My son has ASD along with other medical diagnoses. He will be 13 this September. .inspiring to hear other people stories, and so very important to reflect on each of ours! our sweet kiddos have grown soo much, and we have as well! There are absolutely days that I am tired of advocating for my child and I get frustrated with people and their need to judge. . I just want to scream at them "just be kind" Most days, we are hidden away at home because my son does not do transitions well, and public outings there are tons of transitions and of course lots of sensory overload. The public meltdowns are the worst, especially since he is now bigger than me, there is no picking him up!😅 I definitely "feel the eyes" staring as my son screams,cries, shoves the shopping cart (or his sisters) pulling on me or throwing things off shelves! When this happens, I feel so defeated 😞 and frustrated. . I don't know if it's a pitty party or if I just get salty with his behavior. . I just get frustrated that the simplest of things, like going to get groceries I literally feel like I'm going into battle, there are areas of the store I try to ignore cause it will 100% trigger a meltdown and I know I'm on a time limit, anything over 30min is too long for my son to shop. . So often I don't get all my shopping done and have to go back multiple times. My kiddo is non verbal and does use a communication device (he has a dynavox) so I try to remember that we bring that, and as I mention earlier he struggles with transitions, so if I can I try to bring his "first and then" schedule. . Being a special needs parent is exhausting, between supplying all the things our child needs to succeed (or to just be comfortable) and then needing to advocate for them every day. . It wears on you! Especially if you have additional kiddos! Thanks for this video, it definitely inspired some reflection. Through the struggle I know comes growth and my little man has overcome soo much. I will always be his number one fan, advocating for him 💙
My daughter has Downs Syndrome and one of the hardest experience for me was when someone asked if I didn’t take my prenatal vitamins that’s why she was “like” that. The judgement of others is a real situation. Thank you for being so honest and understanding of others lack of understanding. My daughter is one so I haven’t experience these issues but I have experienced the judgment and the lack of understanding of my daughter’s unique ability. There have been times I want to be a “Karen.” As my daughter gets older I realize teaching awareness is the answer. You are absolutely right it’s a hard balance being an advocate for your child and also teaching others to be aware and kind to your child’s unique ability. Your doing an amazing job with both. When I received my diagnosis for my daughter your channel helped me through some of the emotions I was feeling. I’ve watched you advocate, teach and love your children and these videos are a resource not just for us moms with children with unique abilities but for the ones that don’t. Thank you and keep teaching with kindness!
Hi! I want to say congratulations on your beautiful daughter! Babies with Down syndrome are so precious! My daughter with Down syndrome is 6, like Naomi. Definitely challenges, but the journey is beautiful, not to mention ADORABLE! Don’t let any negative words discourage you. Your daughter is just who she is supposed to be. ☺️ I hope you can find a community around you to encourage and relate to you, as well as give you and your daughter and your whole family the support and help you need as she grows and you all grow with her. God bless you on your journey with your wonderful daughter 😊 Carolyn
Aww sweet momma!! Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl! What a joy! 🥰 Our son with Down Syndrome just turned 13. He has taught me so much and has brought much joy and laughter to our home! He is a huge helper and loves absolutely everyone and every thing. He lives for adventure and biscuits and gravy are his favorite. 😂 I'm so grateful for this channel where we can all come together with understanding the joys and struggles. Hugs sweet momma.
@@violingirl1349 Thank you for your encouragement. It’s a journey we are all on and it’s nice to have support and words of encouragement because as you know it is challenging but it’s so beautiful and adorable. When I found out my daughter had DS I sort other mothers with a child like mine and I build friendships and a family with these women. They push me forward when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Thank you so much for responding to my message and giving me even more words of encouragement to push me forward on this journey.
When you described the accidental discrimination it brought tears to my eyes. Thinking how the innocence gets squashed, especially when a person is more non verbal. You are so right, we have to be their advocates! I believe God makes this very clear. Pick up your cross because it won’t be easy but it is so necessary and worth it.
Thank you, I have a 10 yr old child with IQ of 72...and all the things that goes along with an IQ that low. She will get to a 5th grade level, maybe...I am judged all the time....people look at an outside normal child...and then see how she reasons, evaluates, plays, thinks, talks...and then they look at me like what a problem she is...however, she isn't, she just needs understood, her brain is like a 6yr old. Fun, loud, happy, laughing...the funny thing is MY GIRL NEVER JUDGES ME OR ANYONE ELSE.
