I finally feel mentally, emotionally, and physically ready to update my blog on what has been happening in my life. Last week Sammy pretty much missed the entire week of school. About a month ago she  started to show new struggles with her behavior and some sensory issues. This could have occurred for a number of reasons or for no reason at all. Autism likes to keep parents in a state of wonder and confusion. The best strategy is to move forward and find new techniques, tools, and approaches towards managing the not so pleasant struggles that go along with Autism. I couldn't get Sammy to keep her clothes on or get in a car to save my life. I don't believe and neither does any Autism specialist, teacher, or therapist that I've spoken to believe it's a good approach to force an Autistic child to do what you want. I have learned that with my daughter the forceful approach gets you nowhere and into an even worse situation fast. You just have to take  several deep breaths, control your frustration, and take on all obstacles slow and steady. Last Friday Jimmy and I had a meeting with Sammy's teacher, someone from the district's Autism team, a child psychologist, and a speech therapist to try and find a way to get Sammy to come to school. As Jimmy and I were driving to the school I told him I wasn't going to cry because I felt like I was too mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted to produce anymore tears. We were both silent for the majority of the drive but out of nowhere Jimmy said, "Don't worry I've got your back, no one in that meeting will make you sad." he knew exactly what I was feeling (I married the most supportive and amazing man). I was nervous that someone would tell me I wasn't doing enough for Sammy. When I know I'm doing a damn good job raising my daughter, but all parents have moments when they doubt themselves. As soon as we sat down at the table to start the meeting and I had a table full of compassionate eyes staring at me I burst into tears. I felt for a moment that I had a full support team that truly understood my stress and sadness. We discussed Sammy, new ideas towards handling her struggles, and made some new goals. I left feeling hopeful.

I made a "going to school" PECS board. I made my pecs similar but a little different than Sammy's classroom PECS. I made it so it would work for Sammy and when it was completed I admit that I felt a wee bit proud of it. I ran through the PECS and how Sammy would do with it. In my head it went smoothly but I was still unsure about it working. All weekend I had a knot in my stomach because I was worried the plan wasn't going to be successful and that I couldn't handle another set back. I needed a victory, even a small one like getting Sammy to go to school. She needs her special preschool time because it gives her structure, social interaction, and other things that have a positive impact towards her Autism.

This morning was the big day to test my homemade PECS. I brought it out and asked Sammy to name all the PECS. I explained that after each task is completed and put into the checked envelope that she could then get her smiley face and exchange it for a treat in the smiley envelope. Jimmy even went into work late to basically assist me in getting Sammy to school and to be my support if things didn't go well. Thankfully the PECS worked!! Once we arrived at her school I could have cried. I know the PECS board won't always work just like at school sometimes Sammy doesn't want to transition or go with the program, but it gave me the small victory I needed.

There have been other struggles that are related to Sammy's Autism but I just want to focus on this victory.

p.s. If you are curious about PECS click here => PECS