Reflecting on Summer

The end of this summer was great. I took the boys to Rhode Island, came back for a day and then packed up for Lake George. The trip to the lake was the best— five moms and 16 kids. The experience for Crew was worth it all. I finally sat back and let my son fit in on his own. I didn't shadow his every move, and I allowed Crew's independence to shine. For the first time ever, Crew looked like every other kid: swimming, playing and actually talking! All the kids wanted Crew's attention, and all the moms said, "Wow, we wish our kids were autistic."

We came home and had an IEP meeting the next morning. My stomach is always in knots for these meetings. This time, I couldn't believe it, everything went well.

Crew has since started the 4th grade with a new teacher and a fresh start. We are going to try to make this year more about Crew being independent, and stop shadowing his every move. Without the trip to the lake, I would of never ask for that. But I think Crew and I are both maturing now and handling the disability as an ability.

The thing is, schools sometimes have a way of telling you everything you want to hear and not following up. We shall see.