#30facesofautism - Day 4

Day 4 – Language is where it started for Baby Girl and where it stopped, or stalled at least.  I can clearly remember her gurgling that first word super early – “mama”.  I was thrilled and had no idea there may be trouble ahead until much later.  There is a way in which the brain should be wired as it acquires and understands language and something went amiss with her wiring around 18-24 months. She stopped adding words at the same rate, became a touch spicier and then, lo and behold, right around the time I started to notice that something was off Baby Girl’s hair went crazy.  I mean CRAZY.  It fell out, especially in the front, and then what was left became kinky curly.  The child had a mullet – it was all business up front and total party in the back.  I have no idea if the loss of her hair is related to the onset of the massive changes that followed but in my mind it significantly marks the earliest turn on our path. #30facesofautism #autismawareness

#30facesofautism - Day 3

Day 3 – Where there was Baby Girl there was a PACI – or two, or three.  She did not go anywhere or do anything without it until she went to preschool at 2 ½ years old.  Then it became a necessity when sleeping or car riding. I’m gonna lay it all out there and tell you that PACI was a huge part of life until she was way older than she should have been – say 5 ½.  Don’t judge. That child nearly inhaled PACI she sucked on it so hard when she would get in the car after a long day without it at school.  It was not just an attachment, it was an obsession and there are times where you simply have to pick your battles. Looking back I know it provided great comfort to her as she tried to navigate a world where so many things just didn’t make sense.  Being “developmentally delayed” impacts language, physical, emotional and cognitive abilities and the reasoning behind why it just wasn’t appropriate anymore was lost on her - until she was ready.  And, when she was ready that was it.  She put that PACI down and never picked it up again. #30facesofautism #autismawareness

#30facesofautism - Day 2

Day 2 – For the first 16 months this bouncing baby girl was hitting every milestone and beyond. Personality plus with the perfect amount of sweetness and spice. Those big, bright eyes and that contagious smile are still the best things about this precious face! #30facesofautism #autismawareness

#30facesofautism - Day 1

So April is Autism Awareness Month.  “Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences.” There.  There is your textbook definition.  It’s pretty accurate, just technical.  Some of you may be “aware” of my family’s journey and others may not.  It has not been easy but we have chosen to see it differently.  Our autistic child is a complete and total blessing and real awareness includes the ability to Accept, Understand and Love. For thirty days my intent is to share the many facets or “faces” of autistic that represent our journey and that it opens your heart to acceptance, understanding and LOVE. #30facesofautism #autismawareness

Readers to Leaders - Anything for Reading!

Today our Creekers pledged to read 1,000,000 words this year and because they promised I invited Willy Wonka and a couple of the Oompa Loompas to school to celebrate. I got the golden ticket, blew up like Violet Beauregard and went down the chocolate water slide! I'll do anything to get kids to read!

No Troll Left Behind!

What do you do when your students earn over $46,000 for their school at the Fun Run? Throw a Trolls Dance Party at lunch!! Can't Stop The Feeling!

Mrs. Cheryl Chascin - Teacher of the Year!

Congratulations to Cheryl Chascin on being named Chets Creek Teacher of the Year!!  She is a lovely representation of us all.