Since your childs diagnose are you struggling depression also? Sorry, long.

[Guest guest]

Hi Guys;

I guess the one good thing that comes from living through this is the ability to share with those that are beginning the journey. We do all deal with the stress differently. I slept for about three or four years. I would get up, put Miki on the bus and go back to sleep. I was too exhausted with the fight with her ( having to restrain her when she was self injurious) the fight with and for services, the fight with the schools, the problems with the support staff at the doctor's offices, therapy, hospitals and Medicaid. I get tired now just thinking about it. Medication worked, but it was a slow process. I needed support, and I got it mostly from other parents. When Miki was little I had another online support group of parents that adopted from Eastern Europe. When she got older and we moved to Broward I found the other parents at ARC, this list, Plantation Pal Dynamites (sports where she could

play while I chatted with other parents) and support groups (SPEC, BCC, CARD). I made friends with her classmate's parents (she was in a cluster). Chabad at Plantation and Parkland have "Friendship Circle" for special kids, siblings and parents. I did what I needed to do to get by and just find joy in the little things and ignore those that didn't get it or understand (the rude looks and comments when she acted out in public).

Putting her in Carlton Palms was probably the most difficult decision I've ever made, and one of the best. She was home for three days Thanksgiving and four over Christmas and her behavior is so much better. She has progressed so much. The last few monthly reports show she hasn't been mechanically restrained.

My career has changed from what I have learned from her. I got her Medwaiver in a year and SSI Disability in 5 business days. I now work with health insurance and Medicare products for seniors. I have learned patience and compassion from her and I am an advocate for my clients. My parents were Holocaust Survivors....we can get though anything with self kindness and love. It does get better...

Hugs, Jayne