This post has been in my head for a while now. I just haven't had time to write it. The chorus from U2's Stuck In A Moment plays out in my head every time I think about it.
Two months ago JD and I rushed to a bi-annual psychological evaluation to continue his 1-1 support. It was with a familiar psychologist but a new place inside one of the oldest mental health hospitals in the country, established in 1813. As we walked through fabulous architecture of the past, I couldn't help but shudder about the likely ghosts still lingering in that place.
The psychologist commented on something and it exactly describes the "problem". He said: "[H]e's stuck in the middle. This gap between (autism) kids needing more support and mainstream kids. He's absolutely in the best (educational) setting, the worry of course is how do you get out of that gap?"
Have I lost you?
Earlier this month, JD was denied admission for an autistic support therapeutic summer camp. He's too high functioning for an autism only setting and not high functioning enough to be in a typical camp. In a typical camp, the teachers are not equipped or knowledgeable enough to work on social skills, sensory needs, etc. I could raise my ire up and passionately defend my child's right to a summer camp. But honestly it is not that important.
So what do you do when you feel like you don't fit in? He's frustrated when in an autistic support setting because he's not patient or as accepting with his classmates challenges whether it be stimming, communication issues, or just no interest in a mutual subject matter. In a typical setting, he's often subject to teasing or bullying (that's a separate issue we're managing with the school) or the kids just have no patience with JD.
Its frustrating to be so close to "fitting in" and closing that gap. I also want to teach him to be patient and tolerant. I am grateful for the progress and maturity JD has demonstrated this year. I'm stuck in this journey as his guide and I worry about his future. But I recognize that for now, the gap, isn't a bad place to be in.
About Me
- twinglemami in Autismland
- Mommy to lego and minecraft obsessed little boy and twin girls who love dressing in tutus or princess gowns and trying on Mom's makeup. All 3 of my kids have their special talents and strengths and their unique challenges. Autism, Apraxia, Hypotonia, Anxiety, Sensory Processing, Receptive Language Disorder, and IEPs are all a part of the language spoken in this house! Always on the go to one therapy or play date to another support group meeting. . .
