School

'A teacher affects eternity; no one can tell where the influence stops.' ~Henry Adams

I'm more and more grateful for the men and woman who dedicate their lives to teaching our youth.  I believe teaching is a calling.  I hope Aiden has many teachers along his journey that bring out the best in him.  I know I did.     

Aiden's journey in education started with the  Birth to Three Program.  He had 2 terrific speech therapists who worked very well with him.  He slowly made progress.  He also went to a class for children with speech delays 1 day a week.  I was present during each class.  Aiden did great with craft and snack time, but when it came to circle time--forget it.  That never improved over the whole year he was in the program. 

Aiden got his first IEP when he was 3.  His speech was assessed at a 12 month level.  I didn't think anything of this, because the lady met with him 3 times and he never said a word.  At that time he was saying some single words and 1 or 2 sentences.  He could count to 10, and say some of the alphabet. 

Aiden started the Talk N' Learn Program late January of this year after his 3rd birthday.  This time, I didn't need to be there for the class.  I did observe the first class to see if it was right for Aiden.  It didn't go well.  The other children stared at Aiden because he was a complete distraction.  Aiden ran around the room during circle time.  I decided to give Aiden some time in the program, but it never got better.  In fact, his teacher started pointing out things I never noticed at home.  Hitting his head, putting things in his mouth, laying on the floor, playing alone, difficulty holding a crayon, and hiding under the table.  Aiden is not like that at home.  He goes under the table when he is doing something "naughty".  He loves to color--I didn't care how he held his crayon.  Aiden does however, have an issue with putting things in his mouth constantly since he was 2 or so.  He sucks on everything--blankets, stuffed animals, toys, his hands, etc.  He is also a very picky eater, but that isn't anything new for 3 year olds!  Aiden only likes very sweet, salty, or spicy foods.  He won't eat combination foods like pizza.  Apparently, this is related to sensory processing issues.  Aiden's senses seem weak.  The fire alarm went off one day during class.  The teacher said Aiden was the only one who didn't react AT ALL.  I'll note here that Aiden's hearing was checked before he entered Birth to Three, and it was fine.  It was clear that Aiden needed more help than this class could provide.   

Aiden's reassessment was Friday, April 15th.  We met with Aiden's teacher, the Early Childhood teacher, an Occupational Therapist, and a Speech Therapist.  The teacher set a box of kleenex next to Abe.  I maintained my composure.  I knew what was coming.  Aiden has significant delays in many more areas than speech.  Of course, they couldn't say the word "autism," so I explained where we were at with the Waisman Center.  It was almost like they were relieved that I knew something else was going on.  Based on their assessments, Aiden qualifies for Early Childhood Education 4 days a week.  His first day is today.  He will recieve special help from the Occupational and Speech Therapist.  There are 4 children in Aiden's class.  One of the children is also autistic.  I'm grateful for a teacher that recognized Aiden needed more help than she could give him.  I hope that Aiden finally gets the help he needs.  I'll pray daily that his new teacher is more patient than I have been :)