His Rhythm

Today was a much better day. Jared did well with homeschooling and also performed his tasks with Dr. C. at a higher level. Dr. C. showed me the task that Jared couldn't do on Tuesday... the one that really solidified that his hemispheres weren't communicating. I did not believe he couldn't perform it. I asked him to show me how it was done. Guess what? He did it. She worked with him on Tuesday, but I also know that my kid definitely has bad days. Tuesday was one of them. So, today a glimmer of hope was restored.

Here is Jared working on his rhythmic writing this morning:

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father. Ephesians 5:20 (GNT)

Rhythmic Writing

Ever heard of rhythmic writing? I had not until I met Dr. C.

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, Jared's left hemisphere isn't working the way we'd like. Dr. C. has, however, established that he is right handed. Generally, the dominant brain hemisphere is the opposite of a child's right hand. Jared's is not. Rhythmic writing helps develop hemispheric dominance, or in Jared's case, it will help his left brain and teach accurate motor control.

I still can't believe I'm writing this. Normally, this would be the place where I would start dozing off. Yes, I'm admitting it. People start saying über intelligent things or use words like "visual-motor cluster", and I'm already drafting my grocery list in my head. Unfortunately, I have to grow up and get MY brain to focus on the task at hand... helping my son's brain to function more effectively. Did I really just write that? Again, I took botany and zoology as my two sciences in college, because I thought that plants and animals would be the easiest. My math classes consisted of college algebra and accounting 101. I took minimum science and math classes because I really don't like studying the human body or codes or statistics, etc. But, here I am. God had other plans. I'm now reading the "Visual-Motor Cluster Worksheet" on rhythmic writing so I can start working with him in the morning on it.

So, here we go. Hopefully this rhythmic writing will help stimulate his brain function by requiring both sides of the brain to function at the same time.

Jesus went all over Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the Good News about the Kingdom, and healing people who had all kinds of disease and sickness. Matthew 4:23 (GNT)

More Bad News

Today was rough. I'm not even going to sugarcoat it. I don't know what happened, but I've never seen this side of my son's personality before.

I thought the day started fine. Since I was having some people over for lunch, my dad took Jared to Dr. C's for his therapy. Dad told me he did really well and Dr. C. gave him some information regarding Jared's learning. After that, he hung out with my parents and I had to call around 4:45pm to see where they were and to let them know he needs to come home. We had not worked on any school work today, and I want to keep up with his phonics program.

When they brought him home, he was in the worst mood... ever. It was like he wasn't even my son. He didn't want to be here. He wanted to be with them. He ran upstairs, packed a bag and said he was moving in with them. He also told me how much he didn't like me while he was packing. I was staying level-headed, because I clearly missed something. He hadn't even been around me since 10:30am and I definitely didn't do or say anything to make him this upset. But, boy, he was upset! I couldn't even reason with him. I wanted to do one phonics lesson and he nearly flew through the roof. Where was my son? I did not know this kid. I couldn't understand it. Yes, he was tired, but he's never acted like that!

Here's the back story: When my dad went to pick him up, Dr. C. told dad that Jared could not learn how to read. He cannot differentiate between letters. She gave him a bunch of worksheets and told him that if he doesn't work on them, daily, he'll never learn to read. She also told him that he's completely right brained and she cannot even get his left brain to function. It won't even communicate with his right brain. I have heard similar bad news like this before (granted, today's news REALLY stinks!), but dad hadn't. He went home and told mom. Even though I had shared these things with them, I guess my parents didn't understand the severity of Jared's disability until Dr. C. said something. They (obviously) feel horrible and how do they make themselves feel better? They buy him anything he wants and promise him great new toys for future days. Little did I know that they were on their way to Toys R Us when I called and asked if they could bring him back so we could work on phonics. Mom = "bad guy" Grandparents = "magic genie/Santa Claus"

As I was trying to reason with him, all he kept saying was that I didn't let him get his Star Wars toy and that I don't love him but his grandparents do. He was inconsolable. Believe me, I tried everything. He ran to his bed and I attempted to calm him down. I guess it worked because he was asleep at 5:45pm tonight. Yes, he was tired. And, yes, my parents need to figure out a better way to deal with the pain of having someone you love given a disturbing diagnosis. Unfortunately, I don't believe I'm the best person to give advice on coping with this.

