My own son, with Asperger Syndrome, has come further than any doctor or teacher in his past, ever thought he would. When he finally received the proper diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome at the age of 11, I was told by the pediatric specialist that he may never care about other people’s feelings, come out of his own world or learn. She was probably preparing me for the worst… but I didn’t want to hear it.
There have been numerous teachers in my son’s past who never thought he he could learn, let alone graduate high school let alone go to college. That was event when he was isolated 7th through 9th grades. Just minimal school work with an aid in a small private room every day. No regular classes to learn in and no high school credits.
Even in the high school that finally gave him the tools, understanding and encouragement to learn, few thought he would accomplish all that he has. Despite any personal opinions, everyone still gave him the help, resources, regular classes and education that they gave every other student. They never gave up on my son learning!
However, every once in a while, I would get wind of a negative comment made by a staff member at school and my ‘momma’ claws would come out. I didn’t want anyone working with my son to have an attitude that he could not learn or succeed. Or even more, I didn’t want anyone talking about my son behind ‘our’ backs and causing negative attitudes to effect how he was treated. I had seen that happen at his previous school. Of course now, he is a Hugh success story and I would hope no one there doubts he can learn or his future anymore!
I always knew he was smart and could learn. That he just needed the tools, or assistive technology in his case, along with the understanding of the anxiety associated with Asperger Syndrome. My son needed understanding and the confidence to learn and was lucky enough to finally find an awesome school with incredible teachers and staff that truly believed that everyone can learn!
http://www.velvetoversteel.com/
I attended sevral lectures on Aspergers while I had my daughter in a naturopathic rehab clinic in Minneapolis last year.
ReplyDeleteThey tie so much of this to the food additives and preservatives and food allergies and sensitivities.
I was blown away by how these and similar diseases are on the rise among the youth of America.
It sounds like your son has a real advocate in you.
Blessings and strength as you go about being a Mom Warrior.
The world needs more like you!
Following you back. Thanks for the visit :)
ReplyDeletewww.hopescafe.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. You said you were following me but I didn't see you added to my list of followers.
ReplyDeleteI'm following you now!
It all started with your love and support, you where and are his best cheerleader!~ I am certain that is a driving force for him! It is a great story you share, and hopefully it will give someone some positive outlook and insight if they have a child with a disability!~ You have a great weekend too:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great, inspiring story! Thanks for sharing it! Sounds like you are one fantastic, determined Mom! Cheers to YOU!!
ReplyDeleteGirl, I have so much to talk to you about! you have been on my mind and heart all day. I cant seem to catch a break around here though! haha.
ReplyDeleteI have great respect for parents who help their children under difficult circumstances. It's hard enough with children who special learning needs to be a good parent. It takes a lot of energy to go to bat for a child who needs something more than the norm.
ReplyDeleteAs you might have read, my son has organizational deficits. I have to keep believing that he can be taught skills that he intuitively lacks. It is very encouraging to learn of others' success stories. And I do believe that more people can be taught how to function than actually are ... it just takes a lot omore effort and energy and love.
Absolutely Heather! My biggest struggle has always been that I do it 'al one'. No break ... ever it seems and I'm just exhausted sometimes and crabby. I hate those times. Although every year gets better and easier, I still get frustrated because there is no one else to teach him 'guy' things and the things he won't let me teach him because I'm 'mom'. Thank you all for the comments and kind words!!
ReplyDeleteWow really great post! So inspirational and you're clearly a very devoted Mom.
ReplyDeleteFollowing you back :o) Thank you for stopping by, following and commenting too!
ReplyDeleteMy blog reading time (and posting) is so much more limited than I would hope. Weekdays mean long hours of work outside my home at a dental office...and weekends, I really try not to be on the computer much so that I can spend time with my hubby...so blogging time means squeezing a bit of time here and there.
You sound like a wonderful mom! And your son is blessed to have your total love and support! As well as (I know that you know) your sons are blessings to you :o)
Blessings & Aloha!
(Thank you for you kind comments about the artwork that I do. Come back any time!) Our son was also born in Hawaii, so he makes the 5th generation born in Hawaii from my hubby's family. He would love to live in Hawaii too :o)
I don't know too much about Asperger Syndrome, but I wholeheartedly agree that everyone can learn given the proper support and encouragement. I'm glad that your son found the right environment to help him along the way. For sure, your love and support and belief in him helped immensely, too!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I couldn't agree more!
ReplyDeleteOkay Im back. So your son is high functioning? How in the world could he NOT learn with a momma like you! I had to pull Isaiah from his public school life. He was having such a tough time. At microsoft Bill Gates has aspergers and has special classes for his employees who do as well. Its becoming more accepted among the more technical fields to do this because the majority of their employees are high functioning. My biggest problem has been that Isaiah capable of so much more than he was being offered. I am so glad that you are there to advocate for your son, He sounds like an incredible guy.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I always tell people there is no excuse to not be able to learn.
ReplyDeleteTiffany
http://liferequiresmorechocolate.blogspot.com