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Member since: Apr 29, 2008
Last logged in: Dec 03, 2008
Hello, My name is Lisa. I'm a part time Substitute Teacher Grades K - 12, special Ed, as well as a Full time mom, to three wonderful kids. Christian, Carolyn - both in 7th grade and going through the middle school Drama, and my youngest who is now 11 years old and has severe autism. Richie was diagnosed when he was 2 years old...and has been my inspiration. Just when I think I got it all figured out...my kids are there to let me know, I have been driving in the wrong lane, going the wrong direction.
We have been through some really good times and some really bad times. We have survived, moving to Japan, moving to Utah, Iraq...and Now we are Surviving Autism and Puberty..... I ran accross a quote this year...that pretty much sums up my whole attitude about everything these days. Any Day Above Ground is a Good Day....Explore All the possibilities, and Dont Sweat the Small Stuff. I'm too blessed to be stressed and way to annointed to be disappointed. And When life is really Hard....HANDLE WITH PRAYER.
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LisaAKAmom's Compositions
by LisaAKAmom on 06.06.08 - public - 130 visits
It has been an uphill journey to get to where we are today! As a parent I have had alot to learn on how to properly advocate for my child...and because of that lack of education, in my son's early years....I have to say, he didnt have the best of teachers or IEP Goals or anything.
But once I got involved with the online groups and started speaking to other parents, I started learning...how to advocate for my son's educational needs.
The final push came when we had to take the school district to due process...then I learned that just because you win a due process, still doesnt mean that the teacher will follow the IEP...and partially because they just didnt know what they were doing.
So we pulled richie out of school the rest of that year...I have to say, that was one of the worst times in my entire life...but also one of the best...I learned alot.
The next year, my husband was going to be sent over to play in the Dessert...so I knew it was just going to be me for a while...and that if I was going to survive, I needed to get richie back into school...yet I needed a good situation for him. So I went back in and spoke one on one with the Special education coordinator...and said, look I'm willing to give you guys one last chance...but there is no way he is going back into that same classroom. She said ok, how about a brand new school, with a brand new teacher...and lets see how it goes...I said OK!
They hired a woman, that actually had some experience and education with autism and teaching autistic children...and basically built the classroom around my son! I have to say, not only has my son Benefited from this classroom...but so have the other students.
It has been such a blessing to me...for the last 4 years to have this Teacher, The wonderful Aides, and Therapist working with my child. Because they all truly want what is best for him...and even better....THEY WANT TO TEACH HIM....AND THEY HAVE!!! My son has made so much progress in the past 4 years, then he has his whole life....and I know alot of it is because of this teacher's dedication and because she truly cares.
If richie isnt at school...she will call me personally and ask me how is he.
We only have one more Year left...before my son has to transition to a Jr. High Setting...but I cant say Thank You Enough or How much all her work has meant. From knowing exactly when to push...and when to back off.
I believe it was Temple Grandlin that said it best....
A good Teacher is Hard to Find...and worth more than their weight in Gold.
It's so true!
For those of you that arent as fortunate right now....KEEP FIGHTING...because your not only Fighting for your child...but for mine too.
God Bless,
Lisa
Comments(3)
shannonj
Posted on Thu, 5 Jun 2008
Good for you for keeping up the fight until you found the right placement and teacher for your son. And it sounds like others benefited as well. Isn't it wonderful when all the pieces come together every once in a while?
maternalcaregiver
Posted on Thu, 5 Jun 2008
I've visited the middle school CJ is scheduled to attend next Fall. They seem eager to work WITH us rather than AGAINST us as the elementary school did this past year. The lead Special Ed teacher at the Middle School has been placed in 6Th next Fall, and I wonder if that's not because of us. She "seems" to know her stuff. The middle school principal seems vey concerned and has even given me her home and cell phone numbers. Of course you never know how it will play out until you get ther and try it. Hoping/praying for a much better school year next Fall. I will keep fighting as long as I need to for my son. Kim
Autism Mom
Posted on Thu, 5 Jun 2008
Amen! A good teacher is hard to find and sometimes, we have to fight for one to teach our kids. However, when you do get one, then our kids soar to hights they never have before and it is a blessing!!!