Remind me each morning of your constant love, for I put my trust in you. My prayers go up to you; show me the way I should go. Psalm 143:8 (GNT)

A Girl With a View

This morning, as I was performing my latest APD Internet research sweep, this girl posted a video. It was cool. It just popped on my screen, because she loaded it to YouTube a few seconds earlier. It was quite a different video from this one I posted, with the dark portrayal of a teenage girl with APD. Today's video's "star" gives good insight on thoughts surrounding APD. It hit home.

Homeschooling Jared is getting tougher and I have thought some of these thoughts (not the really terrible ones!) I'm sure Jared has also thought some of the other thoughts she mentioned. Like I said, this video really resonated. It came at a perfect time. The last few days of teaching Jared have been the hardest. I cannot even comprehend his dyslexia. I wish I could understand it better. In all honesty, I wish I could FIX it. Teaching a child with dyslexia to read is definitely on my list of one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

Please check out this one minute video: 

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:11 (NIV)

Another Disability Next Year?

This week I met a lady named Shawna. Her son is 8 years old and has Tourette Syndrome. I would never have known this by looking at him. The only reason I know is that I heard her say her son has a bunch of allergies, so when I brought snacks, I made sure to not include foods with those allergies (fruit snacks seem to be a good choice for kids with allergies.) We started talking and I found out he has dyslexia, dysgraphia and OCD. He's also on the autism spectrum. I hadn't noticed, until she mentioned something about his neck moving.

It was really nice to talk with another mother who had no idea how her son ended up with a disability. I learned a lot about Tourettes. She told me that kids don't start showing signs until they're 7 years old! Of course, my mind immediately went to Jared... wondering if he was going to pick up another random disability next year! Yes, that's the "glass half empty" Kat writing, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't cross my mind.

Her son is in this picture with Jared. His disability looks as invisible as Jared's in this photo. It makes me wonder how many other children have disabilities/disorders and how many other moms ache for them each and every day.

Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. James 1:17 (GNT)

A Pet for a Few Days

The turtle didn't eat. He just wouldn't eat anything we gave him. He didn't seem to be enjoying life. Therefore, I decided to free him before he died in an aquarium on our counter. Bye, Green Lantern!

Green Lantern

Ray went to Louisiana last weekend to fish, and brought back a little pet for Jared. It's a turtle.

He named it "Green Lantern".

I'm hoping it survives... although he's not being very active. If not, we'll wait to get our next (possibly salmonella carrying) reptile when they both are over five years old. We'll see!

Where Will He Excel?

Jared's really excelling in swimming. The coach was actually shocked at how good he was. He came up to me on the second day and said, "That little guy is GOOD! He's  a great little swimmer." Yes, he calls him "little dude" and "little guy". He's the smallest one on the team. This picture shows the boy next to him being 2 whole feet taller! (He's the small one on the left.) Most of the kids are 9-12 years old.

His size doesn't stop him. He still picks up his arms and swims across that big pool. In fact, he also slides down the water slide and then swims the 25 yards like a champ.

Of course, my mind immediately wanders to possible swim team in the fall. However, he'll be going to school longer than he ever has. It's an hour three times a week. He also has soccer. I don't want to overload his schedule. But, right now I'm wondering which one he enjoys more and which one makes him feel more successful. I don't know if it's the whole, "My child has a disability" thing, but I really want him to find something that he's good at and makes him happy since I hear how lonely and difficult this disorder can be. I think about it a great deal. I think about it too much. I just need to chill and let him enjoy his extracurricular activities. It's so much easier said than done.

