no longer anguished by IEPs because our children always seem to amaze us with new skills and are not limited to a persons observation.Don't be crushed just look at as there point of view and look for the small things and build on them and encourage them and before you know it after that seed is sown you will find a beautiful flower!

We just had our IEP yesterday, an I have cried at everyone, except yesterday. I think it is very true that once you except and learn to advocate for your child it really makes you a stronger person.
At, first it's confusing and schools don't really know that much about anyone "special need" so everything they say can seem like a dig at you parenting skills. I always leave the meeting feeling like I should do more for Jack. But, in reality I do everything I can.

One thing that has really helped me become a good advocate for Jack is to, know enough about his stresses, and things that make him upset.
An example: Math is one of Jacks favorite things and he is very good at it. But this year he has been acting out in class, both verbally and physically and has had to be removed from the class at times. When we starting talking about math and how the classroom is set up, I realized that Jack was dealing with so much at that time.
1. the curriculum is all about "partnered games" so, Jack is having to use and learn social skills that he doesn't understand. Stressful!
2. The classroom gets really loud and chaotic with 20 kids talk and playing games. Jack hates loud and gets very upset.
3. Games- someone wins and someone loses...not going to work out with him. Because he don't understand.
On top of all this he is learning new martial and suppose to handle all of the above and I'm sure more that I don't understand or know.

After, explaining this to the "team" it made sense to them and we have had to come up with a plan to make it work for Jack.

I have cried, I have sworn, I have made a teacher cry......nothing goes unsaid or undone during my child's IEP while I am fighting for him, our caseworker had a good statement, that I need to always remember....... " Don't burn bridges that you want to cross" easier said then done sometimes. Crying is fine, they truly know how much you care and are invested in your child. I have already had staff tell me that they are so glad that I am not a mom who sits on the sidelines and says nothing, they are glad I put up a fight sometimes, and see all the emotions that go with it :)We always will fight for our kiddos, and never give up hope, but in the same token, we also need to think realistically sometimes and realize what may not be.....especially when our kids get older, and if they haven't reached all those milestones that others already have. One day at a time........... <3

During my last IEP meeting, I was surrounded by people who all wanted to help my son succeed, and had already played a huge role in his remarkable progress. Gratitude is what nearly brought me to tears.

Got Brendan off the meds. Better, but not total answer. I will talk to him about this diet, cause now HE is looking for answers. He is so close, and yet still far away. Thanks folks, will let you know. He is a Senior and Educationally worried for him. 99% on test IF I can get him to focus on what he wants. But even he doesn't know. I threatened to sue the School this year and they don't like that I found out. Go directly to the principal up if you think they are running you around. Some schools don't, and some schools do. But nobody likes their Boss talking to them, especially if they HAVEN'T done their job. Cry always, but I fight them and him, till he is independent. I'm praying for us all. God gave us them because WE CAN deal with them, where others wouldn't. We are ALL special people always remember!!!