If you are a regular around here, you probably know that the past month and a half have been especially hard around here. With my five year-old basically getting kicked out of school and then his evaluation leading to a PDD-NOS diagnosis. Trying to figure out what to do for him, how to help him: it pretty much kicked my ass. I haven’t been me.
But, yesterday, we had a meeting at a different school(the same one that my oldest attends) and we have a temporary plan in place to help him and he’s going to start school on Monday. They’ll do some observation and then come up with a more long-term plan.
Just knowing that something is going to be done is a huge load off. I can already feel myself breathing easier and I know that I will be feeling more like myself soon because my son will be getting the help that he needs. This is still all new to us and still too raw for me to really poke at too much(note to self: stop with the heavy appointments on Tuesdays- you need more time to process before PYHO), but I know(and am thankful for) those of you who have been following along with this and giving me so much support might appreciate a small update.
But, in the meantime, I did pour my heart out yesterday on my friend Ashley’s blog as part of her Porch Swing Stories. I’d love if you headed over there to visit my post: What Love Feels Like.
For those of you participating in PYHO, you can check out more details about Pour Your Heart Out. Grab the button from the sidebar or add a text link to your post, and link up below. Don’t forget to visit other linkers!
I’m so glad some solution has been found for your little guy! Things will look up from now on.
Read your post at Ashley’s – so beautiful.
We hope so. It’s looking up.
Just stumbled on your blog. PDD-Nos that’s tough. Hope you find a school and a system that works!
We’re trying!
I am so glad that you will hopefully start to get some help and plans in place to assist your little guy. I know it’s been so hard for you, although I think you are doing the best you can with everything that has been thrown in your direction! Thanks for the update!
Thanks. I really didn’t know what to do. That made it harder.
I have followed and it is good when there is at least, something to give you some air. Time to regroup, recharge and keep forward.
It finally feels like I can breathe again.
Oh that is good news! It’s so hard to feel helpless. I hope things are looking up all the way around.
Sandy
Hate that helpless feeling.
I’m so happy to hear you’ve found something you feel good about for your son. You’re a great mom. Hoping this new school will be the answer you need.
We hope so, too. It’s been such a long process, getting to this point.
Awwh, your new year sounds like how mine is starting out. I’m just glad things are starting to work out for your son. My son was hospitalized for a whole week and I can breath much easier now. I know how that feeling goes when you’re finally getting some kind of relief and hope.
Hope your son is okay!
I am glad to hear things are working out for you. I hope that your plan continues to work well for you and your little guy.
Also, LOVED your love post! 🙂
I hope so, too!
And thanks- I was in a sappy mood!
SO happy for you! Im glad to hear you have a plan in place, and I hope and pray it works out well for your family, and especially your little guy!!
Thank you! He can’t wait to start school again.
I hope that things start to look up for school. I work with a lot of kids on the PDD spectrum, and if you have any questions or want any ideas of things to do with him at home, please let me know:)
Oh, definitely! Everything we hear is just so vague.
I still can’t fathom everything your family is going through. I assure you, I am proud of all your efforts. You are the type of mom I hope I’d be if I was going through the same circumstances.
I still can’t fathom everything your family is going through. I assure you, I am proud of all your efforts. You are the type of mom I hope I’d be if I was going through the same circumstances.
I know you’d be fighting, too.
Oh I’m so glad that you’ve found a place and have a plan. I know this has been heavy on your mind and heart!
I’m very hopeful that this will work out.
I know how hard this has been, but I think you’re handling it like a champ. You’ve kept your eyes on the prize which is getting help for your son.
Sounds like you need some “me time” too…not to sound too much like a tampon commercial!
Oh, I could definitely use some me time. I want what’s best for him but I’m so worn out right now.
So happy for you. This is great news. What a blessing for your family.
Thank you- it really is happy news!
Yeah–so glad to hear you finally have some answers and a plan of action. I can’t imaging your relief. Best of luck to you and your little guy as you start down this new path.
So much relief. Still nervous about how it will go but hopeful.
I’m so happy to hear that a school is willing to work and find a solution for your little buddy. Best of luck with it!
Thank you! 🙂
I’m so glad to hear that things are moving forward again. It is such a blessing to hear that you’re getting a plan of action moving with him! I read your post at Ashley’s yesterday, what a beautiful love story.
It is a huge blessing!
Such wonderful news, Mama! Way to go, you- you’re the perfect Mama {and advocate} for your little guy! xo
Thank you! We’re hoping for easier times ahead.
I posted this on FB, but I want to say it again. I’m so glad you guys are finally making some headway. This is such great news.
