Adam: Mack is watching space stuff. Me: I know, and it's New Year's, I want to watch New Year's stuff. Adam: But the earth is..... ahhhhh.

Adam: Christmas is coming! Me: And the geese are getting fat. Adam: WHAT?

I just had a lengthy conversation with Adam about leaving Santa hot chocolate, and if he has a microwave in his sleigh to warm it up, and if he knows how to make coffee and if he likes to watch football on the weekends.

Me: Where does your cup go? Adam: America? Me: Incorrect answer. Adam: Lewisburg, TN? Me: Incorrect Answer. Adam: Our dishwasher... it is in America and in Lewisburg, TN, so I am right.

I got a breaking news text last night from WSMV about a body being found in West Nashville.
Me: Well, Adam, aren't you glad we know that there was a body found?
Adam: No. I'd rather they keep it a secret...

Adam: You like racing the train, don't you? Me: Yes, I do.

Me: Grab that doorknob and walk backwards into the hall. Goodbye! Adam: HAHAHAHA that was a good one!

The big yellow bus

Since I started working out of town, my mom and dad have been picking Adam up from school. We decided that now might be a good time to have him start riding the bus in the afternoon. Today was the first day. He did great!

Adam said everyone took turns being the teacher in science class today. He got to stay the longest because he was the loudest. He also told me that his group selected him as spokesman for their debate because he was the loudest. Whodathunkit?

All he needs is a little motivation. Adam earned almost enough money from the research study to purchase the new Disney Infinity video game. I told him that if he had a good week at school, I would make up the difference. Guess what he's doing now?

I knew I was right about moving Adam to the school for his grade level. He is doing very well already and school has just started. I predict a very successful year!

Adam has a goal this week. He earned almost enough money from the research study for a video game he wants. I told him if he has a good week, I will make up the difference.

Today is phase two of the study, and I'm up dark and early. Just enjoying the quiet for a little while before it's time for little man to get up.

Adam: Grandma is Uncle Tony's brother.

Adam: Will you take me to Walmart on October 13th? Me: October 13th? Adam: That's specific, isn't it?

Adam is participating in a new research study at Vanderbilt University. He will get an updated autism assessment. They are studying sensory triggers. I agreed to this study mostly to get the current evaluation, which could be helpful for school. He had one visit this week, and will have 2 more, which consists of interviews with psychologists, questionnaires, and finally, an MRI. He had a "mock" MRI, so he'll know what to expect. He did very well.

Adam: Are you going to vacuum today? Me: Yes. Adam: Well, that's inconvenient.

Adam: Do you feel tired? I mean tired, tired, and not tired of me? 

Adam: Mom is an Illinoisan. I meant that as a joke and literally.

Me: You are too dependent on technology. Adam: Hey, I'm a kid of the 21st century. 

Adam: Can I have a sleepover at Grandma's? Me: It's ok with me, but you need to call and ask her. Adam: I might as well pack, cause Grandma won't tell me no. 

Adam: You deserve to be pushed off a mountain. 

My favorite birthday present!

Happy Birthday Adam!

Adam: That makes no sense. FREE with purchase?! Just buy the cheapest thing possible.

Adam: It was either Mack or the ketchup bottle. It didn't stink so I guess it was the ketchup.

Adam: When I said they needed to pave the road, I meant it metaphorically.

Adam: Purple Heart Trail?! What kinda trail is that?

Adam (talking about playing the Spyro games): That Moneybags is a greedy bastard.

Adam: looks like I'm getting 2 cherries in one day.

Adam: Are you happy? Are you happy? Me: I won't be happy until you be quiet. Adam: Then you'll never be happy.

Adam: Thank you. Me: You are not welcome at all. Adam:HAHAHA, that's funny! That was a joke, wasn't it?

Adam: I kinda like pork roast. I like anything that starts with pork or meat... pork ROAST, meat LOAF, Lasagne with MEAT and CHEESE.

Adam: I'm gonna come back and eat that in a minute. My stomach is kind of full, but not completely, I just need to wait for a burp.

Me: I'm gonna take you and get your ears cleaned out. Adam: I don't need my eggs cleaned out.

Ainsley: You are my minion. Adam: Can't you use a better word?

