This is Trent at his new school, Maricopa Elementary. He began on his his birthday at the end of March. He goes to a developmental preschool where half the students are typical kids and half have developmental delays like him. So far he seems to really like it. When I drop him off he just gives me a hug and then holds his teacher's hand as she takes him into the classroom.
Trent was diagnosed with mild Autism a couple of months ago, and has since started in the Jumpstart program at SARRC (Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center). It's a four week program that teaches the parents how to use Applied Behavior Analysis principals to help the children progress in communication and in learning other skills. They also work with the kids in a preschool-type setting, demonstrating these techniques while the parents observe. It's a great program and well worth the drive all the way to downtown Phoenix.
So we've been very busy with preschool on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and Jumpstart on Tuesdays and Thursdays (all while trying to get the hang of caring for a newborn). But Trent seems to be doing well and we are so happy that he has all these resources available to help him.
5 comments:
Wow, nothing like timing, right! Starting up a daily long drive while guessing on the "schedule" of a 3-week-old.
I'm glad they have those programs. That is excellent.
I'm also glad that he has these programs. Not to mention his extraordinary parents that go the extra mile (literally!) to make sure that he gets what he needs.
Yeah! Isn't it weird that our boys are old enough to go to school now?! Wow! Time flies! I hope that this program helps him out and that he has so much fun! Hope you are doing well with your busy family!
School age is so fun. My sister Mary's son has autism, and it's amazing all the resources that are out there. It sounds like you guys are doing so much for him, what great parents!
We were just talking about Trent this morning with Averi. She says she remembers him. I had no idea he had mild autism. I remember always thinking he was just going to bust out talking one day. Who knows, maybe now he will. I really am getting exctied to see you guys again. I know, it's way too early to start that. But I can't help but think about starting life again. I've been in my little cave way too long. Tell Trent "Hi" from our Averi. I can't believe he's in school. What a big boy!
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