Light at the end of the tunnel

It's seems it's been a long time coming but we're beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel so to speak.

My son Lachlan will be graduating from Kindergarten tomorrow, a year ago this was far from being a reality and a year and a half ago we couldn't have even contemplated this happening. So now a year and a half on he will be graduating with his peers. It's a tremendous feeling, I'm finding it hard trying to find the right words to express how I'm feeling right now.

The Early Intervention Centre, AEIOU, has been amazing for Lachlan. The program has been exactly what he needed.
Who knew after being at AEIOU for a year and a half I'd have his Teacher, Therapists and Carers telling me frequently how ready for school my boy is, he truly is ready.

Tomorrow is going to be a big day for all of us who are involved with AEIOU, parents, grandparents and most of all the kids. We have a fun day organised, a day they will hopefully remember for years to come. I think tears will be plentiful tomorrow. I'm over the moon, but at the same time it's like we're losing a life support, because AEIOU really has been like a life support for us, especially for Lachlan.
But chin up because a new journey begins now as we follow the yellow brick road, haha just had to throw that in there. But in all honesty what lies ahead has me excited and feeling positive!

Lachlan we're so very proud of you, you have so worked very hard over the last 22 months since your journey began, we love you so much.
You really are amazing, just the way you are!!

Early Intervention is so very important!

I have high hopes for his future, the skies really are the limit.

Jade xx




"Different, Not Less"
Temple Grandin

https://aeiou.org.au/blog-view/celebrate-moments-not-things-this-christmas-191

Enjoy the little things..

Wow so 8 months has just flown by it seems since I last wrote an entry here in my blog. It's been an interesting roller coaster ride during this time, it's been one of the busiest years we've had since having kids.

Lachlan has come so far in his progress this year at AEIOU, has met all his IP goals for the year and now currently has another 2 that the therapists are confident he'll accomplish in no time, before the end of the school year. I'm just so proud of what he has achieved in a relatively short time frame, a little over a year and a half. As it was this time a year ago we were not even considering the thought that Lachlan would be starting school in the New Year, to me that was always my biggest goal for Lachlan, to be off to school in 2014. Words can not express how proud I am of my big little man, he's really achieved some amazing goals.
He has been accepted by both schools that we had applied to, we have already chosen the school which we think will best suit him and offer the most support. Today he had to sit a basic prep test prior to enrolment and acceptance, it's a new policy one of the schools has brought in, children must pass to begin prep the following year, well you probably have already guessed that he did pass the test.
As the year is drawing to an end I was so nervous about schools for my son, because it has only been this week that he has a confirmed enrolment for next year. It's been so stressful and depressing at times not knowing which school he will or wont be accepted in to, in the end they both have accepted him, just wish the process didn't take so long. When it comes to his education I like to be well prepared in advance.

Most people don't realise the steps, the drawn out process and paperwork it requires to have our children taken into mainstream schooling. It's not easy by any means, but then again us parents of special needs children already know this, it's never going to be an easy ride, there will always be obstacles big or small.
Going off to school is a right of passage for children. I tend to think some parents take this for granted, the ease of getting their kids enrolled, the ease of fitting in and making friends, the ease of learning. Most parents are over the moon when their children are off to school, excited and proud. Don't get me wrong I am both excited and proud, but I am also extremely scared for my son. The bullying frightens me so much. My son is some what of a target, he doesn't know how to stand up for himself and to be honest if he were being bullied I'm not so sure he would even see it this way, or comprehend the situation. Only time will tell.


So my main point tonight was to update on my son's progress and to express to others that please don't take the little things in life for granted, especially your children. Having a child with Autism has opened my eyes, I saw how much of everyday little things I had been taking for granted, it's amazing how ignorant we can be about it, I know I was!
Just remember there is always someone out there in the world worse off than you, someone worse off than me.

Embrace your children's achievements. Don't compare your children to others, your child is an individual!

So get out there and enjoy life, enjoy your families and most of all smile!


Hope you all have a great night.
Jade


Quick quote;

As a mum, you worry about protecting your kid. But there are extra added layers of fears when you're talking about a kid with autism or who has some special needs issue.
Holly Robinson Peete

Long Time No Type

So we've had Christmas come and go and we're well into the new year. Already seeing Easter chocolates at the local stores :0 We had a great Christmas surrounded by family and even had a little holiday up north with family. Hope you all had a great Christmas and enjoying the new year, I am!

This is our year!

So what a busy time it's been in this household. We've seen my son now 4 make huge improvements it's just so beautiful to watch. My youngest has also come far, talks constantly and have him toilet drained during the day which makes my life somewhat easier.

My eldest is now in a fulltime early intervention program, or 5 days a week. I'm happy to report the part time hours he had for 6 months last year worked wonders, so I'm anxious to see what fulltime will do for my little man, positive to see great things! At this stage we are working towards mainstream school for 2014 but again it's just a hope and this will be determined toward the end of the year. He is very social now, completely opposite to a year ago so I have a feeling home schooling may not be something he will enjoy. Other improvements include the speech, its getting so very clear and his comprehension is that much better. I can have a conversation, he even asks me questions! Another huge milestone was when he told me for the first time "I love you mum" I had been waiting to hear that for so long, I never doubt my son's love for me, was just beautiful to hear him say it, it brought tears to my eyes. There are quite a few other milestones, another is the toileting, feeding himself, trying new foods, sleeping better, has empathy and understands emotions. He's come far and further than I had thought he would, but positivity is a magical thing!

A milestone my boys have achieved together is riding a push bike with training wheels, magical moment and I can't get enough watching them together, they really are the best of friends and the worst of enemies :)

I've been so busy these past few weeks my head is still spinning. I drive quite a distance each day for my son that I find it quite tiring, more tiring than the gym, but you know what he's worth it. I've also had to sacrifice my dreams of studying for now. If all goes well I'm hopeful I can do some part time study in the next 6 months.

Ooh before I forget I've recently joined the fundraising committee at my son's centre and I'm so excited about getting on board. Incase you've forgotten April is Autism Awareness month and April 2nd is Autism awareness day worldwide!!

Help us to spread the awareness!!

If you want to get on board and donate to a cause close to me, please check out AEIOU Foundation, not for profit organisation and tax deductible!! Every little bit helps our children with Autism who accesses this service.

Think I've typed long enough, know that I'm back and intend to keep you all up to date, I'm sure I've missed some things but not to worry.

Jade x

P.s photo is of my boys having water play while on holiday :)