I just had the best IEP meeting ever.:)

- I was told that while his writing isn't getting better, the OT feels that it is not because he is resisting. She thinks there are some weak ligament issues that make him hold his pencil uncomfortably and at this point, she feels it would be hard to push him more. She's going to keep working with him, but start introducing him to touch typing programs.

-Everyone feels that he's made tremendous progress this year. They told me this story: DS8, who has AS, walked up to the new boy in class yesterday, looked him straight in the eye and shook his hand, introducing himself. He also braved a loud environment he usually avoids in order to say hi to the daughter of one of the teachers.

-He is more often calmly expressing his needs and wants.


Now, when he is really challenged, he tends to get whiny and tantrum and stuff. So his Gifted teacher expressed concerns. I explained to everyone at the table that I was a Gifted student, and because I was never challenged, I failed a term in MIT. I failed because I didn't know how to study, I didn't know how to fail and struggle past it, and I didn't know how to pick myself back up and dust myself off and keep going. The things that all students should know. And I told them that despite how much he resisted being challenged, he needed to learn those skills. The teacher and gifted teacher's eyes lit up and they nodded, "That makes total sense." I was in total complete shock at the agreement.

Anyways, Best.IEP/GIEP.Ever.

YAAAAAYYYYY to you!!! I love hearing about their eyes lighting up instead of glazing over Nan

Congratulations!! It is great when it works out the way it should. Sounds like you have a good team and that you are a tremendous advocate. Pat on the back, mom!

Artana, congrats to you for expressing the needs so cogently and persuasively. Well done!!!

Isn't it lovely when they spontaneously offer you evidence of progress?

DeeDee

Yippee!!!! Sing it! So true! So nice to hear a good report and open some minds.
I think the reason the US educational system is behind other countries is EXACTLY this this concern that teachers have not to push kids past their 'non-whiney' zone.

Love and More Love,
Grinity

Thanks you guys. Thestruggle has been so hard and emotionally draining that I never thought I would have a meeting like this. And I know that a lot of other people feel the same, so I wanted to show that there is a little bit of light here and there.:)

as my DS says HALLALULA, a break through. The only things that scares me is that the gifted teacher seemed surprized about a kid whining about a challange. she never heard of the underachiever. Duh.