Because I feel like we haven't really talked about this sitch. Ha, ha.
It's like this. Think of a typical 3-year-old child. In particular, think of the SIZE of a typical 3-year-old child. If that child arrives at school sobbing, the teacher picks him up and carries him around for 20 minutes or so until the child calms down.
With D., the teacher might make a valiant effort, but unless she is over 6 feet tall and able to hold onto 60 pounds of flailing, kicking, sobbing child, she's kind of out of luck. I can't pick up D. with one arm and accomplish anything while I'm holding him. It takes two hands and all my effort.
And regardless of his age, it is scary to see a kid D's size have a tantrum. It's scary for the other kids, and it's scary for the caregivers who need to make sure he doesn't hurt himself, them, or the other students.
You should know, I have bruises EVERYWHERE thanks to D. It's not that he's violent -- when I carry him, he sometimes just tries to reposition himself and inadvertently kicks me. Hard. Or he'll come take my arm and pull me somewhere and knock me down in the process. He's REALLY strong.
So, while I am not happy about The School's decision, I understand it.
Now then, there are some groups The School runs that D. can join even if he is not enrolled. One in particular should be very helpful, so we are looking into that. And I will, of course, keep you posted.
In the meantime, thank you all for your comments and emails. I can't imagine getting through this without you.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Even more about D. and The School
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5 comments:
So sorry for what you are going through. My daughter was finally diagnosed as Sotos (despite the NSD1 findings) and the size issue is tough. We have a phenomenal school through our ISD that is doing wonders with her. I hope you can find a perfect placement for D.
BTW, I had found your blog before you commented on mine. It has really helped me not feel so alone.
I'm sorry it didn't work out with the school for next year. But you're resourceful...you'll work something out.
And I understand about the size thing. Our guy who just turned 4 often gets mistaken for his 6-year-old brother's twin. Yikes!
You are doing such a wonderful thing by documenting your experiences. It will be such a help to parents whose children are diagnosed with Sotos Syndrome in the future. You're doing a great job!
And isn't it so difficult that in our mind, they are STILL our babies and while they LOOK huge and feel huge - in our hearts they are our little toddlers that we want to hold and cuddle. It's that disconnect in my heart and mind that I struggle with often..... And sometimes I can't help but wonder - doesn't he too feel like he needs to be held more and cared for, yet I can't because of his size? But who knows - I probably hold him more than I should because I keep thinking I don't do it enough....but in time, my back and arms will soon stop that...
Hope all is well,
Fellow Sotos mom
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