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Hi, I am a SAHM to my daughter Em who just turned 5 two days ago (ack).

My husband, Em and I live in Upstate NY in the capital region.

Em was diagnosed on the spectrum at exactly 2 yrs old (PDDNOS, sensory

processing disorder, speech delay, fine motor delay) although I knew

something wasn't right before then and she has had services at home and

then in special preschools since then. Her current diagnosis is

Asperger's and she gets speech at her preschool (reg teacher and sped

teacher) along with seeing the social worker. Academically she is doing

very well... the ABCs were her soothing splinter skill at 3 years old.

She will probably be approved to continue the preschool through the

summer and then the " plan " right now is to get her into regular

kindergarten in the fall...

However, I've always done a lot of research.... on my own medical issues

and of course hers since she was diagnosed... heck I researched her

birth! I put a lot of weight into people's experiences along with my

research. What I'm hearing about Aspie's in school is not good. I'm

basically trying not to be terrified at the idea of her going into

public school and trying not to be terrified at homeschooling...

I have no idea what to do. I have materials to read about different

types of homeschooling but it's just so MUCH! And you know what? I'm NOT

smarter than a 5th grader!! I have a bachelor's degree in

biology/psychology but I couldn't tell u my butt from my elbow at this

point! How am I going to teach my incredibly intelligent daughter

anything??? I can't get her to sit and write her letters... I have no

idea how they manage to do that in school. I'm not a trained sped

teacher... Plus, if she goes to public school then I could work and help

us out of our financial hole but that is less important than what is

best for Em.

I have so much reading and research to do and I'm not well myself. Some

days are a real struggle. Em's main issues are her emotional regulation

and ability to socially interact appropriately. One tiny example.. she

can't do something so she just throws herself on the floor in another

room and I hear her complaining that she needs help. If I ignore her

hoping she will 'get it' and come to me and ask for help, it never

happens. I have to tell her to come and talk to me.

She's already been called a " retard " at the pool and pushed around my

" mean kids " as she calls them at public play places. She has a target on

her head because she loves everyone and it so insanely friendly and

outgoing!! She doesn't get it when the kids want her to GO AWAY. She is

very affected by these episodes and we end up discussing them and how to

act appropriately and talk about feelings about them, etc... She tells

random adults we meet that she loves them! We've just finally gotten her

to not talk to people unless Mommy or Daddy are talking to them

(stranger idea just doesn't work). Now we're trying to explain other

ways she can say she likes someone she meets (nice meeting you) and that

'i love you' is only for family. Saying close friends would just be too

confusing.... ack!

Well, that's a lot! I'll stop now! LOL!

Jen

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