Well, crap. Preschool did not go as expected. They didn’t call me, as I thought they might, but the teacher told me that she had trouble keeping Ryan inside the classroom. The one door that didn’t lock was the one that led out to the parking lot of the church and then the main road, and of course that was the door that he kept going to. He headbanged several times, which I somehow forgot to tell the teacher about, and he didn’t really participate with the other seven toddlers. Instead, he just roamed the perimeter of the classroom, picked up a few toys, and carried around a mug.
The teacher wants to try again next Friday, but she did admit that she doesn’t feel equipped to handle him by herself, and that she’s worried about his safety if he were to get out again. So, I called one of Ryan’s therapists, and she’s going to go to preschool with him next Friday. I’m also going to do my best to get a mobile therapist that can work with him at school exclusively. The teacher is open to the idea of Ryan having his own aide in the classroom, since he/she would work with Ryan directly, help him integrate and participate, and keep him IN the classroom and AWAY from the door. And I’m open to it, obviously, since it means Ryan getting a good socialization experience, and it gives me a break from both kids for a few hours once a week.
So… that’s that. Ryan did do a few little coloring and craft projects today, and they’re quite adorable. ♥
Have you looked into an IEP from the public schools? I’m not real up on the legality of it all, but I think you can get a therapist for him through that. Good luck!
oh gosh goodluck! i think it would be a great experience for him to get out and around other kids
i hope you can figure out a solution though.. a friend of mine here has a son the same age as ryan with autism and they got him into some sort of program that takes him horse riding and all kinds of cool stuff. not sure if that’s available where you are but there might be a program for him somewhere.
Oh dear. That doesn’t sound too good!
Although, that said, your next step (having the therapist go with him) sounds like it might work better.
Good luck with round 2!
Being new to the blog, I just read “headbanged” and went “is he autistic” ohh he is, I getcha now.
Ahh poor everyone. Good luck with another day this week or next! Definitely having an aide that’s able to guide Ryan back, to be able to help keep him safe and to help with the integration is a good thing
(speechie in the day time if you’re wondering why this grabbed my interest!)
Good luck!
Check out pattan.net – if you haven’t already. They have information on early intervention services, and I’ve found the website to be very helpful. :-)
My cousin is autistic and I saw all the hurdles that he had to over come but in the end he was able to go to school and graduated high school.
Aww, I’m sorry it didn’t go as well as you had hoped. I am so glad that the preschool is willing to work with you, though, and that Ryan’s therapist is so willing to go out of her way to help him in that setting. Wonderful people you have around there! Good luck with it next Friday or whenever it happens!
I don’t know how all of these school processes work but I hope that you can find someone to help him out on a permanent basis there. *huge hugs for Jenn*
Maybe once he gets better acquainted with the environment it’ll be an easier situation for the class and for Ryan. Here’s to better luck next time!
The beginning is always the hardest. It’s going to be a big adjustment for Ryan, since it’s a new environment, but I’m sure that once his counselor gets in the classroom with him, and after a few weeks, he’ll settle in the new environment. My wishes are wish you during this time. I’m sure Ryan will make out fine.
I know what he’s going through. You may or may not know this. All throughout school, I was in TAM classes, due to my learning disabilities. Even being dyslexic, I still managed to make out fine. I always required extra time, and help, doing my school work. Aides are very helpful, assist you, they’re patient, and do an excellent job helping the students who require extra needs. It sounds like Ryan’s counselor has done an excellent job so far, and he’s already on a great path.
I’m sorry it didn’t go as well as you had hoped, but it’s great that you’re not giving up! I admire you for your persistance and positive attitude, it really is an inspiration. Best of luck!
Aww, sorry it didn’t go as well as you were hoping it was going to go.
But at least she’s willing to work with you and is putting her concerns for his safety first! Hopefully having someone familiar there with him will work out well 
I am so sorry Jenn. It was his first time. Im sure it will get better. I think it would be good if the aid goes with him.
I know it’s hard, but it does sound like you’ve got a good arsenal of people there who are willing to at least try (especially Ryan’s therapist who is willing to go with him to preschool) and help you out. So that’s a good thing. Plus, you’re staying so positive and continuing to do everything you can to help him and make things better. And in the end, that’s all you can really do.
That is still good news that they are willing to work with him. Sorry the school didn’t work out as planned though. You’re amazing for trying so hard for him.