Me: I didn't raise a liar. Adam: You raised Ainsley.

Me: When am I going to get your report card? Adam: Just so you know, I love you.

This mediation process is affecting my sleep. I start to take a nap, then suddenly wake up, wondering if I remembered to call someone or do something. I don't know. I don't know if I'm doing it the right way. And it's too important not to.

You would think a 2 hour school delay due to weather would be welcome to an 11 year old boy. Not so if that boy is autistic. This is a change to his normal routine, and he is already complaining. He needs to know exactly what to expect at all times and even though he is smart enough to understand it, he gets a mental block any time there is change to his routine. We'll get through it, like we do everything else.

There will be a pre hearing conference call Friday with the judge, the mediator and myself. I like this because I can explain my perspective without being told how wrong I am. I'm still working on securing an attorney in case I need one, should this end up going to due process.

I spoke with the special education director today. She called to tell me that the school system will have legal representation at the mediation. I made a few calls and was told that it wouldn't be necessary, because they aren't allowed to speak at those meetings. I just hope I can line up an advocate for that day.

It's hard being a single parent. It's also hard being an autism parent. Put them together and it's a recipe for a lot of stress and anxiety. I don't always handle things well, but I will always always push for Adam's right to an education, no matter how intimidating those IEP meetings can be. 

This school year has been a rough one so far, and I am not seeing eye to eye with the special education department in our district about some very important issues. What began as mishandling autism meltdowns morphed into behavior issues that includes screaming, rolling on the floor, cussing, and throwing things. The solution to this has been to suspend him. Adam saw this as an opportunity to go home.... every day if necessary. Now we are looking at moving him to a higher grade level school where he won't have the opportunity to attend regular classes with his friends. I was told I have no choice but I am going to do everything I can to keep this from happening. 

And then I will breathe again.

Adam: I have Mexican toys! Me: Mexican toys? Adam: Yes, they were made in China!

Sitting here watching the Sunday political shows. The question asked was... Who was the last sitting President to visit Cuba? Adam said JFK and Cuba is pretty much in isolation. He was wrong about who it was, but it shows this kid thinks!

Adam: I'm opening presents at 7am on Christmas day. Me: 9:00. Adam: I'll take pictures.

Adam: People like me because I'm a great conversationalist. I'm good for the lonely.

Adam: I love you.... No, I hate you.... Actually, I have moderate feelings for you.

Adam: Are we doing anything for Ainsley Elizabeth Hulshof's birthday this weekend ? Me: I think she's going to Martin. Adam: That's more like a gift for us.

Adam: One thing I like to do in the mornings is watch My Little Pony. Don't judge me.

Adam: One day kangaroos are going to take over the world.

Adam: Well, there's another burglary. Me: Where? Adam: They say one happens every 15 seconds..... there's another one.

Me: OMG, I can't see, the sun is crazy bright! Adam: In about 2.3 billion years, that won't be a problem.

Adam: My marshmallow took flight.

Me: You lied to granddaddy. Adam: It was for my own protection.

Adam: Dizzy looks like a burnt sausage.

Adam: I'm gonna be ugly next year. Me: Why? Adam: Puberty.

Adam: Apparently, Dizzy was secretly watching me use the bathroom.

As I begin to vacuum, Adam starts picking his stuff up in the living room to put away. Ainsley asks him what he is doing. "Don't you hear that ominous sound?" is his reply. I love that boy!

Yes, his nonstop chattering about video games gets on my nerves sometimes, but I am so fortunate that he CAN talk. No, he hasn't "gotten over" part of being autistic. He has learned to cope with some of it. No, he doesn't "choose" to use autism as a crutch. Yes, he can be manipulative, but that is part of being so high functioning and also being an 11 year old boy!

Adam: Marty isn't a normal animal. He has six nipples.