Yes. This. My son has ASD, and a nervous system disorder called PDA (basically severe anxiety where his nervous system is always in high gear). He’s very handsome, charming and incredibly smart for his age, as well as high masking. But his anxiety and trouble with social cues make things go from smooth to a full out war zone pretty quick. It is so hard some days to do the “normal” things. I am grateful I can homeschool him and his sister. We did some autism preschool, but he aged out and was sent into mainstream which was a nightmare. We’ve been homeschooling since the shutdown and I couldn’t be happier for that choice. We have learned so much and he is much happier going at his pace and deep diving into interests he enjoys. But we have struggled with the judgement, by strangers and even people we know. If anything I’ve learned as his mom, it’s that you can never know what is going on in anyone else’s life. ❤
Thank you for sharing. My son has ASD and has some issues. Especially with eating/sensory/focus/ learning delays. So I think people look at me as a bad mom especially because I homeschool and he can’t read or write yet. He only eats a few foods and people are always telling me he’s just spoiled or I don’t try hard enough. I often find myself just “hiding” in my home. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your heart.
This video hit me hard. My little girl, Lily is 6 and she has down syndrome as well. I swear sometimes I watch your videos and Naomi reminds me so much of lily it's crazy! Anyhow, lily started kindergarten last year in public school. She loves it and her teachers all seem great. However, our public schools don't allow parents in the building during school hours unless they are there to volunteer for an event or something. I can't tell you how absolutely agonizing this is for me! Lily doesn't talk much and can't come home and tell me what her day was like. If she got her feelings hurt or someone was inappropriate with her, or if she had the best day ever and made a new friend or learned something new. I have had meetings with her teacher, the principal and school counselor to discuss my concerns with no avail. I'm really struggling with this because my first instinct is to follow my gut and take her out but my heart doesn't want to rob her of a good education, the whole experience of making friends and fun school activities and all the memories I hold so dear from my days in elementary school. I'm really struggling with this and I don't know what to do. I am an only child and so is she, all my friends kids are grown so she never gets to be around kids her age unless she is at school. I understand why the schools have this policy and I fully support it, but I think there should be an exception for the kids that can't tell us about their day. How will I ever know how the other kids react to her as well as how she interacts with them?? I can't even come in 5 minutes before school gets out and watch her during the last few minutes of class. I'm so disappointed, I was really looking forward to her starting school and getting to be at least a little involved as well but I am being completely shut out and it really sucks!
That must be so hard for you. If you successfully made it through 13 years of schooling then you should hopefully be equipped to give her a “good education” for a few formative years and at least until she is a bit more verbal. You may have all those fond memories of school but school is a lot different these days and also the school experience is a whole lot different for a neurodivergent individual. It sounds like she belongs to the school once those doors are closed and I just can’t get behind that. I homeschool my children (15, 12 & 4yrs old) and I would recommend to anyone to do the same. There are so many opportunities for homeschool group activities that you probably would be blown away. No judgment, we are all trying our best with these littles. I just hope to be an encouragement if your instincts are leading you in a direction that you’re worried about.
I had a very bad experience with both my boys when they were in PreK public school. My oldest has ASD, and even though he was in a special needs class room, supposably, I was called in several times to pick him up early due to behavior issues. This really tainted my view. However, when my youngest, with DS, started 9 yrs later, at a different school, I had better hopes. He was put in an inclusive class room, which I was told was better. His teacher would constantly send home notes about how he was disruptive, un-attentive, and distracted. I kept hoping for a better outcome because he always loved going. Finally, they had a Moms and math day, and we were allowed to observe the class for an hr. My heart broke. Even with the teacher and 2 aides, he was ignored, and left in the corner and no one was teaching him or helping him. I pulled him out the next week, after meeting with the teacher and principal. He went from not being able to count to 5, to counting up to 20 in a month.