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a (NIV)

Enlist the Grandparents?

"Why do I have to keep going to Dr. Champagne's house? Why do I have school so much?" These were Jared's questions today. The main reason he was asking was because he really wanted to go to his grandparents house today. He woke up this morning and ran downstairs with all his things he wanted packed to go to G & G's house. Unfortunately, before he could go to G & G's house, he had swim lessons, a trip to the grocery store, cognitive therapy with Dr. C., and at least one school lesson. Needless to say, his school lesson didn't go that well. His mind was already with G & G.

I am so blessed to have my parents around and actively involved in my children's lives. It's nice that Jared is so excited to spend time with them. I keep wondering what their role, if any, could be with helping Jared's brain prepare for school in the fall. Yesterday I started thinking that Jared's really not working on math. The parents of APD kids that I've met tell me that math is usually the toughest subject. There's no way I can factor math into this busy phonics summer schedule. Perhaps I should get some work sheets or activities for G & G to do with him. Now that they are retired, maybe they would take joy in it. Who knows? If anyone can help come up with fun ways to learn this summer, I'll take it!

Indeed, you are our glory and joy.  1 Thessalonians 2:20

First Quiz

I really thought by now I'd be titling posts "Rants from a Homeschool Teacher", but I was so, so wrong. First of all, it's not difficult. Granted, we're not studying science, math or history. We're actually working in a comfortable area of education for me. Secondly, he's much more advanced than this Kindergarten curriculum we're doing. I don't know why I'm shocked at that. Perhaps I didn't have as much faith in him as I should have. Perhaps I didn't believe what the local public school test evaluator said - that he IS more advanced than the public Kindergarten curriculum. Who knows?

We can most likely get through 155 lessons this summer if we both keep our current motivation. And, right now? I feel like he will already be extremely successful in phonics in the fall at his school. He took his first major quiz today and he performed outstandingly. This mom/teacher is elated. I can't wait to get to tomorrow's lessons. (And that definitely doesn't sound like me!)

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

What If?

Some days I feel like I could talk forever about APD. This week, we had three parties that we attended which meant more APD awareness chat. I have yet to find anyone who really knows about this disorder. I'm constantly getting questions. In fact, just today, my dad was at a store and found a book on non-verbal disabilities and asked me if that's what Jared had. I send my dad a great deal of information regarding APD, and he's still confused. Since it is an invisible disability and there are no answers to how one develops it or how it's treated, it can be difficult to understand.

One man was intrigued by my story and asked about non-profits and if someone needs to start one. Another lady suggested I coordinate a "fun run" for APD awareness. Throughout all my chats regarding APD, one gal said something that really hit me. Even though we are dealing with our family's hardest financial situation right now (Ray didn't get 2 paychecks this spring due to snow and almost-government-shutdown), and even though APD isn't recognized in the medical journal (our insurance doesn't cover this very expensive therapy), there is something positive to consider. She said that she truly believes that our children were placed with us for a reason and asked if I could imagine what would have happened if Jared's birthmother had kept him. What if she had decided to raise him? Would she have noticed it? Would she have found someone who actually knew what APD was? Would she have the means to research and get him help? The last time we saw that sweet, young girl at the hospital, she wasn't in a position to do that. In all honesty, I couldn't imagine him being able to obtain the help he's getting here, especially with Dr. Champagne.

So, when I'm looking at the bills and payment schedules or I'm reluctantly teaching Jared about King Tutankhamun in his home school lesson, I do receive great peace in knowing we are doing whatever we can to help my beautiful son have the best possible tools in life. I am already seeing improvement in so many areas. We are abundantly blessed. 

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)

A Day at the Museum

It's not what you think. It's not a real museum. It's the phonics museum. I thought I'd post a homeschool update. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I was wondering how we would fit 155 lessons into our summer plan, but he really likes it! The Veritas Press Phonics Museum is a huge hit. He asked if I could be his teacher forever. Sure... we'll see what he says next week.

