Hippotherapy

Yesterday I took Atticus to hippotherapy. It is about a 45 minute drive one way. But well worth it, since we are short on options for the summer. This is therapy using a horse. He actually stood up on the horse. He was a bit afraid, but he started flying like superman. Oh it was great. He had a great ride. He has graduated to now learning about caring for a horse and developing skills riding the horse. I am excited for him to learn these things. The Star Center in Jackson is offering a summer autism art and musical therapy. I am so glad they have this program. We are so short on assistance here in rural West TN. I told Atticus last night about his classes and he said,, "I love art, but music is too loud." He can spend his whole day drawing. Atticus is so precious and I love him with all my heart. I enjoy each day with him and look forward to the end of the day when he curls up in my bed with me for me to read not 1, not 2, but 3 (always 3) books to him. Then listen as he falls asleep. These days are priceless!

Finally! School is out!

Well I just found out from my son's school therapist that no other parents want Occupational Therapy for the summer. I feel like I have been hit with a brick. Let me first say that Atticus performed in 2 events last weekend. His end of the year Jr K performance, which was ok. No screaming but he did spin around like a top and cover his ears with the clapping. He then did his KinderTot performance (which is a basketball program) and he did wonderful. I was amazed. He actually sat in church with me Sunday. He had to sit outside for children's church because the puppets were too loud. But that made me feel good for him. Atticus has always seemed to enjoy pleasing me. He will always say, "Are you happy at me?". I love my son. But I need help. The only thing I have lined up for him is play therapy. Any ideas?

I guess I've been avoiding thinking too much about the diagnosis. Until I got to thinking about summer. Now, I am worried. We have a babysitter we have arranged to keep Molly and Atticus, but I am so afraid the 2 months home with a babysitter will not be a good thing for Atticus. I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed by the whole situation. Atticus really does so well that I can sometimes "pretend" that all is well. He requires a bit more coaxing to do things, he goes at his own pace and he loves talking to adults, but otherwise things are really going well. We've been going to a church that has a nursery for 5 year olds and that has helped. I dread having to take him into the service. Luckily they have a balcony and we can "hide" up there. I'm so scared I'm going to mess up. Money is very tight right now and Childcare in the summer always messes us up since we pay our tuition monthly. Atticus is set for kindergarten. we know who his teacher will be and that he will be in harmony. I am so scared because they learn in groups in kindergarten and that is atticus' biggest weakness. He goes not like groups. Any advise for summer? I'd love to hear from anyone out there. My internet at home has been zapped. SO, that is the reason for the delay in posting. I need a new modum.

I've decided to keep Atticus in his current school. We are in a private Christian College and I have a strong (that is not enough emphasis)STRONGfamily committment to public education. In fact my aunt just gave me a disertation about how valuable a public education is. While I understand that, I have seen the love at our school and I never felt loved in school. Never knew school was there to make you feel good. Let me say to those of you who do not understand Aspergers, that Atticus is not a "problem child" as my aunt so loving called him today. He would never even be noticed by you in the classroom. At home he may have on a batman cape or give you a long story about cars or planets, but he is not a problem child at all. The worst thing that happens is that he gets lost. I consider my children's Christian education a huge advantage. I am so thankful that we are allowed to give this to our children. We sacrifice in order to give this to our children.

Busy Day

Today I took Atticus to the West TN School for the Deaf to have his hearing test done. This is all on computer done by an audiologist and she had no concerns about his hearing. I'm battling whether to leave Atticus in private school with Harmony or to allow him to go to public school. Finance is an issue in our family and we have had plenty of expenses with trying to figure out what is going on with Atticus. I wish I could get some feedback from other parents or educators on what to do. This is a major expense for our family. But I want to do what is best for my children. I hope you will continue to pray for my family.

All Smiles

Today Atticus' class lead chapel and he got to say a verse and lead a song. He did a great job. Found a new obsession, called Word World. These are the neatest things. A teacher at school allowed us to borrow the dvd and we found a cheap version of the toys at DEALS. They are letters like D-O-G that create a dog or same with Pig or Cow. Anyway, it is an excellent way to teach spelling. Atticus thinks it is great. It is on PBS kids I have heard. The ones at Deals are plastic. The ones at Target are plush and a DVD comes with the ones at Target. Now I have a new challenge. Harmony at our school is going to be very expensive. Does anyone have any ideas about how to get assistance with this. I know we have chosen to place our children in private Christian school, but the expense with a special needs child is even more. Yates Foundation is not yet offering scholarships and I am not sure we will qualify, does anyone else have any ideas about funding out there for Autism or specifically for Aspergers. Thanks for all your prayers.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Oh boy. It is something new all the time. I can't find a behavioralist in this area who will take my insurance. What is up with that? I can't beleive that people can afford this. It is short term therapy lesson, but the expense can be quite large because they come and implement it in your home. Anyone have any thoughts?