Wow !! this hits so close to home for me. I have autistic twins and I deal with the judging glares all the time. Constantly explaining to people why they are doing things out of the ordinary or having terrible behaviors. It’s so hard. 😢
My daughter is 10 and has Autism non speaking and its a real thing out there in the world with special needs kids. Last week the weather wasn't great and her support worker took her to an indoor play gym so that she could get that movement and social community access in. She was sitting in the ball pit with two other little girls who were there playing and they were just throwing the balls at her. Having very young social skills, she wasn't reacting to this except for she was stimming - flapping her arms because she probably didn't really understand what they were doing and so her support worker went up to the ball pit and explained to the little girls that its not very kind to throw balls and people. One girl replied with she's too big to play here anyway, she should get out. My daughters support worker explained to the little girls all children can play here and we need to remember to be kind to everyone when we are playing and then the little girls said okay. Now these were just little girls and they need to be taught but what was shocking was the parents of these little girls were sitting there watching the girls throw the balls at my daughter and didn't get up to tell them to stop, my daughters support worker had to step up and teach their children about kindness to all. We parents/carers of special needs kids cannot take our eyes off them for a moment. It sure is a job of advocation.
Just found this channel and I am going to subscribe. I have a beautiful six year old girl with Down Syndrome. I also home school. Today was such a hard day. My daughter did not want to do any school and was acting out all day. I felt so depressed and just wanted to cry. I just need to hear from other people who are going through the same thing. Thank you for sharing.
One hundred percent true! Every parent handed that beautiful child is not given a user's manual yet they become experts on their children. Then energy is spent every day on advocating for their child's safety and well-being in a society that prefers "normal". I'm not complaining just recognizing the awesome responsibility God entrusted us with. Thank goodness he promised to help us carry our burdens (burdens being the struggle our kids have and the world not accepting them freely).
Thank you for this video. My 6 year old daughter, Annie, has Down syndrome. There are days and moments in days where I wish it wasn’t so hard, where I wish it could all just be “normal”, to be honest. But I’ve been realizing and prayerfully reminding myself lately that this IS the way our family is, and that’s ok! That our family will always have this added dynamic and we are who we are. 😊 (I think I’ve been feeling the challenge more lately as I just had a baby 4 months ago, plus 3 older kids, so 5 kids including a newborn and a young child with extra needs has been extra challenging lately…) Also, Leilani, when you were reminding us of the fact that advocating for and teaching others about our child is HARD, that just made me feel tired… I don’t want it to always be hard. But I’m also reminded of the people in my family and around us who truly love Annie and all of us, and want to be there to help. So I’m thankful and comforted by that. So the challenge is real, but our children are worth it! God bless you all on your journeys 😊
My twins with autism almost 12 now, were in a private special needs school four years then Covid happened. I was amazed at how little academic knowledge they really knew. Since we had to complete the year from home. My boys have grown so much in the last 4 years homeschooling. This is our 4th, yes I still have problems with meltdowns at home and sometimes in public. I’m slowly getting braver to go out. Yes, feeling judgment even in immediate family too when one does a meltdown. I need ppl to understand them not judge them every time. I do have aba therapist now that they do In home and clinic visits. Sometimes good or bad ones, but right now I think they’re doing well with working with me and hopefully understanding what I’m going to as a parent to some degree.
Thanks for the video. My daughter has sensory processing and she’s gotten better but when we were just learning about it she’d have full meltdowns for things that wouldn’t bother any one else and I would try to explain to family what it was or why it was happening and they would just say she needed to be corrected and assume it was just tantrums and bad behavior. It was a hard phase. Now she’s moved on from certain things but is delayed in certain areas and people assume that it’s because of homeschooling lol. Good thing I’m done trying to please others or I’d go crazy.
Thank you for advocating for your daughter, not everyone has the parent like that. And J totally wanders too, half the time he does it from our own dinner table. “Nothing that interests or engages me is happening here, moving on” and really doesn’t see an issue with it. 😅
I relate to all of this. Thank you so much for speaking your truth! I want to send your family so much love. You have helped me so much over the past few years. Thank you ❤
My kids all have adhd, some more mild than others. But not only do people just assume I’m a terrible mom, when I try to explain they have adhd and what to expect I often get eye rolls and people telling me adhd isn’t a real thing.
@@LivingWithEve I have been in the classroom for 12 years and it’s been about 10 since I have gone to school myself. I love that term because it’s not singling someone out and it is much more inclusive.
I had a mom.. come to me.. and correct me for letting my little one with CP and sensory oral issues.. tell me..” your daughter is putting the pretend food toys in her mouth “ .. umm yeah🙄 good grief..she is 3.. I was happy she knew it was play food.. people can be so rude..