It’s such a relief!
Glad you finally got some answers. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this is exactly the classroom situation, teaching staff, environment that he needs to thrive. I bet he is excited to go to big brother’s s school!
He can’t wait!
I hope this new school works out for everyone. I’ll keep good thoughts for you and your son.
Thank you!
I really hope it works out for him at the new school. I also hope him being at the same school as his brother will make things easier for you.
I read your post at Ashley’s. Beautiful and spot on.
Big brother isn’t so sure about it, but he’ll deal!
I’m so glad things are moving forward, Shell. I’ve been thinking about you a lot. Heading over to Ashley’s now.
Thanks, girl. It’s been such a long road.
I am so happy you finally have a plan in place for your son and the support that you need. Kudos to you for being such a great advocate for what he needs!
Didn’t really have much of a choice but to fight!
That’s a wonderful news, Shell. I hope things would only get better from here on for you guys and you’d get the support of a new place that your son will love 🙂
I hope so, too! Thank you!
Glad there’s a temporary resolution and long-term plan in place. I’m sure it was difficult during the what now stage, but fight on! I hope everything works out well.
Hated that what now stage!
I am so so glad to hear this. It sounds like this school is actually willing to help you and make sure he gets what he needs, no matter what it takes. 🙂 Hugs to you Shell Bell. 🙂
They really are going out of their way to help.
It makes me so happy that you are able to start moving forward 🙂 (And you KNOW I love your post at Ashley’s!)
We feel so relieved.
And thank you!
I need to catch up on your posts. I had no idea about your latest struggles. I am glad their is a light at the end of the tunnel for you and your little man.
It’s been a bit of a mess around here!
I’m so glad someone is willing to work with you. It’s a dark tunnel, but I promise there is light at the end.
We’re just beginning to see that light.
All little steps are important, when they’re leading you in the right direction. I’m glad that the new school is ready and willing to do what they can! 🙂
Me, too. I knew they would have to come up with a plan but I didn’t think they’d be this helpful.
So happy you are getting somewhere! I hope it works out the way you it’s supposed to.
Me, too. All this wheel-spinning has been frustrating.
I’m glad that there is a plan in place. Sometimes, that is the most important step. I pray the plan works and that the new (to him) school is a blessing to all of you.
It’s definitely a giant step in the right direction.
How did I miss your son basically getting kicked out of school?? I am SUBSCRIBED to you! Sheesh.
Anyway…this may be a little forward, but I just love you, Shell, and I am hoping that all will work out for your son. I really am. My post today delves into a parenting struggle of mine so I do get it on some level.
Heck, things WILL work out for you guys. It just has to!
Thanks so much girl! Love you, too!
I’m so glad you have been able to work with a school to start formulating a plan for your son. There is no worse feeling for a mom than the “Unknown.” All those what-ifs bounce around your head like crazy during those moments of unknown, to know helpful end! Taking a first step towards a plan is admirable and must be such a huge relief!
The unknown has been so stressful.
So sorry to hear of all your struggles this month, Shell. But I’m glad there’s a light at the end of the tunnel now!
It’s about time! 🙂
Glad things are looking up for you! xo
Me, too! xo
That is wonderful news! I am sure that you are feeling relieved!
So relieved!
I am happy that you are starting to feel the weight lift off. It’s very hard to function when your mind is constantly wondering “what do I do now, how can I help my child. We need answers.” I’m so happy that your other son’s school is working with you and working on a plan for Bear. That is AWESOME news.
It is good news and a big relief.
I’m just SO happy that you are moving forward with a plan. Just remember, even if this isn’t it, and doesn’t work they way you want it to, there WILL be a way. God will provide.
Oh girl, I’m hoping this is what works. I’m so exhausted.
I am so happy you guys have worked out a plan! Having a plan can change everything. Whenever things are rough with my children, even when it isn’t something as huge as your situation, a plan can give you all what you need. I’ll be thinking about your little guy’s big adventure starting Monday!
Thanks for hosting PYHO!
Thank you. Everyone was really helpful so we have a lot of hope this time.
Yay! Praying for a good fit for your boy at school on Monday and for a good plan for him.
Thank you! I’m really hopeful.
As a retired educator all I have to say is shame on the school system who kicked your darlin’ outta school. It’s a schools job to see that you get the help and plan of education that best suits the student. Bad school!!!
I’m thrilled you have found a school who is willing to do their job and find what’s best for you precious boy. My heart and prayers are with ya!
God bless and have a marvelous day sweetie!!! :o)
Well, it was a private school so they just said they didn’t have the means to help. Nicer way of saying he was kicked out.
