New School & New Beginning

It's been awhile since I've written. Life has a funny way of catching up and sucking all your time away! Since last October, life has taken a upward wing. Tali absolutely enjoyed his Autism Kindergarten class. His teacher, Miss Davis was an amazing teacher. We became fast friends and started texting each other weekly about Tali's progress. She's even my friend on Facebook and Instagram (that's super tight! right?). She was a great teacher for Tali. She was patient and kind. She also asked many questions about Tali. She was concern for Tali's welfare which was refreshing. Tali also attended Summer school. Tali seemed to enjoy going to school. Keeping with a somewhat regular routine (important!) is what Tali needs. The school district has been great! They have been accommodating to Tali and giving him the services he's needed. I've enjoyed meeting with his IEP team and discussing Tali's progress. The way things work at the school district, is your child is assigned to a different school and different teacher each year. Tali needed a more permanent classroom and a stable environment to learn.

I found out that a charter school for children with Autism was opening up near to our home. We had to apply to a lottery and waited for their decision. As luck would have it, we got in! I was extremely excited but was torn with what to do. As a parent, you always want the best for them. One of the biggest decisions we made was switching Tali from public school to a charter school. Hesitantly, my husband agreed to switch. Of course, we'd miss the transportation convenience (husband shed a tear) and the close proximity of his school.

We were treading uncharted territory and didn't know what to expect. As time drew closer, the more anxious I got. There were so many unknowns. I wasn't sure if they were going to have the school built on time. I received a string e-mails detailing everything our students needed. They also want 40 hrs of volunteer time from the parents (yikes!) It was definitely nerve wracking to say the least. It wasn't until meeting my son's teacher that I felt peace. I learned that his teacher Ms. Holland, lived in Hawaii for many years and has a son with Autism. Also,  his teacher's aide is Tongan which just made my day. Tali immediately started running through the classroom. Tali has been to school a couple weeks now. He seems happy with his new surroundings. I'm grateful for all these wonderful people who have helped Tali along the way. I look forward to the progress Tali will make in his new school.

Meetings, Transition, & Difference

The past month, I had IEP meetings, transition meetings, and finally transition for Tali. I was so grateful that his former teacher Mrs. Young. She was so proactive in making these meetings happen. To her, I will always be thankful. While we were still getting Tali's results in, She was setting up meetings and preparing for her end for the upcoming coming meetings. She even continue to stay in contact with me while she was on her family vacation (that's what dedication looks like!). Once all our ducks were in a row, we meet and started to transition process. It was a long meeting but very necessary for Tali's new move. The principal, OT, abbreviated PE teacher, and speech therapist were all there awaiting my arrival. I felt so welcome and heard. Although, the meeting seemed quick, I felt that it was sufficient for Tali's needs. I left that room, with a new outlook on Tali's life. Later the same week, met with his new teacher and principal. They transitioned his case to an autistic classroom. Tali seems to be enjoying himself there. Miss Davis is doing an amazing job. I keep in constant contact with her through text. She's very insightful and always shares different ideas as to what helps Tali in the classroom. These teachers and their dedication has inspired to me to try and become the mother Tali needs to me be.

Tali seems to enjoy her class a lot. He'll start singing his songs and reciting his alphabets with little assistance. Tali has come a very long way! He's starting to form 2 to 3 word sentences and he's even starting to say hello to everyone he sees where ever we go! Don't get me wrong, we still have good and bad days like everyone else. The difference is, when we start the day out rough, we try to end it on a positive always. My closed bud is starting to open up and will become a beautiful bloom. Small successes are amazing! If your struggling with your trials be Autism or anything else. STOP, TAKE A DEEP BREATH, and CARRY ON! Don't let small annoyance dictate what your day will be. Tali has taught me that lesson time and time again!  

A Whale For Tali

I was inspired to give my blog this name after attending an Autism Conference featuring Dr. Paula Kluth. http://www.paulakluth.com/ Her entire presentation about inclusive classrooms was absolutely amazing. She was able to take us to the student's point of view, which hasn't really been explored until now. Her ideas were insightful and thoughtful. I left feeling with renewed hope for my sweet son Tali

  As a parent of a child recently diagnosed with Autism, I was overwhelmed with feelings of anguish, pain, bewilderment, and worry. Sure, I've worked with adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for over 8 years. I loved working with them. They were my students and partly of my family. Still, after work, I went home and was mom to my sons Adney (6 years old) and Tali (5 years old). As a parent, you want the world for your children. You want to see them grow and take their place in this big world. As I watched my sons grow, I imagine what their futures would be like. What aspirations they could have and what life has in store for them. In my daydreams, I could picture Adney becoming an astronaut or lawyer and Tali as an engineer or a doctor.

As time passed, I notice that Tali wasn't reaching his speech benchmarks. As a mother in denial, I would say, "He'll learn to speak soon!" or "Tali will grow out of it!" Moments became days, weeks, months and eventually years. As Tali completed his 4th birthday, I wondered if he'd ever be able to communicate his needs. Tali did use words like chocolate or sleep. He would repeat phrases he's heard but never his own words or thoughts. It was excruciating to watch my Tali try so hard to speak and nothing come. I know he's a bright, energetic, and loving little boy. It broke my heart to watch him struggle each day. I finally decided to put on my BIG GIRL PANTS and contact the school district for testing. Tali was tested and scored 1% overall. It was suggested that Tali start going to a special education preschool.

Throughout all the tests, Dr visits, and school Tali has always remained happy, active, and passionate. He truly loves his life. As I struggle to come to grips with having an autistic son, Tali has stayed positive and happy. He asks me every morning, "Mom Happy?" My answer is, "Yes, Tali mom happy!" Tali, then gives me a big smile and run way.

 Dr. Paula Kluth co-authored a book entitled, Pedro's Whale. It's about a young autistic kid and his struggles to adapt to school. Pedro has a very special bond with his whale.Pedro was heartbroken when his teacher asked him to put away his whale. Pedro's teacher realizes that the whale helps Pedro do his best work. When the teacher allow Pedro to keep the whale, she realized that it helped Pedro as well as others in his class.


Until Tali can communicate with the world. I'm his stand in whale. The world of autism is spectacular. I'm blessed enough to have a front row seat. Tali like many other autistic children are able to see beyond what we think is "normal" to things that are beyond our reach. What does that world looks like? I'm excited to explore this world with Tali. For those who want to take this journey, sit, relax, and be ready to be amazed! I'm a mom and I'm proud to have an autistic son.