Thank you for the video! Would you be able to make a video on the whole process of doctors visits and how to be an advocate for your child in the doctors office? Baby isn't born yet and I'm trying to learn how to navigate this new journey
I'm curious how the Co-op goes with Naomi. After much search, we have found an excepting Co-Op a few years ago, yet my son is still way behind. I'm not as bothered by that, as he still has a hard time sitting still and following directions. The other parents aren't sure how to handle this.
The struggle is very real. My son vocally stims a lot. His noises have been compared to a siren or whale sounds. Now that he is older we are working on being aware of how loud we are, but I’m not asking him to stop because it’s not a self harm or danger to others stim. A couple years ago, we were asked to leave the library because of his noise level. I was so angry and embarrassed. We didn’t go back for 2 years. I thought many times about strongly worded letters or phone calls to tell the county how deeply this librarian wounded my family and my son with special needs, and how my tax dollars entitled my son to use their facilities….but I always reined myself in. So we tried again, and there a completely different librarians now, one on spectrum himself. And the head librarian has pulled me back into conversation with her telling me “he is fine!” when I hear my son loudly vocalizing across the room. So, sometimes time and general awareness makes it better. That, and when we went in for a second try, I totally “introduced” us and his situation and asked what their comfort level was with his presentation. They told me it was at my discretion, if he got too loud, that he had every right to be there. 🥲🥰
That return visit story is so great! I’m sorry for that first experience… But what a difference that made to “introduce” yourselves. I will definitely be remembering that idea for future situations - not necessarily library, but similar. ☺️ Thank you for sharing.
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My son has ASD along with other medical diagnoses. He will be 13 this September. .inspiring to hear other people stories, and so very important to reflect on each of ours! our sweet kiddos have grown soo much, and we have as well! There are absolutely days that I am tired of advocating for my child and I get frustrated with people and their need to judge. . I just want to scream at them "just be kind"
Most days, we are hidden away at home because my son does not do transitions well, and public outings there are tons of transitions and of course lots of sensory overload.
The public meltdowns are the worst, especially since he is now bigger than me, there is no picking him up!😅
I definitely "feel the eyes" staring as my son screams,cries, shoves the shopping cart (or his sisters) pulling on me or throwing things off shelves!
When this happens, I feel so defeated 😞 and frustrated. . I don't know if it's a pitty party or if I just get salty with his behavior. . I just get frustrated that the simplest of things, like going to get groceries I literally feel like I'm going into battle, there are areas of the store I try to ignore cause it will 100% trigger a meltdown and I know I'm on a time limit, anything over 30min is too long for my son to shop. . So often I don't get all my shopping done and have to go back multiple times.
My kiddo is non verbal and does use a communication device (he has a dynavox) so I try to remember that we bring that, and as I mention earlier he struggles with transitions, so if I can I try to bring his "first and then" schedule. .
Being a special needs parent is exhausting, between supplying all the things our child needs to succeed (or to just be comfortable) and then needing to advocate for them every day. . It wears on you!
Especially if you have additional kiddos!
Thanks for this video, it definitely inspired some reflection. Through the struggle I know comes growth and my little man has overcome soo much. I will always be his number one fan, advocating for him 💙
Thanks for the encouragement! And thank you for sharing!
My daughter has Downs Syndrome and one of the hardest experience for me was when someone asked if I didn’t take my prenatal vitamins that’s why she was “like” that. The judgement of others is a real situation. Thank you for being so honest and understanding of others lack of understanding. My daughter is one so I haven’t experience these issues but I have experienced the judgment and the lack of understanding of my daughter’s unique ability. There have been times I want to be a “Karen.” As my daughter gets older I realize teaching awareness is the answer. You are absolutely right it’s a hard balance being an advocate for your child and also teaching others to be aware and kind to your child’s unique ability. Your doing an amazing job with both. When I received my diagnosis for my daughter your channel helped me through some of the emotions I was feeling. I’ve watched you advocate, teach and love your children and these videos are a resource not just for us moms with children with unique abilities but for the ones that don’t. Thank you and keep teaching with kindness!
Thank you!
