February 2017 – Cloe Pottorff

My son, Leo, started preschool on Wednesday and I was nervous because he has had a hard time with other school like classes. He hates going to speech and cries when therapists show up at the home for ABA. So I was nervous for how he would be with school.

He was excited to get his backpack on and there was no complaints walking to his class. We had met his teacher prior to Leo’s first day so when he saw her, he ran right up to her and held her hand.

Without any given directions he followed her to the door of his class and saw everyone else hanging their backpacks up on the hooks and he did the same. Turned and waved at me and walked into class.

It melted my heart! I was so proud of his independence and confidence but sad that it was that easy for him to say bye to me! Haha a silly thing but only a parent would understand.

It was a strange feeling being without him for a little over two hours but also a little freeing. When it was time to pick Leo up, I was so excited expecting him to be happy to see me. However, I got the opposite response. He held his teachers leg saying “school, school,” and motioning for me to leave.

Finally got him to leave but he was crying and pointing back at his class. I guess I can be thankful that he really loves school and his teacher.

Crying because he saw the car and didn’t want to leave school

If you have any funny first day of school stories, please feel free to share them in the comments below. Or if you have any comments or questions, go ahead and comment below. Thank you!

I’ve decided to share some IEP experience tips and give other parents an insight to what they should expect.

First, be prepared to have many, many meetings so they can evaluate your child. We, personally, had 7 meetings before the final meeting.
Second, always remember that you are your child’s best and only advocate. Fight for what you feel your child deserves and needs.
Third, have support during this process. This could be your spouse, family member or friend. Makes decisions easier and takes the stress of pressure off of you.
Finally, Don’t feel obligated to sign when presented with their IEP recommendation. You can take it home to “think” about it. I took it home and asked my sons pediatrician and other therapists what they thought and they all thought he should have more time.

I just recently received the decision of what the school district is offering for my son. They are giving him 1 hr a week of group speech and that is it! I requested to take the IEP home and decide what I think.

I am going to come back at them with the request for at least 2 hrs a week of individual speech and at least 1 hr a week of OT.

Once they review my request, they will schedule another meeting and I will find out if they will be adding my request or if they don’t feel he needs the extra time.

*I will post an update once we get the final decision.*

Please feel free to share some of your experiences or any comment or questions you have! 😁

Month: February 2017

Autism: First Day of Preschool

Autism: IEP Process