Eamon continues to get better. I spoke to the cardiologist, we are scheduled for an ultrasound next week. My mind began to wander, I started asking questions, and then decided to stop. So until our appointment, I will not allow my thoughts to get away from me.
Onto something fun.
This past Friday I visited a potential school for Eamon. The Children's Therapy Center, conveniently located in my town, has a special program for children 18 months - 3 who exhibit developmental delays. Several therapists recommended their early enrichment program, but truthfully I could not fathom how Eamon would participate. I kept asking, in as delicate a manner as possible, "What does Eamon need to be doing in order to enroll?" Their reply, "Whatever he is doing is enough." After several phone discussions with the social worker and teacher, I decided to check it out.
I had taken a test drive a few nights before while out with David and the kids. I was surprised by the size of the facility. In my mind it would be a small converted house. As we drove through the parking lot I was overwhelmed with the thought of leaving my little man there, with strangers to care for him. Passing the outdoor play area, I began to well-up. Seeing all handicap swings and adapted equipment was a reality check. Like seeing my life from the outside, and it shocked me. This is where we are, at least for now.
I was a bit anxious for my visit. Ellen, Eamon's other PT, wanted me to be prepared. She said it can be difficult, seeing the center for the first time, their is quite an array of disabilities represented. And for some, it can be disconcerting.
Eamon accompanied me to the center. We met the teacher and were able to observe a class in progress. Eamon sat on my lap to get a better look. He was all smiles watching the children during their circle time. They even included him, using a communication device that you press to say hello - Eamon laughed both times he was helped to activate it!
The center is roomy, bright and new. Beautiful, really. I could not believe the PT and OT areas and sheer variety of equipment available - a dream for any therapist. Many of my apprehensions were put to rest. There are up to six children per class with one teacher and three aids, three nurses on staff (and several that escort individual students), and more options for positioning/seating Eamon with supports than I have ever seen.
The center has a preschool that begins at age 3, as Eamon ages out of Early Intervention, and even primary classes up to age 9 (they are working to extend this).
The staff was warm and inviting. I felt like we belonged. All the adults interacted so naturally with Eamon, and for the first public time there was no elephant in the room. Often, adults are unsure how to react to Eamon with his "bells and whistles". He is either ignored, or thought to be so delicate that no one can even speak in his presence. But not at the center. He was treated like a normal child in the most extraordinary of places.
I was overwhelmed, but in the best possible way. I never dreamed something so wonderful existed for my little man. I have two more classes to observe, trying to select the most fitting class dynamic for Eamon.
The obstacle that remains is the "medically fragile" part. Having Eamon in a school setting has the potential of increased exposure to infection. In reality, the center is painfully precautious because many of their students are medically frail. So where is the balance? Is it fair for Eamon to miss such an opportunity, especially at a time when he is showing a desire for interaction and stimulation?
I am open to advice, but am pretty sure we will move ahead. I can not make Eamon a prisoner of our home, living in fear of the next cold. I want his life to be full, just like any child's, with experiences that enrich.
How great, Eamon with a backpack. Can you just imagine - I'm sure he will be the teacher's pet!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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1 comment:
Oh Tracy this post brought back so many memories. As there is no comparison at all between our sons, I remember going to Kyle's preschool for the first time. He had many friends use that very device you talked about. I still see Layla and Trevor, both ambulatory and needing feed tubes and a nurse around the clock. But, oh the joy on those children's faces! Kyle was there for 2 years and it was the best decision we have made yet for him. As for those with more severe disabilities, I can tell you, since I know their parents, those children were in a wonderful place and were able to participate in everything including a time when we painted the outside of the building. They had special paint brushes that attached to wheelchairs. It was very cool. The best part was that my children got to see children who were different from them and they never saw a difference! They were (and still are) Trevor and Layla and Hunter.....and they are well loved by everyone.
I think the best thing about facilities like these is that often times our children are capable of more than we imagine. For some of us, we don't stretch our children enough because we know their "limits" and don't want to cause any discomfort. These teachers are trained to do so with love, but they are not the parents, so they focus on the outcome and work through it. Where as parents see and feel the immediate. I hope I'm making sense. So, I've written a book here I'm so sorry.
As for your post, Kyle's testing has been completed and he remains on the autism spectrum (high functioning) but extremely learning disabled. He scored very very low in the abilities to learn. He has very little short term memory and the way his brain actually learns something is very complicated. I will have to call you this week and we will chat. I love you so much and we are praying for Eamon (and his family) ;)
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