Woot!!! I’m SO glad things are getting better. And, considering there’s a .07% chance that’s a result of the happy thoughts I send your way, you’re welcome.
Thank you. That put us over the top.
OH it is a start hun and that is what matters. Having taken the first step the next ones will get easier.
I hope so!
I feel bad, I wasn’t aware he was kicked out. My heart aches for you and for him. He is the sweetest little boy. I pray that things continue to look up. Hang in there.
Well, they put it in nicer terms: they weren’t able to provide support for him. BUt it was basically kicking him out.
So happy you got some good news. Honestly I feel like piece by piece a plan is coming together for him. Can’t wait to hear how his first few weeks go.
I really hope this will help. We have a meeting set for 3 weeks after he’s been there to reassess.
I am so happy to hear that you have a plan in place, at least the beginnings of one. As for using PYHO to, well, PYHO…GUILTY. It all builds up. And as I hate being a Debbie Downer every day, this has become a way for me to get it out sometimes. To not hold back. And for that opportunity, I am incredibly grateful to you.
So glad to hear it. We all need to vent sometimes!
I hope your new plan works out! Sounds really stressful!
It definitely was!
All your love for your son,and the hard work into making sure he’s getting the help he needs is working out. For now, you can relax a bit.
Thanks for updating us. Right now, take all the time you need for you =)
Thanks. I really feel like I need time to just breathe!
I really, really hope that the new school is the solution you’ve been waiting for Shell. You deserve a break and so does he. I’m always here if you need me.
Really hoping this is a solution for him. Thanks for listening! xo
It definitely seems that you are headed in the right direction. You all need to take a deep breath and enjoy his first day in his new school. You all deserve to see him smile when he is done with his day and feeling good.
I am petrified of his first day right now. But, hoping it goes well.
Oops- wrong login.
Whew…I feel like I’m breathing a sigh of relief right along with you. I really hope that this new school is exactly what your little guy needs to spread his wings and fly. He sounds like a wonderful little boy and I pray that this school will be the answer to prayers!
Thank you- I really hope so.
It just kills me that schools haven’t been able to see the sweet boy I know is there.
Oops-wrong login.
I’m glad you have hope again… I know the past few weeks have been difficult for you and the family. But I’m so glad to hear that things are looking up. Do keep us posted. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Shell. XOXO
Thank you so much, my sweet friend!
It’s probably good to have a plan – even if it’s not a solid plan it’s better than nothing! Good luck!
I’m just happy they are willing to start something right away- b/c they don’t have to.
So very glad your oldest child’s school will work with you all! Fingers crossed that the school will be just what you need. Hugs to you and your family
Thank you! We just went in for a classroom visit today and I think this is going to be a good teacher choice for him.
I feel hopeful for you. A diagnosis and a new school program are both positive steps.
I’ve got your family on my prayer list.
Xoxo
We’re hoping!
Thanks for the prayers!
Behind on blog- so so happy to be reading this! So glad there is a step- a direction that you are going to be able to take. I hope a good plan will come as a result. I will keep you all in my prayers
Oh girl- with all this going on for the past two months, I am forever behind!
Thanks for the prayers!
Like I’ve said before… you have been on my mind … a lot. I’m so glad that bear is going to a different school and maybe some things will be different. I just – keep you in my prayers. All of you. xo
Thank you! xo
Nervous thinking about Monday, but hoping for the best.
I can’t tell you how very happy I am that you have exhaled and he has found a place. I know what a weight that is off your shoulders. everything is going to be ok my friend.
love you girlfriend xo
Hopefully this will be a good place for him.
Love you, too. xo
I’m so glad things are falling into place for him!
I’m still very nervous about how it’s going to go, but I am finally feeling hopeful again.
I am so, so glad for you both.
Yes, I am with you on this schooling thing, rooting for you to get Bear in a good place. Off to visit your post.
Holy Cannoli.
I’m one day behind and you have a gajillion comments here.
So I won’t repeat what everyone else has said.
I’ll just head off to the porch swing…
I love a good love story.
p.s. Fingers crossed on your new school situation. I know how hard it’s been…XOXO
I’m so glad you have something in place, even if temporary. It’s been such a long road and you still have more to go but you guys will get there. :]
Glad to hear you’ve got some initial answers. My son was given a PDD-NOS diagnosis at 5 too. It took me forever to discover that PDD-NOS basically means: a person with some autistic traits, but not enough or the right configuration to qualify for a diagnosis of autism. It would have been nice to have had that explained up front! P.S. I love the clean, bright look of your new blog layout!