Let me break it all down starting with her clinic evals. Autumn was her usual hyperactive self at the clinic because everything was fun and new. Her new OT and SLP seem lovely. It's going to take me a while to adapt to them but I really do like them and what they will be able to offer Autumn. They both determined that she could benefit from 2x a week speech and OT. I agree, however because of summer schedules, we might only be able to get in on service once a week and the other twice. They said they'd like to have her for OT and then speech back to back. I prefer this as well bc I personally don't want to be running her around all week if she can have the sessions back to back. She did this while in EI so I am sure she can handle it at the clinic. We start Monday with services.
Second, the IEP. As my Facebook page updates had indicated, all went exceptionally well. Very pleased and grateful for the CST we do have here in my township. Overall, we agreed to have her be placed in a self-contained class. It is the best class for her that will have four aides and the most one to one attention that she requires. She'll go to the integrated preschool class for snack time and other activities as she gets older. She will be going half-days, five days a week. She was offered full days but I declined right now because I want to see how she adjusts to the school setting. She will be going to an elementary school so this is going to be an entirely different world for her. I also declined bus services. I want to be able to pick her up and drop her off on a daily basis. Until she's able to express her day to me, I will not be putting her on a bus yet. Someday yes, but not at three. She will also have OT and Speech, both 2x a week, individual for now until she is able to work within a group environment. They will provide me with daily progress notes, a speech and OT book so that I know what's she's doing and how I can carry over what she's learning while she's home. Every question and accommodation I wanted she's getting. I'm happy with that. Overall, the meeting wasn't as intimidating or overwhelming as I suspected. Luckily, Autumn's OT from EI was also present at the meeting bc she will be her OT at the school. Her and I spoke for a good 15 minutes privately after the meeting and it was nice hearing her comments and suggestions moving forward.
Third, Autumns three year wellness visit went well. She's 40 inches tall and 38 pounds and is growing perfectly according to her pediatrician. She also received her MMR at this appointment and guess what, she hasn't melted yet. Still a jumping bean, silly little girl. The pediatrician and me had a good talk about Autumn's autism and him believing she will overcome some of the challenges associated with Autism due to EI and us being proactive by getting her extra therapies and the services she needs. He said she's probably on the mild-moderate level of autism but to not worry too much into it because he too has noticed a great change in her over the past year. He also stated what the CST stated, in a year, especially two years from now she's going to be an entirely different kid. I suspect this too because she'll be older (duh) but the concerns I've had will not be so heavy in the future. Still, I plan to take things daily and embrace the little things she does now. I also registered her for pre-k3 I can't believe Autumn is going to school this fall! I will be a total emotional wreck but I trust that she'll be in excellent hands.
Lastly, and this one's about me. Starting in September (because it's going to take that long to do my trainings and paperwork), I'm going to be working for an agency that's contracted throughout the state to provide Early Intervention services. Thus, this mama bear will be working for EI! I will be providing behavioral intervention services and once I complete other trainings, I'll be writing the programs and behavioral plans for families. It's definitely not the path I envisioned when I started grad school, but because of everything I've been going through with Autumn, this new area/journey in life has inspired a shift career-wise. Sure, I want to still try to obtain my LPC but right now, I want to focus on helping families and children affected by Autism. I want to be an Autism advocate in regards to early detection and helping to implement services (not preventing or finding a cure) as well as focusing on parental support since this area is seriously lacking (especially up in my neck of the woods). Who knew that having my Autumn would be a game-changer in so many different areas within my life. Sadly, I will make more money doing this than I do as an LAC. I couldn't be happier with this new job opportunity and my decision to work for EI. So, once Autumn starts school, I'll work with families during that time even if it's one family per day. I'm happy with this decision. Plus, we need the extra money so it's time for me to do this. Perfect timing I suppose. Talk about fate.
So there you all have it. What an excellent week.
Xoxo,
Trish
Looking all grown up with her hair pulled back
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