Nick's Milestones

Much has happened in Nick's life.  In the last month, he went to prom.  He graduated.  He received a scholarship.  He attended a local college band camp.  Those are the good things. Some not so good things happened too, but I'll save those for another day.  Now is the time to celebrate.

Nick had a challenging year, and he met them head-on.  At the beginning of the academic year, his case manager stated that he was flunking Spanish II and had to be removed.  That happened on day 5 of the year.  Nick earned an A-.  A far cry from failing.

The next challenge was being told from his school counselor that he could not go straight to the local university.  Nick had some special needs classes that supposedly the university would not accept.  I called the university.  They wanted to see Nick's transcript.  I sent it.  They enthusiastically said that they would accept Nick.  His grades were fantastic, and his class ranking was high.  Why would they not want him?  Of course, there were other factors to consider, but based on the transcript, Nick was welcomed to attend.

The third challenge was Nick's new case manager stated that Nick's plan for a fifth year at the high school could not happen because he was on course to graduate.  Nick had been planning on taking a fifth year to work on communication and reading skills.  I had emails documenting this plan.  The IEP team had agreed each year, that this would be the best transition plan for Nick into adulthood.  The case manager totally changed the game plan.  She said the only way Nick could continue was to participate in a special ed class that was wayyyyy below his cognitive level.  Even the psychologist warned me.  We observed and visited the program, but ultimately nixed it, and insisted on our original plan, which the IEP team again approved.

Throughout the ordeals, Nick focused on his studies and his goals.  I told him we would get through the obstacles, but he could not dwell on it.  He had to learn that this will happen frequently in his life.  People will judge that he is not capable of something.  People, no matter how well intended, will underestimate him.  People will have preconceived notions.  They just don't know Nick.

Yes, Nick has autism.  However, autism does not define Nick.  Nick is Nick, and only Nick can determine who he is.  In my eyes, he is turning into a successful man.

Congratulations, Cameron

Although the new school year has started, it's never too late to celebrate achievements.  We hosted a graduation party for Cameron back in May, as he graduated from eighth grade.  Sadly, the local school district cancelled any formal ceremony due to budget cuts.  Nonetheless, we commemorated the moment, complete with mock diploma and hat.  Cameron was a good sport.  He certainly appreciated the attention too!

These milestones may seem like normal steps for most people.  For a mom of teens with autism, these occasions are victories of unseen battles.  Years ago, I would never have believed my youngest would be at this level of cognition and ability.

As we gathered to congratulate Cameron, I wanted to acknowledge that this moment was not just due to his ability.  Many shared in it.  I took a few moments to take all present at the party back to 13 years prior.  I reminded everyone that Cameron has major setbacks as a toddler.  He lost his speech and movement.  He had to relearn how to walk and talk.  He became self abusive, banging his head incessantly.  Many therapists and family members helped Cameron to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I never want Cameron to take for granted that these moments of success are only a result of his effort.  While he earns most of the credit, he can't forget those earlier moments.  In fact, he can show how someone can overcome/recover from autism.

Now he moved onto high school.  There's always a new step or goal, much like his life has been with autism.  Once a goal is achieved, it is quickly replaced by a new goal.  Such is life.  The difference now is he can pick what his goals are, not us parents.  His class load at the high school is tough.  His counselors didn't recommend the load, but they don't know Cameron very well.  When he WANTS to do something, he will do it.  It may take several tries, but he'll figure it out.

So onto the next step, Cameron goes!