Broken Record

I know all I've been talking about lately is autism and kindergarten. I know all I've been talking about lately is autism and kindergarten. I know all I've been talking about lately <SMACK>

So I've decided to combine these two great tastes that taste great together in one delectable post. Bottoms up!

Done Deal

If you're a regular reader of this site, you know we've been struggling for quite some time about sending Zoey to kindergarten this fall. She turns five in late August, which would make her one of the youngest kids in her class as the cutoff date is mid-October. At first, I thought the idea of holding your child back from kindergarten was stupid. But then her preschool teachers told us they didn't feel she was ready for kindergarten, so I was forced to eat my words. But then we decided, "Screw it. We're sending her." Then we found out about Zed's diagnosis, and we began to rethink our decision.

But the decision has finally been made: Zoey will be attending kindergarten this fall. Why? She had her kindergarten screening today and placed in the 95th percentile. The hour-long test also measured attentiveness (they looked for signs of distraction, squirming in her seat, etc.) and she showed no signs of inattentiveness.

And if it sounds like I'm bragging, you're damn right I am.

So to recap:

• The state says she's old enough for kindergarten.
• The screening said she's prepared for kindergarten.
• The screening said she's mature enough for kindergarten.
  

If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me. Because I kick it like a Goonie.

I'm Feeling Like A Criminal

Zed is currently doing education and speech therapy and his therapists and our service coordinator all feel he is showing progress. At the end of the month, we're having him tested to see if he needs physical and sensory therapy as well.

Every time we explore a new type of therapy, we have to go to a government agency to have a screening performed. I hate the tiny little rooms where the screenings take place. They are always small, nondescript, with plastic chairs. But what I hate the most are the two-way mirrors. I always wonder if someone's watching the entire proceeding. I always wonder what they're thinking. I always wonder if my uncomfortableness rubs off on Zed.

Thankfully, the therapy sessions always take place in our home.

Song of the day: Boy Or A Girl by Imperial Drag