So, I started out telling Jessica’s story chronologically through school years….and then I side tracked….and then I side tracked again…and maybe once more. There are lots of important things to write about along the way! But I am going to back up to the school stories now. We last left off in Middle School and I was finally able to obtain an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for Jessica. So what does that mean? It means Jessica was able to be placed in “resource classes”: no more than 15 kids, more adults in the class which means more personal support and slower pace of learning (but still learning the same curriculum as mainstream classes). It also means accommodations such as more time to complete assignments, shorter assignments, ability to take breaks, ability to take tests or do work in an alternative setting, etc. Lastly, it means specific educational and social/emotional goals, in the areas Jessica needed the most support, that would be addressed and monitored throughout the school year.
Special Education teachers are amazing! It takes a special touch, immense patience and unique understanding to work with kids that just can’t be successful in the mainstream classes. With this support, I saw Jessica calm down around homework time, she liked school and she was a good student, but now she was having success.
The other thing that happened in Middle School is that Jessica found a tribe to belong to. For kids that struggle with making and keeping friends, difficulty with social cues, social awkwardness, sign them up for the band! Kids that are in the school band are quirky, fun, artsy, smart and most importantly, they are the most accepting kids on campus (I just a little biased!). They welcomed Jessica with open arms, they helped her, they had patience with her and most of them stayed with her in band all the way through high school. It was a safe place for Jessica and she was so proud to be a part of it. She learned to read music and ultimately learned how to play four instruments. Music is magic.
Being Jessica's Mom: Growing up on the Autistic Spectrum 