Archive for the ‘Autism’ Category
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Joshwa’s School Celebration
Every year I try to celebrate Joshwa’s birthday in school. It’s not big and not grand we just bring food and cake that we can share with his classmates. In a way its a form of thanksgiving and a chance to give back in our own small way. I look forward to this because this gives me a chance to get to know some of his classmates.
Joshwa belongs to a class of 6 boys 3 are being mainstreamed and 3 are not and Joshwa is one of those that are not being mainstreamed. I am so proud of Joshwa’s improvement he is now more verbal and is starting to express his wants and needs.
.I really found a new form of respect for Joshwa’s teacher here I am ready to pull my hair and I only have one and she has to deal with a lot of kids. I really wish that she stays on next year I really would like to thank her for being such a great teacher to Joshwa. I felt a bit sad when she told me that Joshwa is not ready to be mainstreamed. I wanted him to but deep in my heart I know that it’s going to be a very difficult transition for him.
Joshwa was really so happy he even told me Mommy, Picture!!! -
Joshwa and Puberty
This is it we are in puberty and this is one crazy rollercoaster ride. Joshwa’s voice is starting to change he is getting taller. This ur foray into what he will be like as a teenager. Lord Help Us!!! Puberty and being a teenager is challenging for any parent. Imagine how challenging this will be if your child has autism. From what I have heard it can cause aggressive behavior and depression.
This is another big transitional hurdle for everyone in the family. This is another thing you don’t read too much about and no one ever talks about. I am prepared to see some regression which is not fun. He is verbal, affable, reads and does he great in school all of which we were told he’d never do.
I still have issues with the words recover and healing from autism.I have issues with words like ‘healed,’ ‘cured,’ ‘recovered.’ I don’t mind those that use them but I don’t use those words. While I’m always thrilled for anyone else’s child’s progress, my son still has autism. And we have adulthood to plan for.
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Christmas Decor
I was looking for something when I saw the box where I kept this. I bought this in 2007 and I am amazed that this set is still intact. This is the closest will have to a Christmas Decor. We don’t do anything big in decor because we don’t any big changes as it will affect Joshwa. But I still hope I could get away with a semblance of a Belén, which depicts the infant Jesus Christ in the manger, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the shepherds, their flock, the Magi and some stable animals and angels.
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SPED School at Pio del Pilar
When people ask me about Joshwa’s school, I proudly say that he goes to Hen Pio Del Pilar Elementary School Main – SPED Building on Santuico St, Makati. This is a Special Education Class at a local public school. Most often, people ask why I send him there, somehow implying that I am being a cheapskate. But I proudly tell them that this not a typical public school. I am so glad that we found this school. My son loves going to school.
Joshwa’s school is different. There are 6 kids at the most in his class, and they all have autism. They are group according to their disability, and are taught academics according to their skill level. Joshwa, who is 10 years old, is now doing 2nd grade academics. I am so proud that he is doing so well. This is of course not without any struggle. Just like any other child Joshwa prefers not do his drills and just play with his toys. But we have to really instil discipline in him.
Josh is doing well in academics, as reflected in his report card, although he is struggling with his Filipino. Finally he is blending in and showing everyone that he can do it.
During last year’s Christmas party at the SPED, some of the kids performed song and dance numbers. It made me cry because I really hoped that someday I’ll see my son sing or dance on stage too.
I am so thankful to Joshwa’s school for being our valuable partner in moulding our son. Indeed, we are really blessed!!!
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10 Signs Your Child May Have Asperger’s Syndrome
What is Asperger Syndrome?
Asperger Syndrome is one of the autism spectrum disorders. What are autism spectrum disorders? They are also called pervasive developmental disorders in the DSM-IV. These conditions are characterized by challenges/deficits of social interaction and communication. Autism spectrum disorders begin in infancy or childhood. These conditions are not ‘cured’, as some might think. They are really just a different way of thinking and vieweing the world. However, the challenges that arise in communication and social interaction should not be minimized, either. Read the rest of this entry »
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Joshwa’s Academics
I really do love this photo.. He made an effort to count and look at me and smile despite the fact that we had to do it 4 times. Joshwa is such a trooper and he is a bit naughty too. My baby boy is all grown up!!. Read the rest of this entry »
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Joshwa’s Feminine Side
Joshwa is showing more of his feminine side and wants to wear his sister’s clothes and tells me that he wants my lipstick. (Insert face palm here) I really think that since he is with women most of the time he is starting to be confused about being a boy and a girl. It’s now a running joke in our household that Joshwa might be gay. Read the rest of this entry »
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Joshwa makes us all proud
I really can’t help it but I worry about Joshwa most of the time and I think it’s normal. But lately he has just blown me away with his improvement specially about his speech. He now argues with us regarding his bedtime and what he likes and doesn’t like to eat. He can answer your question specially when it comes to questions answerable by yes and no. We are still working on his sitting skills and other things that need work. Surprisingly we are all fine and initially I was stressed about how it would affect Joshwa when we had a sudden change in our household.
Joshwa is now doing 2nd Grade Level Academics and he is so great in Math. Just like any other typical child his challenge lies in Filipino. Still I dream of moving him to another school and I’m claiming it that God will give us the means to send him there. Im God’s time. I always think that God has his own timing and when he tells you that this is his time you will now that and he will let you.
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A Sick Son
Joshwa is sick and I feel really bad that he couldn’t join any of the family activities. He is on his way to recovery and will be back to school on Monday. Great thing about him is he has been very good when it comes to drinking his medicine and going to bed early. But I feel really sad for him when he wants to go out or go to school when he still can’t. It really is so frustrating to see him being sick and uncomfortable and you can’t do anything to ease his pain. He also doesn’t complain and doesn’t tell us where it actually hurts we just have to wing it and play it by ear. The pedia bless her heart gave me her direct number so just in case we need to call her. I hug Joshwa and just give him his favorite back rubs and give in to his special requests like food or letting him watch Disney Channel with Adee and his favorite request is Computer Time. I’m also going to give him a 3.1MP goggles
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A New School
I’m looking at a new school for Joshwa. I’m halfhearted about this school but in my heart I know that this is the best that we can do for him. The list of requirements is so long I feel like I’m doing a thesis research just by reading this list. Just thinking about it stresses me out am I ready for this? Am I ready to send him to this school with a live in facility. I have a lot of reservations but somehow I feel that if I don’t let him go how will he learn. But if I do let him go and somehow something goes terribly wrong I don’t know If I can handle it. I’ve been asking some family members and friends about their opinions. Some say that I am crazy for ever thinking about this. Most of them disagree with me and those that disagree don’t know how hard it is. Some are surprisingly supportive!!! We decided that we will submit ourselves to the screening process if Joshwa passes and by some miracle we can afford it then maybe it’s meant to be. This for school year 2012-2013
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