Ask:
I wanted to share a moment from my day yesterday after Church. First it was a very rough drive up as I was asked to answer 5 questions that cut to core and soul. Questions about having a SN child, how did I get it thru it, what do I find that helps me, etc. It was truly God awful. I was a mess by the time I hit Church.
I did get great news, A ski scholarship and what is not covered will be covered by our Church! Thru all this I noticed a woman. She sat behind me in Church, he son played the entire time with a pirate ship. Never a word. I saw DH speak to her briefly and she was leaving. I hurried to say hello. Suddenly out comes that her son has aspergers. She just found out and the public school system won't help this dear 7 yr old boy. He made perfect eye contact, conversations were appropriate but I had to start them. Expressive and receptive were both on target! However.....
She went on to say that he gets asked to a party once and never again. He doesn't have friends, she is alone. In a moment she was in sobs on my shoulder and so was I! I felt every tear, every sob, each pain! I know her pain and her suffering.
I told to come to my house, always, and know that her son, daughter and family will be welcome back time and time again. I gave her my number and made her promise to call me.
I plan to get her in touch with an advocate, get her son in school if she would like, get him an IEP, if she wants, and I am going to get her on the waiver. She has a diagnosis and she needs help.
My point my friends, is to please share your blessings! Please. We are all in pain, pain that we think no ones know but there are people who are just starting this road, they need us to share their pain, their sorrow, their lost dreams. Let go of our built up protections. Feel, share and know that we are blessed!
With respect, April
Answer:
What a shame that her child could be left behind because the school system is lagging. I just found out from the therapist that Aspergers often isn't protected because it's sometimes considered a "behavioral" issue. What a crock. That is a main reason that it falls into the autism spectrum for some doctors. My son didn't qualify for special services due to his Aspergers. Social issues and delays are not considered. It was due to motor delays, sensory disorder and other things.
Tacoma, you have my email address. As a mom of an Aspergers child, feel free to have her email me. I'm no authority, but at least I've tugged my rope partially up the hill. I would be happy to share my findings and resources. This woman needs to find a support group, and being that your town is small, there's probably not much for her. I'd be happy to help in any way I can. Thank you for taking her under your wing and for caring. We've been there, huh?