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!