A rose by any other name...

I was correcting Brian's vocabulary assignment the other day and came across this...

4. You know I feel uneasy because

a. I smile all the time
b. I stand up straight
c. my clothes are new
d. my hands are shaking

Brian had marked "c" for his answer.  I asked him to explain what he thought that the word, uneasy, meant. He told me that wearing new clothes was uncomfortable and definitely made him uneasy.  I asked him if one of the other answers would be a better match and he quickly responded..."a".  He then showed me how he would smile to try and hide that he felt uneasy.  Once again I asked if another answer would be a better match.  His reply..."well it must be "b" then because my hands do NOT shake when I am uneasy".

uneasy  adjective, a little afraid, worried, uncomfortable

5th grade...here I come!!!

Yesterday was the dreaded end of year IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting for Brian. I say dreaded only because I have been known to shed a tear or two thousand at these meetings. We sit down with Brian's teachers (special ed and general ed), therapists, and District Reps to discuss Brian's present level of function/performance, annual goals, and special education services. Seeing it all on paper always makes the Autism part real. Jason has been out of town and so I faced the meeting alone. His teachers told me he is doing fantastic this year and that he has almost caught up to grade level (just under a year behind). Go Brian!!! They all say what an absolute joy he is to have around and that he provides comic relief at all times..he gets that from me :) !!! Next year he will remain in the Autism program (at a new school closer to us...shorter bus ride!!), he will continue with speech therapy (dang the lame "th" sound), and will continue to participate in a general ed class for part of the day. We are so proud of Brian...he has really worked hard this year.

ability noun, 1) capability, power or knowledge 2) skill, expertise

Autism Awareness Month...

April is officially Autism Awareness Month. Approximately 1 in 150 children are being diagnosed with autism. Utah's rate is even higher, about 1 in 136. It is so important that people are educated and understand at the very least the basics of this disorder. Through April you can go to www.barnesandnoble.com/autism and read "Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book" by Cleste Shally and David Harrington. It's free online this month. It is a cute book that helps explain autism to kids...and adults :) When it comes to Autism, understanding, compassion and tolerance are so important.
Another site that has great information is www.autismspeaks.org
We have been so lucky to be surrounded by such kind and loving people.
We love all of you and are so grateful for the love and support you give to our family.

tolerance noun, compassion, open-mindedness