step. I kept my daughter back a year! She was great academically but a little behind in the old social skills - I wonder why?
Best wishes
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