Dallin Update

Yesterday, I went to meet with a well known advocate to talk about Dallin's services. I really needed to get some advice coming from a neutral party so that I did not feel like advice was coming from a hidden agenda. I have been so nervous with trying to decide whether or not Dallin's services are acceptable or if I wanted to fight for different options. I have been leaning toward keeping what we are doing because he is doing so well in preshool and is getting a social aspect. The advocate agreed with me. He said that unless he is no longer learning and growing at that school than it was a good placement and he really emphasized the social thing too. He said we did well in representing him for getting so much offered to us. So I felt like I could really take a deep breath for the first time in months. That was what I really needed to hear. I want so much to get it right this year for Dallin as he will start Kindergarden next year and he needs to be ready. I feel so much better.

We also have our first appointment with the ABA (applied behavior analysis or in home) therapy on the 25th of this month. I am so glad to see things moving with that. Yay! I just dream about everything being finalized (I need to sign the IEP which accepts his services) and all the programs starting. I am so ready for Dallin to go back to school. I love him so much but I really do need the help. It has been such a long 4 months fighting and pushing to make things happen, not to mention all of the searching and finding little help in Oregon for a year.

I will be asking for direct one on one speech therapy for an hour each week. I don't care if it is in school or not, but I can sign the IEP(individualized education plan) anyway and specify if I don't agree with that part. So hopefully asking will be enough for that. I think I see a light and then end of this tunnel!