Relationships that last

[Guest guest]

I woudl like to share this with the group. I am a local advocate here in San and have gone through some serious changes this year.

Divorce

Loss of home

Financially hard times

then the most serious is that my 14yo with a diagnosis of autism began having seizures. His first one was in the bathroom and I had to revive my son who had injured himself in the fall. After busting down the door and seeing blood everywhere. Much like the tragic travolta case. with the exception that i was fortunate enough to bring my son back.

When school started, I was dreading the first week. all the changes and the anxiousness that went along. The amazing thing was that when we went to prep days, I saw his aide from middle school handing out books, We immeadiately went over to her. I asked her why she was there and she said" Didn't they tell you? I am here for Mark!" The administration from our district knew first hand what we had been through. They had front row tickets. I keep them informed of changes with my son and work very closely with them. I did however forget to give them my new number because it had changed during the summer. They had moved her up to be with him! cried like a baby!!!

I have not always agreed with my ARD team and have been quite vocal! Sometimes downright stubborn, but I have always made my childs education the first priority and while they may not agree with me, one thing is certain. We have a mutual repsect for one another. One statement from a teacher. " Pam, you drive us to better places, make us frustrated and voice your opinion. Some don't like being at the table with you because of your high level of expectation, BUT, if I had a special needs child, I would want to be you!" Thats all I need! Thank you NISD. Very heartfelt Thank you!!!

Pamela S. Espurvoa

Fwd: 10 Things a special needs parent would tell you not to take for granted

10 Things a special needs parent would tell you not to take for granted

When you become a special needs parent you realize what most people consider an annoyance is really a blessing.

1. You are lucky because you never use words like autism, spectrum, bipolar, sensory, anti-psychotic, manic or nonverbal in relation to your children and may not even know what they mean. I am all too familiar with them and wish I wasn't.

2. You are lucky because your kids have friends, even if they could pick them better. Mine don't have any and that breaks my heart.

3. You are lucky because your kids curse and are disrespectful. Mine have never said a word and I would give anything to hear him say Daddy.

4. You are lucky your kids wear clothes even though you can't stand their tastes. Mine can't stand the feel of clothes on their skin.

5. You are lucky you have to take your kids to practice even if you have to drive all over Northeast Ohio shuttling them around. I will likely never have that opportunity.

6. You are lucky you can't get your kids to eat their vegetables. I can't get mine to stop eating things that aren't food.

7. You are lucky your kids have a boyfriend or girlfriend even if you think they are wrong for each other. Mine likely won't ever have the experience.

8. You are lucky your kids break curfew or sneak out to a party. Mine won't even be invited.

9. You are lucky to go places on the holidays even if you'd rather stay home or can't stand your family. My kids can't handle the holidays let alone the get together.

10. You are lucky to have extended family and even friends.

Most of ours have long since left because our life was too complicated.

http://www.examiner.com/autism-parenting-in-akron/10-things-a-special-needs-parent-would-tell-you-not-to-take-for-granted