define('DISABLE_WP_CRON', true); _sh1ft.org » Jovie Goes To School (well, soon anyway)

Jovie Goes To School (well, soon anyway)

It’s been 3 months since our diagnosis of Jovie’s Autism & Developmental Delay, and we’ve come a little way along this long journey.

Just after her diagnosis, we applied for Jovie to go to a special child care centre which is due to open next April/May, we had the family interview a couple of weeks ago and last Friday I got the call that Jovie was accepted! It’s only for kids with Autism and alot of families applied for the limited spots available. She’s the youngest at the centre (at 2 and a half) but she’s been paired up with a little boy just older than her – how adorable.

I have been going back and forth about sending Jovie to child care while she’s still so limited in her communication and independence but I’ve gotta let her try, and let myself try.

I am still going to worry about her wherever she is, I’m going to wonder if her teacher is comforting her the way she needs or whether they understand what she is trying to say. Whether Jovie is able to form a good relationship with them, or whether they truly have the patience to ‘work’ with Jovie throughout her time there.

My bond with Jovie over these last few months has grown so much that I feel more attached to her than ever – it’s hard not to. But I guess that’s just a natural part of parenting.. right?

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Stacy @ Every Little ThingDecember 7th, 2011 at 12:24 am

If the center is geared towards children with autism, then being there can only help her increase her communication and independence! Just remain a huge part of it and stay on top with what they’re doing, but this is a great thing! Congrats to Jovie (and you!)

AmandaDecember 7th, 2011 at 6:47 am

I understand how hard it must be for you to let her go, Tracy. I really feel for you, love.
The centre will understand what Jovie is dealing with. They are trained to be patient and to cope with the kinds of behaviours she displays. But it’s only natural for you to worry about her. All you can do is try. I am in awe of your (you and Regan) strength. Hugs to you, my friend xoxo

ballet flatsDecember 7th, 2011 at 1:04 pm

Such a beautiful picture of Jovie there. And big congratulations on being accepted! As Stacy has said, if the centre is designed for autistic kids, then it can only be good thing her being there!

**also yay for changing your comment style! I was forever forgetting my login.

GeorginaDecember 7th, 2011 at 8:20 pm

Given Jovie’s condition I’m not surprised that you feel so attached to her, and it’s quite normal to worry about her as well. I work in an education centre, which isn’t really geared towards children with disabilities, but we do have some autistic children attending the centre and me and the other staff are sure to give them extra attention and be very patient with them. I’m sure the centre will do a wonderful job. <3

JoyceDecember 7th, 2011 at 10:51 pm

It’s awesome that she’s been accepted into the child care centre. Congratulations! I stumbled on your blog a few months ago just as you were discovering Jovie’s autism and have been completely blown away by what you’ve gone through. It’s amazing how well you’re coping with everything and she’s such a cutie!!

SharynDecember 8th, 2011 at 3:03 am

Oh, I wish you the best on this path! Early intervention is so crucial though and it sounds like that child care centre will be just the thing. My son had a similar diagnosis at that age. We drove well out of our way daily for years so that he could he be in the best programs, with just the right help. Now he’s 12 and doing really really well. He attends a school close to home and spends the bulk of his day in a general ed class room, with the neurotypical 6th graders. But he can walk down to the autism resource room when he’s feeling overwhelmed or needs more quiet to focus.

TraceyDecember 8th, 2011 at 8:11 am

Thanks for all the comments everyone 🙂 Courtney, yeah I didn’t realise how strict I had the settings, LOL.

Yep the centre is ONLY for kids with Autism or undergoing the diagnosis, so it’s definately the right place to be. I’m very happy that she was accepted 🙂 I know that teachers and special ed teachers are really hard working, but I’ve always got that ‘mum thing’ where I worry

and yes, SHE’S SO CUTE! 😀