A New Freedom
The past couple weeks have flown by. We’ve been immersed in a flurry of assessments and activities for Vista.
She started preschool this week, with her aide, Lynda. It went better than everyone thought it would. Lynda has been a huge help in managing her tantrums and heading them off before they begin. She’s been able to very quickly pick up Vista’s cues that she’s getting overwhelmed.
And for the first time, yesterday, Vista was able to tell another kid at her therapy group “No. Stop. I’m playing with that toy,” rather than dissolving into an instant puddle of hysterics. It’s something so small, but such a huge thing in V’s world for her to be able to do that.
I’ve also discovered that when you’re trying to dress a kicking, screaming, squirming, crying child who is refusing to leave an activity, it’s MUCH easier with another set of hands.
Having Vista’s aide has been such a huge stress release, I can’t even begin to describe it. Even the ability to go out and do things with V in the community has been huge. It’s a freedom we’ve never experienced before.
We also received Vista’s IPP (Individual Program Plan) today. This is a document where each of her therapists lay out the specific, measurable goals for Vista over the next few months and how we’re going to achieve them. It also gives her aide a framework of things to be working on with Vista in the classroom and out in the community.
In addition to her aide, V will be working with a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a behavior consultant, and a learning support teacher. They’re also going to be adding a speech therapist into that mix, as well.
It means our days are booked solid.
But?
It’s so worth it. We’re already starting to see small improvements in her behavior.
The fact that I’m not so stressed and butting heads with her all the time, also means the quality of my relationship with my daughter has improved dramatically.
And that makes us both happy.
So, SO happy for you guys. You ALL needed this, and I’m so glad that it’s working out so well. What a great sign that you can see behavior changes already! And improving your relationship with her? PRICELESS.
xox
YAY!
She already had the best Mommy she could have ever hoped for.. and this??? This just makes everything settle into place. I am so very happy for you all. Love You. Heaps.
Oh, This is so wonderful!
Oh, Jenn! This is SO awesome – I’m so happy for ALL of you! (Seriously, I’m all wibbly and teary-eyed over here. #dork)
xoxo
I am so happy for you guys.
Oh, Jenn, I’m so glad to hear that things are working out well with the aide and that you are already seeing improvements. I’m so happy for you guys.
I know reaching this point wasn’t easy, but all of your fighting with Dr’s, therapists, pharmacists etc. has paid off. V could not have a better person fighting her corner and you deserve the break this is giving you.
I’m so happy for you!! You’ve advocated wonderfully, and seeing benefits is huge! Especially so early. Now you can take some time for yourself, and destress Mommy.
Talk about taking strides forward, for all of you. I often think that it’s okay if my pack’s heavy as long as I’m moving forwards (and not standing still or (worse!) moving backwards.
Yay for you. Happy weekend!
Woohoo! So happy for the wonderful update!
So happy things are improving!!! I love this post!
Miss you tons!
Yayayayayayayayay!
I am so glad that you got the help you so needed. Yay
Oh, Jenn, this makes me so incredibly happy. A whole new world is opening up, for all of you, and I can’t wait to hear the stories that are sure to come!
oh yes. this makes my heart so very happy.