Something to think about when you're feeling a bit down..

Every once in a while throughout my school experiences with Johnny, I would get a bit sad/overwhelmed feeling at the reports in his backpack..the ones written by his aide that came to school and helped him out.

Just having to see on paper the things that he was struggling with, or the testings results that would come back with areas highlighted that he didn't quite "get" yet or understand...I'd be having a good few days, then BAM..this reminder that there was something different about my child and that he needed all this extra help.

But then one day the aide that had been working so close with him reminded me that just because he was getting these reports...does NOT mean he is the only child in the room who struggles in one way or another. She said "If all these children had someone following them around, writing up reports about their strengths and weaknesses and areas that they needed help, they would all have things on there that would state where they needed help...he just happens to have someone there, and they don't".

I guess what i'm saying, is that just because a child isn't receiving special services doesn't mean they are excelling in every area, or that they also don't need "help" from time to time. Its just harder when it's YOUR child who is getting put under a microscope. You won't hear that so and so's child can't cut with scissors yet, or this persons child can't sit for more than a minute without his eyes wandering off and needing to be redirected...but I always needed to remind myself that they are all KIDS who are all learning and gaining skills at different rates. And I needed to take the evaluation sheets and look for the positive and work with him on the negative.

Just thought i'd pass on my rambling thoughts in case it helped anyone else out just a little..

Re: Something to think about when you're feeling a bit down..

Very true! I know over the years I've developed severe anxiety over my kids with ASD but then afterwards I bounce back and have to just look at the + things and let go of the others.

Re: Something to think about when you're feeling a bit down..

It's so true
I always look at my son and compare. I then stop and think... Ok, this boy the same age as DS is having a conversation with another child and able to express himself, but a minute or so later there will be some tantrum.
I think... ok, these other kids aren't "perfect." They're toddlers all growing up and going through frustrations as well. Just different than my DS.
We are taking every precation for our children and if that means they need that extra help then we should be proud of ourselves for going above and beyond to give it to them

Re: Something to think about when you're feeling a bit down..

I have to remind myself when I am teaching that some of the things that my students do are not ASD or ED behaviors, but things that 1st graders do!