Friday, November 11, 2011

A Journey through Learning Disability...

Ok, so I told you that I have started a journey to find out what has my little guy struggling so with school.  I’ve tried multiple curriculums and several different teaching methods.  We currently use workboxes.  And he still seems to struggle.  He was diagnosed as ADHD about 5 years ago.  He was a good baby, but quickly started having fits.  Long, hard, terrible fits!  These only seemed to get worse and by the age of 4 he was kicked out of daycare.  I always thought a lot of his frustrations were because he couldn’t tell me what he wanted.  He didn’t start speaking until he was 3.  I mean he could grunt and point and say simple words like; mama, dada, pap pap, and cup.  But that was about it. 
The doctor didn’t seem too concerned so I didn’t question it.  I just thought he was stubborn (like his daddy…..although his daddy would say “like his mama” hehe).  Once he was kicked out of daycare I knew there was no way he would be able to attend public school.  He was way too needy and way too um, stubborn!   

I started praying and asking God to give me guidance and wisdom.  It was long until God showed me that homeschooling was the answer.  Of course I argued that He had made a terrible mistake and He must be talking about someone else.  And He quickly reminded me that HE doesn’t make mistakes.  Of course I knew that very well….but I needed an argument!  Unlike Logan I couldn’t lie in the floor and kick the wall and door to prove my point.  Well, I guess I could, but I don’t think it would have made much difference.  God isn’t swayed by fits.  J

Finally I accepted the new calling on my life…which now as I look back I realize it was never a “new” calling.  It was my calling all along. 

So, here we are.  Nearly 5 years later.  For several years I didn’t do traditional school with Logan.  We played games, read TONS of books, etc.  Over time I figured out his likes and dislikes…things that made schooling him easier. 
Examples:
*He HATES to color, but loves to draw. He hates crayons, but loves color pencils.
*He will sit ANYWHERE but in a chair to read.  We have done reading with him sitting on top of the dinner table, on the trampoline, in the bath tub, on the porch, in the car, in the closet, and anywhere else he would read at!  



You get the point. 

Recently he has started feeling insecure about his reading. So I decided to talk to his doctor, who really just rushed us in and out, suggested we seek Learning Disability testing.
 
I will save you from the boring details, but after going to multiple places and even getting a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism (which I refuse to receive!!!), we finally ended up at the Board of Education.   And I have to say that the ladies there have been pretty great.  We went this past week for the referral process.  Mostly just to fill out paper work and discuss what they would be doing. 

And can I say, for the first time in a VERY long time I feel hopeful!  They won’t be “diagnosing” him…they will only be pointing out the areas in which he needs help and will then point ME in the right direction to help him.  We are waiting on the phone call for the evaluation.  But it will probably be after Thanksgiving before we have the actual testing done. 

So, that’s what we’ve been up to lately.  Please keep us in prayer as we tackle this issue head on.  I know that my God is faithful and will point us in the right direction. 
I’ll keep you posted on our progress!!
Until next time…
Blessings,

3 comments:

  1. Praying!!! I know your struggles, I walked a similar road. Hugs!

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  2. Thank you sweet friend!!! You are such an encouragement :)

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  3. What a beautiful post! God is Awesome! My sweetest daughter know this. That I am in prayer every day for your family! That is my place and my job here on earth. I know that now as I have been on a journey also and just didnt know it. My job here is to pray without ceasing for my family and especially the grandchildren for they have many struggles and obstacles in their way and mom needs a little help on that path. I am here for you and them sweet gifts from God that you and Chris gave me and I will never fail to pray for all that God has blessed me with. For you are a truly amazing mother, wife and daughter and Im so proud of you and I know our Heavenly Father is too! You are a blessing to many people! Just keep going in the direction God sends you and you cannot fail! My love always Mom

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