Educating

As many of you know I work with kids who have IEPs (Individual Education Plans).  I have the honor of working with some of the most amazing children, teachers, administrators and co-workers.  On Friday I was able to go to the Autism Society of Iowa's fall conference with one of these teachers.  I was able to learn more about the ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) technique called Pivotal Response Therapy (PRT).  It isn't an approach that just works with children on the Autism Spectrum, it works with all kids.  PRT is great because is takes things that the child is already interested in and 1. encourages language development 2. encourages social interaction 3. allows the child to learn how to do these things in multiple settings and spontaneously.  The whole afternoon was about using PRT to reduce undesired behaviors in children and teach them expected behaviors.  It was an amazing day and I could see how it would work with some of the amazing students I work with, but also with kids who have been adopted.

Another reason why my work is so amazing is that it has taught me so much about individuals with "special needs".  Although I might not be an expert in academic goals or speech or physical development, I have learned over the past 5 years what some of the starting interventions are and how to think outside of the box about some needs.  I can honestly say that all my co-workers have been amazing supportive and understanding about M.  In fact when I have told them her special need, they have all acted like it is no big deal.  We are all so use to special needs and being kid centered that it is just natural that everyone is accepting of it.  Now, extended family is another issue.  I found out yesterday that one of my mom's sisters made some insensitive and inappropriate remarks about the adoption (specifically about M's special need) to my mom.  Based on what was said I know that this family member is going to need some education on M's special need and accepting that this is my choice, not hers.  To be honest, I have been expecting someone to say something negative about the adoption, but I didn't expect for my mom to have to deal with it.  So, I'm trying to reframe my thinking to reduce being angry about what was said and think about it more as an opportunity to teach (which I will most likely have to do at other times once M is home).  I will also say that both my parents are VERY excited about M...they both talk about her all the time and can't wait for her to be home forever.  I have a feeling that they are going to spoil her more than I will.