No they aren't email chat words like "A Spying Disciplinarian" or "Teacher Came In". The most I know of that lingo is lol...yes I'm getting old.
What they stand for are Autism Spectrum Disorders and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. I know...a mouth full, but that was the name of the class that Mike and I took this morning. Easter Seals offered this course to parents and caregivers of children who are on the spectrum...which includes Asperger Syndrome. It started at 8:30am and went to 12:30pm. Yes, 4 hours of us trying to keep Rebekah quiet while paying attention to the speaker. We had our friend Emily at home holding down the fort with the boys. Fortunately for us, she was still in one piece when we came home, though we think they must have roughed her up a bit, because she said she'd love to do it again anytime!! :)
Anyway, we weren't sure what to expect going in...but we left with some interesting information. Now we can process it over the next week and go back again on Saturday, same time, same place, to finish up.
The course is typically taught to professional care takers of children on the spectrum. It is also done over the course of 4 days...about 36 hours worth of training. They narrowed the information down to 2 days, 8 hours for all of us. So far it has opened our eyes to some of what is going on in Ethan's world. It has also allowed us to sit among parents who completely understand, empathize, and can advise us that everything is okay. That our doubts, frustrations, and anger are all normal feelings and that they will come and go depending on the day.
We look forward to finishing up the course next Saturday with the hope that we can walk away a little more educated, a little more aware, and a little bit stronger in our parenting skills for Ethan.
After all...this face isn't the face of Autism or Asperger Syndrome...
...it is the face of our handsome son, Ethan Daniel Ouellette...and regardless of the difficult days, we love him with all our hearts. God blessed us when He gave us Ethan.
1 comment:
I'm so glad you were able to learn more about what goes on in Ethan's head and to connect with other parents who are dealing with the same issues as you. To feel like you are not alone on any journey is so important, and as much as your friends and family can listen and be there for you, only those who have walked in your shoes can truly understand all the feelings and issues that surround it. You are such great parents, Ethan is so fortunate to have you advocating for him!
love,
Cammie
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