this week, Jovie and I have been exploring new supported playgroups for kids on the spectrum (that’s Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD). we have one more to go next Tuesday but so far, i loved them all but will wittle it down to 2 a week until therapy starts in December.
today at playgroup, Jovie was BUSY in the 2 hours we were there:
ran out of the room – at least 30 times
stared at the bookcase – at least 15 times
swiped at her own morning tea – at least 10 times
swiped at the other kids morning tea – at least 3 times
managed to steal other kids’ morning tea – 1 time
stared at the bathroom – at least 8 times
scratched at my face – at least 5 times
swiped the glasses off my face – at least 5 times
screamed out of happiness – at least 3 times
screamed out of sadness – stopped counting..
swiped at the glitter glue – at least 4 times
ate the glitter glue – 1 time
i love that in these supported playgroups, i don’t have to explain that Jovie doesn’t talk, that she doesn’t play with toys, can’t pick up toys, can’t feed herself, gets upset and throws tantrums. we were still different to the other kids there, but you learn all kids are different anyway.
oh to be a parent/carer of a kid with Autism… it takes alot out of you but i wouldn’t trade it for anything. i’m due back at work at the start of November but am again considering either taking more unpaid leave OR resigning completely (to stop jerking my boss around) and finding a nightfill and/or job so I can spend the day taking Jovie to therapy and playgroups.
who would of thought i’d long to be a stay at home mum? i friggin love that i get to drop Jasper off at school each Friday and then scoot over to playgroup with Jovie…. it’s where my heart is but we have to think of the future, where education for Jovie isn’t paid in sunshine and smiles.. (but how COOL if it was??)