Hi! I want to say congratulations on your beautiful daughter! Babies with Down syndrome are so precious! My daughter with Down syndrome is 6, like Naomi. Definitely challenges, but the journey is beautiful, not to mention ADORABLE! Don’t let any negative words discourage you. Your daughter is just who she is supposed to be. ☺️ I hope you can find a community around you to encourage and relate to you, as well as give you and your daughter and your whole family the support and help you need as she grows and you all grow with her.
God bless you on your journey with your wonderful daughter 😊
Carolyn
Aww sweet momma!! Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl! What a joy! 🥰
Our son with Down Syndrome just turned 13. He has taught me so much and has brought much joy and laughter to our home! He is a huge helper and loves absolutely everyone and every thing. He lives for adventure and biscuits and gravy are his favorite. 😂
I'm so grateful for this channel where we can all come together with understanding the joys and struggles.
Hugs sweet momma.
@@violingirl1349
Thank you for your encouragement. It’s a journey we are all on and it’s nice to have support and words of encouragement because as you know it is challenging but it’s so beautiful and adorable. When I found out my daughter had DS I sort other mothers with a child like mine and I build friendships and a family with these women. They push me forward when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Thank you so much for responding to my message and giving me even more words of encouragement to push me forward on this journey.
Thank you fellow special needs mommas!! Hugs to all of you.
When you described the accidental discrimination it brought tears to my eyes. Thinking how the innocence gets squashed, especially when a person is more non verbal. You are so right, we have to be their advocates! I believe God makes this very clear. Pick up your cross because it won’t be easy but it is so necessary and worth it.
Thank you, I have a 10 yr old child with IQ of 72...and all the things that goes along with an IQ that low. She will get to a 5th grade level, maybe...I am judged all the time....people look at an outside normal child...and then see how she reasons, evaluates, plays, thinks, talks...and then they look at me like what a problem she is...however, she isn't, she just needs understood, her brain is like a 6yr old. Fun, loud, happy, laughing...the funny thing is MY GIRL NEVER JUDGES ME OR ANYONE ELSE.
Yes. This. My son has ASD, and a nervous system disorder called PDA (basically severe anxiety where his nervous system is always in high gear). He’s very handsome, charming and incredibly smart for his age, as well as high masking. But his anxiety and trouble with social cues make things go from smooth to a full out war zone pretty quick. It is so hard some days to do the “normal” things. I am grateful I can homeschool him and his sister. We did some autism preschool, but he aged out and was sent into mainstream which was a nightmare. We’ve been homeschooling since the shutdown and I couldn’t be happier for that choice. We have learned so much and he is much happier going at his pace and deep diving into interests he enjoys. But we have struggled with the judgement, by strangers and even people we know. If anything I’ve learned as his mom, it’s that you can never know what is going on in anyone else’s life. ❤
Thank you for sharing. My son has ASD and has some issues. Especially with eating/sensory/focus/ learning delays. So I think people look at me as a bad mom especially because I homeschool and he can’t read or write yet. He only eats a few foods and people are always telling me he’s just spoiled or I don’t try hard enough. I often find myself just “hiding” in my home. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your heart.
Thanks!
This video hit me hard. My little girl, Lily is 6 and she has down syndrome as well. I swear sometimes I watch your videos and Naomi reminds me so much of lily it's crazy! Anyhow, lily started kindergarten last year in public school. She loves it and her teachers all seem great. However, our public schools don't allow parents in the building during school hours unless they are there to volunteer for an event or something. I can't tell you how absolutely agonizing this is for me! Lily doesn't talk much and can't come home and tell me what her day was like. If she got her feelings hurt or someone was inappropriate with her, or if she had the best day ever and made a new friend or learned something new. I have had meetings with her teacher, the principal and school counselor to discuss my concerns with no avail. I'm really struggling with this because my first instinct is to follow my gut and take her out but my heart doesn't want to rob her of a good education, the whole experience of making friends and fun school activities and all the memories I hold so dear from my days in elementary school. I'm really struggling with this and I don't know what to do. I am an only child and so is she, all my friends kids are grown so she never gets to be around kids her age unless she is at school. I understand why the schools have this policy and I fully support it, but I think there should be an exception for the kids that can't tell us about their day. How will I ever know how the other kids react to her as well as how she interacts with them?? I can't even come in 5 minutes before school gets out and watch her during the last few minutes of class. I'm so disappointed, I was really looking forward to her starting school and getting to be at least a little involved as well but I am being completely shut out and it really sucks!
