It seems that most stories I have heard about IEPs lately have been quite negative, so it was nice to come across this more light-hearted list of IEP DOs and DON'Ts from "Mama on the Edge."
Life continues to be rather crazy, but it goes on and we have good days here and there. We have adjusted Samuel's day to include much more in the way of sensory activity. We are trying "Time4Learning" on-line curriculum for Math and Language Arts. I am amazed at how much better his attention span is working on the computer as opposed to toughing it out with worksheets and books while sitting at the table. Independence in completing tasks and teaching self-control are still very important parts of Samuel's education at home.
My youngest son has developed a strong fear of wind. I just learned that this is called Ancraophobia. I am not sure what has brought this on in him. He is constantly looking out the window to see how much the tree branches are moving. The wind chimes ringing (which I consider to be a happy sound) put fear in him. Windy conditions developed here this afternoon and my son hid under a blanket curled up in a ball on the couch, after he made sure all the blinds were shut! I am trying to keep everyone else in the house from teasing him. I even teased him a little at first, but now I realize that he really is afraid and I am trying to help him get over it.
8 comments:
Thank you for the shout-out. I'm new to your blog, and after reading a few posts, I don't know how you find the time to read blogs, much less write one of your own. Color me amazed!
Nice to blogmeet you.
My 2 oldest kids have had IEP's for years and my 11 year old who is hearing impaired is currently undergoing testing to get his in place. I have personally found that having the IEP's in place has been a blessing in having some options when the school district isn't meeting the needs of my child. It's nice to have some of those resources available when it's time, which there always is with special needs kids, to say "hey, this isn't going right and I need help in getting it back on track".
Kat
Hi Kat, It's nice to hear a good comment about IEPs. At face value, it would seem that an IEP would be a logical, clear-cut thing: a legal document that outlines the education plan for a child. I guess it's all the crazy negotiation that often has to occur to get that document in place that makes it such a headache. Some people are fortunate enough to have good experiences with the process. I had a bad experience with trying to get what I thought were some reasonable things put into my son's IEP (to track some behavioral problems) and was very discouraged by the resistance I met with from the rest of his IEP team. To me it seems that parents are usually not respected as an equal member of the IEP team.
HEY, I just left an entire blog post based on your comments:
http://homeschoolnetc.blogspot.com/2009/04/homeschooling-special-needs-children.html
Virginia, FWIW since I know people who have lost their home in a tornado, the fear of wind *sometimes* is a bit reasonable. Just go to the basement when that siren goes, you know? :[
My Elf is really, really, REALLY scared of showers. SO he takes baths. Unfortunately the wind is not so easy to avoid!! I didn't know it had a special name, either. Wow.
I'm sorry your IEP's have been discouraging. For Jonah we have found them to be very positive and have really made a difference for him with dyslexia. We had 1 teacher who refused to acknowledge the IEP until I skipped all proper channels and went straight to the principal, he handled it quickly and the problem was solved. I've just begun all the process with Tobi who we think also has dyslexia and I am hoping for the same results as with Jonah, I'll let you know what happens!
Our kids are amazing . . . Pamela got over her fear of elevators a few years ago thanks to Toy Story 2! :-)
I cannot make any comments on IEPS because we had Pamela's last one in 1995!
You are an amazing mom!! My school sucks with IEPS never stick to what theysay I fought and fought and we are now homschooling!!!! I make my own IEP No fighting here. We love homeschooling!!
Have a blessed day..
My son is amazing on the computer. He does things all the time that I can't figure out how he did it! The computer can be a great learning tool and/or reward.
I have never heard of a wind phobia. Poor kid. Maybe he is hearing sounds no one else can hear when the wind blows. He might outgrow it. My son has had different sound sensitivities throughout his life. Hope it isn't too windy where you live for your son's sake : )
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