Stalemate

I haven't done too well updating lately, but it's not because there is nothing to say, but there is just so much to say that it's overwhelming. I am at odds with the school system over Adam's placement for next year. They contend that he has behavior issues and should be in BITE (the behavior intervention program), but I say that  his issues stem from autism and should be treated as a disability. He screams, yes, and I agree that it is inappropriate in a classroom, but I know there are other options. I wouldn't be as upset about having him in BITE if it were going to be located at the grade level school he should attend for fifth grade, but it will be at a second and third grade school. He is so smart and I can't just let him be left behind like this without doing everything I can do for him.

I have also lost my job this week. I was an assistant in the BITE room and my position has been eliminated. I suppose there will be other openings for assistants in our schools, but I wonder if my fight with the system will hinder my ability to be rehired.

Field trip

Today was the field trip to see the Nashville Sounds play. Adam doesn't care much for baseball, but I did get some fabulous photos.

Adam: People are truly rich with tax.

Adam: I feel sorry for chickens... But they are delicious.

I am now in a position between parent and school employee and I have to speak up for what I know is best for Adam. There are some changes being made and I'm not happy about any of the options given for his placement for next year. I have a call in to the special ed. director, and I hope I can maintain my composure and still stand firm.

Adam: Are you crazy? Me: Just a little bit. Adam: No, you're a psychopath.

Adam: Keith Urban does not sing to you! Me: Yes, he does. Adam: Prove it! Me: I don't have to prove it, I feel it in my heart. Adam: I know it in my head that he doesn't.

Adam always has an opportunity to have help with any classwork as well as homework at school. He chose not to do it today, so he had to bring it home. He's on his own, and screaming bloody murder.

The wine is chilling

Everyone was screaming today, then they screamed at each other for screaming. Oy.

Disappointment and special kids

Our local Special Olympics events were scheduled for today, but due to heavy rain last night, they had to be cancelled. It was disappointing to everyone involved, and very difficult to explain to those children who just didn't understand. It took a little while, but they were soon calmed down and assured there would be some fun to be found in the day. They continued with their regular schedule and had just entered the gym for PE class to burn off some of that pent-up energy when it was announced that there was yet another change in plans as the gym was going to be used for a presentation from Miss Tennessee. Well, giving Miss Tennessee her due, and I'm sure she is lovely and had wonderful things to say, but these kids could not have cared less about seeing her; they just knew they just had something else taken away from them. Thank God for flexible and resilient teachers and assistants who were able to quickly whisk the class outside to run around on the wet, cold playground. No one seemed to mind that the temperature had dropped 30 degrees within 24 hours.

Adam didn't handle the schedule change of the Special Olympics very well, either, even though he had to be talked into participating in the first place. He had gotten used to the idea and he knew that staying at school meant he was going to have to do some work He also was unhappy about the lunch choices at that time. Sack lunches were ready and paid for and packed for the day, so it wouldn't have mattered if they ended up eating it at school or on a field trip. Unless you were Adam and realized that all of his friends in the cafeteria were going to be eating pizza. I told him he could eat his sack lunch and I would purchase a slice of pizza to go with it. That would have been fine, until he was actually IN the lunch room and noticed they also had French fries, and there was no one there who was able to remedy the situation. He ended up bringing his lunch back to the classroom to finish eating and was fine the rest of the day, but what a stressful day I had!

Adam: That sounds like a whale crossed with Scooby Doo.

Sometimes there are just no words.

Adam: Do I have to say final answer for you to write it down?

Adam: This tea was refreshing yesterday. Now it tastes like a hamburger.

Sometimes it's hard to stay positive on this autism journey, but saying how I feel helps. For example, I am glad that Adam is able to find ways to nurture his interests, ie, obsessions, but sometimes I'd like him to just shut up.

I believe the behavior specialist was correct when she said it was going to get worse before it gets better. This was not a good day. Adam spent the day screaming every time he was asked to do something he didn't want to do, so then the other children in the BITE room were screaming and it went back and forth and on and on until he sat on the floor and wet his pants, just because. It kind of amuses me when one of the kids complains about the other screaming as if they don't hear the blood-curdling sounds coming out of their own mouths. I would be glad to be home, if the screaming wasn't still occurring, since Adam has had a few of his favorite inconveniences taken away. I wonder if Mack will mind if I open a bottle of wine or three that we bought over the weekend.