That must be so hard for you. If you successfully made it through 13 years of schooling then you should hopefully be equipped to give her a “good education” for a few formative years and at least until she is a bit more verbal. You may have all those fond memories of school but school is a lot different these days and also the school experience is a whole lot different for a neurodivergent individual. It sounds like she belongs to the school once those doors are closed and I just can’t get behind that. I homeschool my children (15, 12 & 4yrs old) and I would recommend to anyone to do the same. There are so many opportunities for homeschool group activities that you probably would be blown away. No judgment, we are all trying our best with these littles. I just hope to be an encouragement if your instincts are leading you in a direction that you’re worried about.
That is so hard! Here is an internet stranger who is wishing you the best
I had a very bad experience with both my boys when they were in PreK public school. My oldest has ASD, and even though he was in a special needs class room, supposably, I was called in several times to pick him up early due to behavior issues. This really tainted my view. However, when my youngest, with DS, started 9 yrs later, at a different school, I had better hopes. He was put in an inclusive class room, which I was told was better. His teacher would constantly send home notes about how he was disruptive, un-attentive, and distracted. I kept hoping for a better outcome because he always loved going. Finally, they had a Moms and math day, and we were allowed to observe the class for an hr. My heart broke. Even with the teacher and 2 aides, he was ignored, and left in the corner and no one was teaching him or helping him. I pulled him out the next week, after meeting with the teacher and principal. He went from not being able to count to 5, to counting up to 20 in a month.
Thank you so much for sharing, I will keep you in my prayers.
Wow !! this hits so close to home for me. I have autistic twins and I deal with the judging glares all the time. Constantly explaining to people why they are doing things out of the ordinary or having terrible behaviors. It’s so hard. 😢
As a mom with a daughter who has just been diagnosed with ADHD and sensory processing disorder, this helps so, so much!
My daughter is 10 and has Autism non speaking and its a real thing out there in the world with special needs kids. Last week the weather wasn't great and her support worker took her to an indoor play gym so that she could get that movement and social community access in. She was sitting in the ball pit with two other little girls who were there playing and they were just throwing the balls at her. Having very young social skills, she wasn't reacting to this except for she was stimming - flapping her arms because she probably didn't really understand what they were doing and so her support worker went up to the ball pit and explained to the little girls that its not very kind to throw balls and people. One girl replied with she's too big to play here anyway, she should get out. My daughters support worker explained to the little girls all children can play here and we need to remember to be kind to everyone when we are playing and then the little girls said okay. Now these were just little girls and they need to be taught but what was shocking was the parents of these little girls were sitting there watching the girls throw the balls at my daughter and didn't get up to tell them to stop, my daughters support worker had to step up and teach their children about kindness to all. We parents/carers of special needs kids cannot take our eyes off them for a moment. It sure is a job of advocation.
Just found this channel and I am going to subscribe. I have a beautiful six year old girl with Down Syndrome. I also home school. Today was such a hard day. My daughter did not want to do any school and was acting out all day. I felt so depressed and just wanted to cry. I just need to hear from other people who are going through the same thing. Thank you for sharing.
One hundred percent true! Every parent handed that beautiful child is not given a user's manual yet they become experts on their children. Then energy is spent every day on advocating for their child's safety and well-being in a society that prefers "normal". I'm not complaining just recognizing the awesome responsibility God entrusted us with. Thank goodness he promised to help us carry our burdens (burdens being the struggle our kids have and the world not accepting them freely).
Thank you for this video. My 6 year old daughter, Annie, has Down syndrome. There are days and moments in days where I wish it wasn’t so hard, where I wish it could all just be “normal”, to be honest. But I’ve been realizing and prayerfully reminding myself lately that this IS the way our family is, and that’s ok! That our family will always have this added dynamic and we are who we are. 😊 (I think I’ve been feeling the challenge more lately as I just had a baby 4 months ago, plus 3 older kids, so 5 kids including a newborn and a young child with extra needs has been extra challenging lately…)
Also, Leilani, when you were reminding us of the fact that advocating for and teaching others about our child is HARD, that just made me feel tired… I don’t want it to always be hard. But I’m also reminded of the people in my family and around us who truly love Annie and all of us, and want to be there to help. So I’m thankful and comforted by that.
