As I suspected, I am feeling much less frustrated today. Sometimes the intensity of information and handling it can be quite overwhelming, but maybe it is not a bad thing to let you see this side of my life, so that if others process in the same manner, you will know what they are going through.
One of the "exercises" we have to do with Zach is something that makes me think of drawing imaginary cat whiskers on his face with our finger. You start at the outer edge of his cheek and work to the corner of his mouth. Today he was doing it to himself :) I am not sure if it works to do it yourself, but it is sort of neat to see him take an interest in it.
I plan on having the school incorporate one of his three exercise sessions into his day and actually having it written into his IEP. Lately I feel as if his IEP is not as meaningful as it should be. I don't see much growth working on what he has been doing and I really want to revamp it... I just wish I knew how. I am not sure the teacher, though a nice young woman, has a real vision for him and I feel as if we are treading water, going through the motions but not making any forward progress.
And, now... something I dread to have to tell you. But I must. We will have to limit Zachary's "screen time" due to the belief that computers and t.v. are stimulating the left side of his brain and not the right side of his brain. I know this is sort of a downer... for you all who helped to get the iPad for him and also for me. I have only ever heard good things about how it is so good for people with autism. But the principle behind Brain Balance is that in order for the brain to be balanced, the right side of his brain needs to "catch up" in order for the two sides to work together. Zach IS very good at the computer, as are many kids who have autism. This is because his left brain is so strong. This does not mean he won't be using it at all, rather that we will be using it to find things that he can use to stimulate his right brain... mostly music (low tones and slow music. I want to look into this because it is intriguing to me).
I also want to look into supplements, as these are not offered to people outside of the BB program, which seems a bit shortsighted to me. There are probably other things out there... so if you know of anything, let me know. Fish oil in a form that taste-sensitive individuals can handle would be a BIG one.
Finally, thank you, whoever might possibly be reading this, for caring enough to share this journey with us. None of us knows where it will take us in this life, but it is nice to know we don't walk alone. It is a beautiful day today, speaking of walks! So I hope you get to enjoy some sunshine as I know I will be!
Maria
PS later today Monica and I will be helping at Jason Runkle's benefit, one which helps to pay for his BB tuition. I am so blessed to be able to help. His mother is seeing tremendous results and THAT is a beautiful thing of which to be even a very very very small part. <3
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