I have a confession: I have a secret rebellion I cannot seem to reform. I bring it out into the open here in a desperate attempt to convince myself of my folly. I CANNOT FOLLOW A RECIPE to the letter. This has worked out surprisingly well, further encouraging the rebellious tendency. But my creativity has proven disasterous on several occasions like the time I was left staring at the sad puddle of goo stuck to the bottom of the pan that was supposed to be beautiful, moldable marzipan to lay atop my son’s birthday cake. Continue reading “New Yummy GFCF Bars and My Secret Rebellion Revealed”
Autism debate
A few weeks ago, I dipped my toe into rougher waters in the world of autism. I attended a parent advisory meeting at Jackson’s school. The discussion had turned to providing more training for parents, equipping them to reinforce their children’s training at home using the same methods employed in school. One mom’s response revealed a new side of the autism debate of which I had been blissfully unaware. Continue reading “Autism debate”
How does he see the world?
I’ve only had a handful of migraine headaches in my lifetime, just enough to feel sympathetic to those who deal with them all the time. All of them begin the same way: I suddenly realize that movement is lost in a strobe-light effect, lights flash, black spots dance across my field of vision, and I have a hard time concentrating, and sometimes my speech is slightly slurred. This lasts for 20-30 minutes, then the pain begins and lasts for about 5 hours. Last week, as I struggled through visual distortions of an ophthalmic migraine to concentrate on Jackson making a breakfast request, I wondered if my visual symptoms are similar to what he experiences.
I am able to focus on Jackson’s left eye, but the rest of his face is fluid, moving, jumping. My brain feels mushy, and my lips thick. I focus hard on that left eye, trying to hear what he’s whispering, “I want….” What is my prompt again? So hard to concentrate.
Is this what you feel like most of the time, love? I wish I knew. I’m glad I had a headache today if only to remind me to slow down, be patient, wait for your response. Remember that your efforts are valiant. Your victories worth celebrating. You’re a tough little fighter, buddy.
An answer at last
So it took about a week longer for Jackson’s teacher to make her final decision on his placement for next year. Rearranging children, deciding the best for all, and a child dropping out of the morning class all contributed to the final outcome. Jackson will be attending the five day (instead of four-day) morning class with the understanding that if he’s too stressed and cannot hang with it or needs more support and and a slower pace, he’ll be free to move back to afternoon.
I am satisfied with this final answer and more determined than ever to keep him moving forward during the rest of the summer break. We cannot let him slide backward, he needs that consistent schedule and concerted practice to keep him on track, and we need it too.
Peaceful Anticipation
Today Jackson’s teacher will tell us whether Jackson will be moved to the advanced 5-day morning class or stay in the 4-day afternoon class for his final year at his amazing school.
“I’m on the fence,” the director and head teacher tells me bluntly. “Jackson and another student are really in about the same place, and I only have room for one more in the morning. Do you have a strong preference?” Continue reading “Peaceful Anticipation”