Adam must be getting used to this new arrangement. He has decided he doesn't want to do any work, so he had to bring his social studies work home. Hmmm, he chose not to do it at school with help, so the consequence is to do it at home on his own. Too bad that means he gets no electronics or playtime until it is done.

Adam: I'm happy today.

He had a few rough spots today, but so far, so good.

The IEP meeting went... ok. Adam will be a BITE student, but he will be going to his regular classes with an assistant. And because of the way the schedule will work out, I will still be able to assist with the other BITE kids. I hope this works out, the school year is nearly over!

Adam didn't have a very good day today. I have an IEP meeting tomorrow to discuss putting him in BITE. I don't think that's the place for him. He is currently in CDC, but that's not really right for him. There needs to be other options for high-functioning autistic kids. I'm stressed just thinking about it.

Mack: Eat right. Adam: My name's not Wright.

I just watched this week's episode of Grey's Anatomy. I noticed the "Autism Speaks" poster on the wall. Kudos to the producers and writers, and ABC.

Adam had a good day today. It's the little things...

One common trait of autism is obsessions. One of Adam's obsessions is the Titanic. He can tell you just about everything there is to know about it. 

My uncle was recently diagnosed with cancer, and my mom and sister just came back from visiting him. He remembered my telling him this about Adam and he sent a book about the Titanic with my mom for Adam. This makes me both happy and sad. 

This was a good day for the BITE kids, as well as Adam. Let's hope this trend continues.

It's time to get serious about the book I promised myself I wouldn't give up on writing, and that means getting it together on this blog, as well.

Today was a pretty quiet day. Only one of the BITE kids came to school, and he left early for a doctor's appointment. Adam's only issue was trying to escape out the door of the CDC room. We had a talk about that.

I have been  working in the BITE (Behavior Intervention Training Elementary)  room at Adam's school since early November. This arrangement obviously has its pros and cons. On one hand, I am now aware of pretty much everything he does. On the other hand, I am now aware of pretty much everything he does. Some days, as with any challenge, are better than others. Today was one of those days that the BITE kids were better than Adam. He is so smart, and as a result, is a master manipulator, but this gives him an advantage over some of the other kids. He is given more choices, should he choose not to abuse the privilege. Because of today's meltdown, we are attempting a new plan... He was given the homework assignment of compiling his own list of rewards... he will be able to choose, within limits,  of what he can earn. He can't go shopping or out for coffee, but a  few extra minutes of computer time can go a long way.

Adam: Mack is the one who makes them stink. I am the one who makes them loud.

Adam: I saw a ferry.... That's a ferry BOAT, not the mythical creature... Just thought Mack should know.

Me: Did you take a shower? Adam: YES! Me: What did you do with your dirty underwear? Adam: Oh... uh, I didn't take a shower.

Adam: Caution, do not come in here! This is the area where I've been farting.

Adam: I can see the future. It's not a very good future. I'll be a fat mechanic.

Adam: 4 weeks?! It didn't seem like 4 weeks, it seemed like a month.

Adam: You're obviously in a bad mood. Me: Yes, I am. Adam: You don't have to state it, I already know.

Me: Adam, STOP! Adam: Don't judge me.

Me, after realizing he never took his backpack out of the van yesterday: I hope you didn't have any homework. Adam: I don't know why you're still hung up on that.

Adam: You hate me. Me: Yes, I do. Adam: You don't have to say it out loud.

Me: You need to clean up after yourself. Adam: I'll start when I'm 16. Me: If you don't start now, you won't make it to 16.

Me: What are you doing? Adam: Apparently, wasting time.

Adam: 5 SECOND RULE! Ok, I know it's been updated to 3 seconds. It's a 2 second difference.

Adam: I hate you. Me: Good. That means I'm doing my job. Adam: No, it means you're fired. Me: Does that mean you're moving out tonight?

Adam: Will you turn on the big light? Me: Why can't you? Adam: I can't reach it. Me: You just need to learn to be more... Adam: Tall? Me: Well, I was thinking... creative... innovative... resourceful... but yeah, that works.

Me: An autistic girl is competing for Miss America. Do you know what that means? Autistic people can be anything they want to be. You, too, could be Miss America. Adam: That would be stupid.

Me: You need to take a bath tonight. Adam: WHY?? I took one a few days ago!