Maria got over her fever issue a day or two after she started the Tamiflu. She missed a week of school and did her usual “2 steps back”, so it’s taking a while for her to get back on track and improve her strength.
Last week we had our first parent-teacher conference of the year. It was a fairly uneventful chat with the general ed teacher. What could she say, really? Maria’s not in her class much. She did say that Maria got excited about carving pumpkins the day before (she does love that goo!).
2nd I talked with the speech therapist. She came up with yet another scheme for the (damn) Tech Talk device. It’s 4 messages now–in fact it’s back to one of our first schemes. I really wish we had someone to help us more with it (more often, more consistently). So frustrating. Got a call from one of her teachers last night. She said they were trying to use it at lunch and Maria kept knocking it off her lap. One of the problems is that none of the adults in Maria’s life is very excited about the TechTalk, so how the heck is she supposed to be successful with it?
Finally, I talked with one of the special ed teachers. We talked about how I can stay more informed about the important aspects of Maria’s day. The other sp.ed teacher made a visual schedule for Maria that she wanted me to check out. It’s a cookie sheet with a plastic fork, straws, tiny book, etc stuck to the cookie sheet with a magnet. The intent is for Maria to touch and see what she’s going to do next. They’re really trying!
A few weeks ago, I went to Raising Special Kids for a consult on Maria’s IEP (individual education plan). She thought it looked pretty good, thorough, detailed, adequate minutes for therapies. When I told her of my frustration that I’m not getting enough info from the teachers and therapists about what Maria does each day. She suggested I call a meeting with all 10 people who deal with Maria, but I don’t feel comfortable/confident enough to do that, so she gave me the name of a woman who works for the school district that facilitates meetings with parents, teachers, and the district–perfect!! When I called her, she was super nice and helpful and friendly. We’re getting together Monday morning. Maria will be at this school for 7 years, so we’re well on our way to a good relationship. Sure aint easy, though!!
During occupational therapy last Saturday, we tried an adaptive bike. It was so awesome!! It’s a Freedom Concepts Discover. The child is strapped onto the bike–foot on pedals, lap belt, chest strap, and butterfly chest harness. The adult pushes and steers from the back. As the tires roll, the pedals move, so the legs move and the muscles get stronger. We loved it! But, it’s $2500!!! I found another brand, a Proseries 1416 Amtryke that’s “only” about $700-800. I think that might be what we want for Christmas. I just need to check with her physical therapist and see what she thinks.
Hippotherapy starts next week! (same day as home PT, and she’ll have to miss a bit of school, and with a different therapist, but, it’s hippotherapy!)