All of the IEP meetings, mediation, suspensions, head banging, frustration, tears, many phone calls to advocacy groups and attorneys and the fighting, yes, FIGHTING for my son's education is worth it because... THIS! 

He's ready for high school!

Even though he's been at the high school for the past 2 years, he was still a middle schooler in the behavior program there. Today he had the IEP meeting to get him registered.  I usually feel the tears welling up, and I fight it, and sometimes I flat out boohoo. Today I fought the happy tears. The goal is to have him graduate in 4 years with a regular diploma just like everyone else. He tested very high (as high as they score) in language and vocabulary, so academically, he could take AP English. However, we decided to hold back a little until he feels more comfortable in regular classes. I am so proud of the progress he has made. 

Side note: He was talking to one of the SPED teachers about all of his matchbox and hot wheels cars, and said he wanted a limousine. We continued with the meeting and after a few minutes, he got back on the car discussion. The teacher asked what it was he wanted again, a hearse? Adam didn't miss a beat and said my dad rode in one of those. The boy knows how to silence a room.

These are the kinds of calls from the school that I love! Adam's teacher just called to tell me he took a reading test and scored 100 on it.... on 11th grade level... he is in 8th. 

Adam: That wasp was really hard to kill. He wouldn't die. He was all kinds of broken and kept moving.

Adam: I didn't fart. Me: Somebody did. Adam: It might have been me. I don't know, maybe. Yeah, I did it.... No, don't post it, I do not consent.

Things are looking up

So far, this year has been a lot better than the past. We did have an issue with "truancy", only because he was sick a lot and I can't take him to the doctor for every little thing. Adam's teacher this year will call me if he is having an issue, because sometimes just talking to him calms him down, but doesn't send him home unless absolutely necessary. At the last IEP meeting, we agreed that he is doing well enough to add a regular class to his schedule, Principles of Law. We are home today on a snow day, but he will start the new class this semester. I am still doing a reward (bribe, lol) system with him, so at the end of every good week, he can get a game or card to purchase new games. I've given up on taking the games away as punishment, that doesn't work, and only punishes me. I'm ready for a successful rest of the year!