We just had Cat's first of I am sure to be many IEPs. Many of the readers probably know what an IEP is but for those that don't, I will briefly explain. An IEP (Individual Education Plan) is for children that have special needs that cannot be provided for in a typical school environment, so an IEP is created to insure that children with special needs have access to a free and appropriate education like that of their typical peers. The majority of IEPs that I have heard about are filled with stress and frustration and I was told to be prepared for the worst as public schools have their own agenda and will fight you on what you think is best for your child.
Cat's IEP went better then I expected although the evaluation to qualify for services was a bit rough due to an unpleasant speech therapist who dismissed Cat's ability to communicate on some level and basically told me that everything we were doing with Cat was wrong and that Cat had no ability to communicate. So when we went into the IEP I was ready for battle along with Cat's teacher Miss Lynlee from her private school. However we were able to get what Cat needed for her goals and for her to have speech and OT. So we are all set for next year and her IEP and Autism Scholarship begins on November 20th, which is Cat's third birthday.
I have noticed that I have been in an emotional pit since September which I think has finally passed. The whole IEP process had me depressed in addition to the fact that one year ago in early October started the year from hell when the following events happened: My brother with Down Syndrome almost died three times from double pneumonia and seizures, my Dad almost died from a heart attack, Cat was diagnosed with Autism and Andy lost his job and became an over the road truck driver and I was being bullied at work. But I am trying to stay positive and I hope that the next year will be better. My brother is doing better, my Dad is in better health then he was before the heart attack, Cat has come so far since her diagnosis and Andy is making a decent paycheck even though he is only home on the weekends and the bullying at work has stopped.
The girls are doing great in school. Gracie is learning to read and having a blast at school. Kit Cat is doing well in her first year of preschool and all of her therapies. I am looking for a new job since my current one ends at the end of June 2014 since it is grant funded. The girls are excited about Halloween, especially Grace. Grace is going as Twilight Sparkle from My Little Pony and Cat is going as Princess Sofia from Sofia the First. This is the first year that Cat chose her costume by process of elimination. Hope everyone has a great fall!