So the challenge is real, but our children are worth it! God bless you all on your journeys 😊
So great to hear from you again and thank you for sharing!
My twins with autism almost 12 now, were in a private special needs school four years then Covid happened. I was amazed at how little academic knowledge they really knew. Since we had to complete the year from home. My boys have grown so much in the last 4 years homeschooling. This is our 4th, yes I still have problems with meltdowns at home and sometimes in public. I’m slowly getting braver to go out. Yes, feeling judgment even in immediate family too when one does a meltdown. I need ppl to understand them not judge them every time. I do have aba therapist now that they do In home and clinic visits. Sometimes good or bad ones, but right now I think they’re doing well with working with me and hopefully understanding what I’m going to as a parent to some degree.
Thanks for the video.
My daughter has sensory processing and she’s gotten better but when we were just learning about it she’d have full meltdowns for things that wouldn’t bother any one else and I would try to explain to family what it was or why it was happening and they would just say she needed to be corrected and assume it was just tantrums and bad behavior. It was a hard phase. Now she’s moved on from certain things but is delayed in certain areas and people assume that it’s because of homeschooling lol. Good thing I’m done trying to please others or I’d go crazy.
Thank you for advocating for your daughter, not everyone has the parent like that.
And J totally wanders too, half the time he does it from our own dinner table. “Nothing that interests or engages me is happening here, moving on” and really doesn’t see an issue with it. 😅
Thanks!
YES! Thank you for sharing!
WOW! Thank you! Helps to know I'm not alone.
I relate to all of this. Thank you so much for speaking your truth! I want to send your family so much love. You have helped me so much over the past few years. Thank you ❤
You are so welcome!
My kids all have adhd, some more mild than others. But not only do people just assume I’m a terrible mom, when I try to explain they have adhd and what to expect I often get eye rolls and people telling me adhd isn’t a real thing.
Nothing upsets me more than feeling lied to, when educators tell you they know your child best than the parent to me it is an insult.
I love how you call them “unique abilities”
That is the new term that they seem to be implementing.
@@LivingWithEve I have been in the classroom for 12 years and it’s been about 10 since I have gone to school myself. I love that term because it’s not singling someone out and it is much more inclusive.
Thank you for sharing your perspective
Nice video
Thank you so much for talking about this !
I had a mom.. come to me.. and correct me for letting my little one with CP and sensory oral issues.. tell me..” your daughter is putting the pretend food toys in her mouth “ .. umm yeah🙄 good grief..she is 3.. I was happy she knew it was play food.. people can be so rude..
powerful
Thank you for the video! Would you be able to make a video on the whole process of doctors visits and how to be an advocate for your child in the doctors office? Baby isn't born yet and I'm trying to learn how to navigate this new journey
Doctors are tough, you just have to stand your ground and be confident.
Weve experienced all this with 2 boys with autism.
I'm curious how the Co-op goes with Naomi. After much search, we have found an excepting Co-Op a few years ago, yet my son is still way behind. I'm not as bothered by that, as he still has a hard time sitting still and following directions. The other parents aren't sure how to handle this.
I have to be there with her at all time. Many parents don't know how to handle her. That's the only way I can really get her with other kids.
The struggle is very real. My son vocally stims a lot. His noises have been compared to a siren or whale sounds. Now that he is older we are working on being aware of how loud we are, but I’m not asking him to stop because it’s not a self harm or danger to others stim.
A couple years ago, we were asked to leave the library because of his noise level. I was so angry and embarrassed. We didn’t go back for 2 years. I thought many times about strongly worded letters or phone calls to tell the county how deeply this librarian wounded my family and my son with special needs, and how my tax dollars entitled my son to use their facilities….but I always reined myself in. So we tried again, and there a completely different librarians now, one on spectrum himself. And the head librarian has pulled me back into conversation with her telling me “he is fine!” when I hear my son loudly vocalizing across the room. So, sometimes time and general awareness makes it better. That, and when we went in for a second try, I totally “introduced” us and his situation and asked what their comfort level was with his presentation. They told me it was at my discretion, if he got too loud, that he had every right to be there. 🥲🥰
That return visit story is so great! I’m sorry for that first experience… But what a difference that made to “introduce” yourselves. I will definitely be remembering that idea for future situations - not necessarily library, but similar. ☺️ Thank you for sharing.
Yes, thank you for sharing!