Of course, it's always nice to take some breaks for swim time!

You will receive your salvation with joy as you would draw water from a well.  At that time you will say, "Praise the Lord and worship him. Tell everyone what he has done  and how great he is."  Isaiah 12:3-4 (NCV)

Are You Listening? Can You Hear It?

"What kind of bird is in Nemo?"       "A pelican."
"What kind of bird is that in Finding Nemo?"       "A pelican."
"What is that kind of bird again?"      "You know what kind of bird it is. What kind is it?"   "A pelican, mommy."
"What kind of bird is in Nemo?"      "I'm not answering you again."
"What is it? Is it a pelican? Pelican. Pelican. Pelican."

Picture that conversation happening over and over and over again.  I mean, without stopping. No breaks for 15 minutes or so. This is has happened constantly in the past 2 days. It was insane. He knew the answer, yet he kept asking.

This morning Ray asked, "What's going on with that? What do you think about it?" I had no clue. I figured it had to do with him not being in school and not having the certainty of a routine he craves. He gets insecure really quickly when he doesn't have a routine. He obviously can hear us tell him that it's a pelican, but he asks over and over again. I decided to do some research and see if this had something to do with his APD or if this was something else. I came across this article at Incredible Horizons. Here is a short excerpt from the website regarding the attention and memory aspects of Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD):

Attention is another immensely important aspect of CAPD.  Sound is an incredibly brief signal.  If I say, "hello," the word is immediately gone once I have said it.  If a child is not 'listening' when someone says hello the child does not 'hear' it.  On the contrary, look back two lines and read the word 'hello'.  You can do it because, unless erased, written images persist.  Tactile images persist.  We even enjoy, after dinner, lingering tastes of what we ate for dinner.  We can also recognize when someone has been smoking in a room we have entered because of the persistent smoke odor.  Sound, however, is gone as quickly as it occurs.  Hence, if a child is not 'attending' to a particular speaker at a specific moment he/she will most likely 'miss' part of what the speaker has said.  The result will be gaps and inconsistencies in the child's perception of what was said.  To really understand the impact of attention on audition one must understand that, like memory, there are multiple aspects (or types) of attention. 

Briefly, attention encompasses a variety of functions.  

1. There is initial 'focus' or 'recognition' attention.  It scans the environment and recognizes every possible auditory image.  
2. If a particular stimulus is more important or attractive to the listener 'selective attention' is brought into play. This is 'sustaining' attention or 'maintenance'.  This aspect of attention retains possession of the mind and keeps the subject's orientation toward the interesting stimulus.  
3. Another attention is that of 'vigilance'.  If a child is listening for the teacher to announce homework, amidst everything else the teacher is discussing the child is 'keying' on the word homework.  As the stream of spoken speech races  by, the child must be able to quickly recognize and attend to that portion which he/she has  been vigilant toward (or listening for).  Weak auditory vigilance causes a child to be less involved with the world because he/she is unable to grab that which has been deemed important out of the ongoing speech. 
4. Attention 'switching' is yet another form of attention.  It is the ability to divert one's attention from one item to another and then effectively jump back to that same point that was left. 

Some children do well attending to one stimulus or task, but have trouble switching back and forth from one task to another.  When they attempt this switching they become lost and have trouble picking up at the appropriate spot each time.  Another child may have difficulty with 'spare' attention.  This relates to load and capacity.  The child may perform well at one level of attention, but as task demands increase the child does not have enough attention 'reserve' (spare attention) to pull from in order to continue with effective maintenance.

Now, since I'm not an expert, this may have absolutely nothing to do with all this weekend's pelican talk, but this does explain Jared in some ways. I can't wait to dive into more of that particular website to learn more!

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! Romans 11:33 (NLT)