I'm lonely and sad and scared today. Positive vibes thread.
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Anonymous
| Just sad today. My son is starting SN prek K 4 next year and I am so glad, but sad he needs to go. I am sad today that he can't just go to camp and that all social interactions are so hard for him. I am sad that he has so many delays and that we have been in therapy since he was 9 months. I am just sad and feeling sorry for myself and jealous of all the parents out there that aren't doing this and just a big old ball of whine today. Just need some virtual support. Most days I am happy and positive and optimistic but today all of the dread is creeping on in. |
Anonymous
| I'm sorry. It is hard. But you are doing the right thing by fretting him the help he needs and that's the best you can give him. |
Anonymous
| Virtual hugs to you. I still feel like this every school year and summer when I compare the opportunities for my child with ASD with that of my child who is neuro-typical. Just know that you are doing the best for the child you have and providing the supports needed. |
Anonymous
Can you put him in a fun activity instead? We do activities instead of camp that have more 1-1 support. He probably prefers being with you. 
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Anonymous
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My son was in intensive therapies for about as long, as is now in a middle school gifted program. He has friends. He loves to read. It will get better, OP. You're in it for the long haul, though. You'll have to think in terms of years, and prepare early for long-term goals. I know it's particularly hard when your child is so young that evaluationsdon't often yield exact diagnoses and you feel you're operating in the dark. Hang in there. |
Anonymous
| Hugs to you, OP. My four year old son can't just go to camp either. |
Anonymous
| I'm sorry op. Huge hugs to you and hoping tomorrow is better for you. |
Anonymous
I guess it is just these little things that I always took for granted would happen that kind of gut punch me. I know life isn't fair, and others have it so much worse. But ugh, this is so hard. I have a hard time being open and free about it too. So often at activities for my NT kid or just out and about, people ask where my son is going to school, what he is doing this summer. I am a private person but I hate feeling so awkward even about these interactions. And I hate myself, because honestly, sometimes I am embarrassed to tell them. Which is so stupid. |
Anonymous
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Lots of hugs to you!! It is hard before they start the special programs and having that feeling that they are missing out!
My son started special needs preschool at age 3 and now, at 5 1/2 is attending camp (with a shadow - through inclusion program) and is loving it. You will be surprised how far these kiddos can come in a year or so with specialized instruction!!! We never expected to see our son happy and ready to go to camp!! |
Anonymous
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Support coming your way.
Can your child go to Camp JCC next year? There are many kids with severe disabilities there, including mine. |
Anonymous
I like that idea. I did not really look into camps this year because preschool was so awful I think we all needed some time to recover. But next year, yes. |
Anonymous
I am one of the PP's with a child at camp with a shadow. He also attends JCC. We became JCC members to get the earliest registration and make sure we got a spot in the inclusion program. I believe camp registration is in either October or November for the next summer. You may want to look into the process now. |
Anonymous
| ((hugs)). It's hard. As he gets older, different things will be hard. But you're making good choices for him and he's lucky to have you! |
Anonymous
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Things will change for him as he matures. The special needs preschool will help him a lot so you are doing the right thing.
I had a 4 year old in special needs camp last summer who got in trouble every single day due to his behavior. The next year he went to a combination of special ed preschool and regular preschool. This summer he is attending regular camp and loves it. He has made 3 friends and is really happy. I think the special ed preschool really helped him and provided him with the discipline & support he needed. I am hopeful things will get better for you as time goes on. |
Anonymous
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I know exactly how you feel. You aren't alone, its just hard when there isn't anyone you know personally in your immediate circle of friends, family, neighbors who is going through the same thing. My son is 5 and will be in a special needs school when he starts Kindergarten. At times I do feel jealous of parents with NT kids that get to experience all these "normal" things - such as 1st day of Kindergarten at a regular school, summer camps, group sports. Right now my son can't handle any of those things. I do hope he eventually will be able to. I think a lot of parents take for granted that their children get to experience just a "regular" life and just assume that is where everyone's kids go to school....
On the flip side, I am happy that my son will be in a school that has very small classes and is specifically for children who have behavioral challenges, along with other things like ADHD, SPD etc. (we are in another state that offers this through the public school district) He has been doing a summer school class to get him started, and he is doing really well and likes school. Yes, he has to go on the short bus and will be at a different school than other neighborhood kids, but for now its what will work best for him. And right now he is actually oblivious that he is going to a different school. I'm sure at some point he will figure it out, but for now he is happy. It is OK to vent and be sad and depressed. I go through phases. Just last weekend I was so upset that my son was being super non-compliant. I was on the verge of tears. I kept thinking to myself - gee it must be nice to just have a regular kid....but then I got over it. My son has challenges, but he has a lot going for him and is one of the sweetest and funniest kids I know. Do you know of any support groups that you could join in your area? It is so much easier if you have someone to vent to about it who understands! Also, if you don't have a therapist, it might be really helpful for you to talk to someone and get all of this off your chest. Hugs to you
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