HomeSchool Resources and TidBits (SpecNeeds)

 " As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases." https://homeschoolspecneedstidbits.com/affiliate-disclosure/ Hello Beautiful People! Can you believe that there are about 3 weeks left of 2021?! It has been such a whirlwind, yet we also have so much to be thankful for as well.  I found this Christmas autism poem online and it really defines what a long 18 1/2 months it has been like for our family and that the journey continues...  This poem was written in 2008 by Cindy Waeltermann, who is the founder of the organization Autism Link. Autism Night Before Christmas by Cindy Waeltermann Twas the Night Before Christmas And all through the house The creatures were stirring Yes, even the mouse We tried melatonin And gave a hot bath But the holiday jitters They always distract The children were finally All nestled in bed When nightmares of terror Ran through my OWN head Did I get the right gift The right color And style Would there be a tantrum Or even, maybe, a smile? O

We recently learned that our son's ILC classroom is GONE! Not sure what the road will be like ahead, but we are trying to pick up the pieces and find a pathway for his education and journey. Not sure what to feel, but we are definitely concerned and disappointed with how this was all handled, in regards to students who are autistic and have or need lots of academic support and accommodations.    At the end of the day, all that matters is that we find a way to educate our autistic teenage son the best way we know how, hopefully with the school district's guidance and options/resources available to him and us as well. Keeping our fingers crossed and hoping for the best in a situation that could have gone better.      Transitions. Disappointment. Hopeful outcomes and a way forward.  Sincerely,  ~Mandu

Good Evening Everyone,  I know it has been awhile since I posted but there has been so many changes coming up and our family is buckling down to see what happens in the days to follow. You see, our son is attending school for a Full day in a public school setting for the first time and he has not done this for over 11 years.  I could sugar coat this and say how thrilled we are and look forward to this major milestone in our lives and his, but we have seen the possibility of what if this doesn't work out:-(. What is reassuring is that we know that he will have support, 1:1, peer support, para support and otherwise. But the what if's outweigh the possibilities of success because in our parental expertise and background experiences, it did not go well in the past. He will be taking two general education classes in the 6th grade level class, we are unaware of how big these general education classes are, but hope that they will not be too overwhelming. We will just have to wait a