Things with Thomas are about to change. Hopefully everything will be all for good changes and he will be able to handle all of these changes. Anyone who knows anything about Autism and Aspergers knows that it will be difficult for him to accept change, but I'm willing to work with him because I think these changes are going to be good for him and for all of us!
First, he is getting a case manager. This person will be someone who can go with me into the schools when I need her, she can help me to get him services he needs and navigate through the system for things I'm unsure about. She can go to Dr's appointments if I need her to, etc. I am really very excited about having her come in our home and meet Thomas and I so hope that he is receptive to her. I have heard nothing but good things about her and just our first conversation she seemed very nice and very knowledgeable.
We are going to try to get Thomas CAP services. My only concern here is the fact that he is a twin. This is, of course, a unique situation for them because for the last 5 years they have been nearly inseparable. So I fear that this would be a huge change for him to go off with a worker and Emma to always be "out of the loop" so to say, but also I think it will be very good for both of them. It's always hard to know when you are doing the right thing, but of course all of these things are trial and error with him to know what will work best to help him for the long haul!
I am desperately trying to get him SSI which if anyone out there knows anything at all about that, it's a very long process. So far they have put off my appointment 3 times. Wasn't too happy about that, but it is what it is.
I have also started the process of moving his sensory therapy from Raleigh to here in Wilson where we live. This will be much better next year when he starts Kindergarten and hopefully we will not have to pull him out of school during the day. Routine and stability are what he needs and this will be a good change for him.
Finally, for the last 9 months or so we have really wanted to get Thomas an Autism Dog. You can read about them online. The down side is the cost. They are thousands of dollars. The upside is that, just like a seeing eye dog or dog for epilepsy, he can take the dog everywhere he goes. Thomas is a runner and he has meltdowns so the dog would be able to assist him with that, keep him from darting out in traffic or parking lots, etc. The dog could potentially go to school with him as well and I've read stories about that which I find fascinating.
I'm looking for suggestions and help from anyone who has any ideas or has been through any of this already. Most of this is new to us and even though it's been a year already since he was diagnosed, every day is different and we are still learning and on this journey for lifetime! I wouldn't change a thing about my Thomas. I love him just the way he is.
2 comments:
Regarding the dog . . fundraisers are a great idea. I do Arbonne fundraisers--I did one at preschool and raised almost $200 from that one morning I did it for the school. What you do is have a party and I don'ate 20% of the proceeds from the show (my commission) to your cause. I've done it for missionaries and the preschol and the Wilson Pregnancy Center. Just an idea. I'd love to talk with you about it if you are open to it. Super simple for you . . just get people there to hear about the products and have light refreshments. I do the rest.
I know you wrote this blog a long time ago, but I'm catching up! My neighbors actually have a dog for their son who has Autism. The dog does go to school with him and everything. She even rides the bus! The dog seems to really help calm him and keep him focused. It seems like a great program! I hope you are able to do it!
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