YEAR 3 ABA THERAPY
Aiden qualifies for another year of therapy, and we are in the process of being evaluated for disability. Is autism a disability? Well, it can be classified as such. I can't help but think--if we didn't use the Waiver Program, "disability" would NEVER be attached to my son's name. Yet, the therapy we receive from CHATT really made a difference in Aiden's life, so I can be grateful for that. Will it continue to make a difference? Is it really necessary for Aiden to continue to succeed? I prayed and left the evaluation in our Heavenly Father's hands. I know he knows best, but I was kind of hoping he improved enough that he didn't qualify. That way, our insurance would take over and we wouldn't be forced to do 40 hours a month anymore. I want Aiden to have a SOCIAL summer. Let's face it--being stuck in a chair for 2-6 hours a day limits your options in that department. My husband feels like he needs it. He said, "who else gets free one on one tutoring like that?" 1) it isn't FREE, 2) I truly believe I could have done 1-2 hours at least 4 days a week on my own, focusing only on the things I think he needs to work on, not what the Program says he needs. I want him to read, write, and make friends, just like my other boys. The preoccupation with characters is just part of who Aiden is, and I'm ok with that for now (let's hope he doesn't have a stuffed animal obsession in his teens). No one can fix his nutrition right now, so that is what it is...I pray that improves with time.
Negatives: 1) some days we will have SIX hours of therapy a day, 2) It is weird having the therapist just sit there during our family meal, 3) therapy limits pool/fun/social time!
Positives: 1) we can't get these hours back, so we need to be grateful and embrace them, 2) I learn new techniques/projects to do with all my children, 3) some days will be just ours to have fun!
