Raise your hand if you are ready for it all to begin again?

By it, I mean a new school year?

I know Elizabeth is ready for the start of the year.  How do I know? She pretty much flat out told me she wants to go back.

I did not take it personally, she has been off since the semester ended in late April.

So with her excitement ever present, I too, am getting my mind wrapped around the fact that we are looking at under two weeks until she starts.

The thing is she is headed to her second year at college in a program that is for students with special needs.  There are coach/buddies who are also students at the college, they are with Elizabeth throughout the day.

So the venue has changed but the disorders stay the same.

Meaning, that although the place may change, her disorders do not.

She will need supports throughout her day.  Some days more than others.  Some supports may get taken away as she gains skills and other supports may get put into place.

The challenged, as we all know as parents and/or caregivers to children with special needs is to understand our child, their disorders and needs.  Then take this understanding and help those working, in any capacity, to understand your child.

Teaching the teacher.  Talking to the support staff. Communicating daily with the school.

All these things help your child be as successful as possible in their days.

So even at the age of 21, Elizabeth and I got information in order to share with the new buddy/coaches.  We told them about her disorders, how they affect her days, websites for them to look up more information, a communication sheet for each day and finally a letter, written by Elizabeth, to the buddy/coaches. In this letter she tells them what she needs from them, how she feels about her disorders and her hopes for the year.

So I guess the point of this blog is to say:

That preparation for the year is so important.

Advocacy is crucial.

Understanding is critical.

I wish everyone a peaceful start to the year.

Michele