And having two older children that were air quotes normally developing, I was always thankful, right? Because I'm like, oh, I'm tired. I'm tired of trying to fill that empty space of what they are or aren't doing or trying to keep them occupied with summer school.

And it was just a different kind of energy. Right. And it was a different kind of expectation. But it's so different when you have a child on the spectrum. It's so different when you go through an IEP and you're really looking at that and you're starting the school off, you know, strong.

You're trying to get goals that you're trying to get a vision board done. And things that we've talked about in kind of the differences is it's not to say that those kind of strategies couldn't be beneficial to all children, but for us, because there's such a gap sometimes at different times in their education.

And what we have to be aware of, you know, kind of anticipating it's a lot. Right. And so it's the night before he starts tomorrow. And my world is going to change tomorrow. You know how I manage my day, the expectations I have for myself, the accountability I had to myself and to him and to my

husband and to my family, it all gets a little bit more complicated because I do have to be so involved. And partly it's the journey for me of being a home school teacher, as well as having the resource center teachers available so that it's kind of a combined effort.

But because there's a lot of academic teaching and gap-filling that I do, it's like going back to school for myself. You know, I'm having to learn real history this year. I'm going back to Algebra one this year.

And we're doing some new things like forensic science and CSI crime investigations and science this year. And we're doing a speech which I love. And, you know, I'm also creating a class that's life skills kind of centered more around career identification and development.

But it's really talking about independence and what that looks like for the future. And though I'm excited and I'm thankful I get to do it because of my circumstances that I'm in right now, it's also a full-time job and it's a full-time job and I don't get paid for.

Right. So sometimes there's no, like, oh, my God, it is so good. So I get to buy myself a new purse or this, that and the other, but I get to look at my child. And he's doing amazing, right?

But I'm having anxiety tonight before it starts because I know what's ahead, right? It's the work. It's the work that's worthwhile, no question. But work nonetheless. And so I'm trying to get an early night's sleep and drink lots of water and try to figure out my workout schedule so that I can keep my anxiety down and

all the things that we do to kind of self regulate so that I can give my son the most and then really hope that I get it. And what I mean by get it is how I guess how to do some of these things I haven't done since myself in high school.

And I'm not going to say my age, but it was quite a while ago and be effective. Right. And really understand the journey that continues to go and the advocacy that continues to be. And when you put that in full swing and you've got such critical years, he's starting 10th grade.

And these are kind of really important years for us to investigate strengths and really get an idea of independence. Teaching companies, coping strategies, teaching them self advocacy in a way that really perpetuates as much of a normal life that they can have and be expected to have.

And that is the benefit. But I also want everyone to know that I get it. How different and hard it is sometimes because I feel it tonight as I'm running around getting the first-day outfit, making sure as backpacks ready, he's got all of his supplies and his pencils sharpened.

And not to say that he doesn't help me with that book, but he does. But it's that kind of next step. And what I used to feel like, oh, OK, good. They're back in school now. I'm like, oh, it's yeah, he's back in school.

And my nights change. My days change. And, you know, that journey is different. And I, again, couldn't be more thankful for it to do it. But I'm also acknowledging that I'm like taking it all. I can do this right.

Get ready for the change. Get ready for the work, get ready to not only learn subjects but then figure out how to teach them to him and understand the hurdles. And how do I backtrack a little bit to give more input, to teach more effectively so that the outcome is learning, not just passing tests.

And that is something that takes a lot. And I'm glad to do it. And I know you all are, too. But I just want you to know I'm with you and I feel that and I know the struggles and the ups and downs and we can get through this.

And in the end, we do have the most angelic, wonderful kids in the world. So until next time, I hope you have an amazing week, I hope. You started your school is good. And that's a journey that is presented in front of you as something that you feel successful at.

But you're also challenged and you learn more to benefit your child so that in the end, they walk into rooms, head held high, shoulders high, chest popped out, and they know who they are. They know their strengths and they're confident to be there.

Until next time. God bless.

• empowerment and authority.
• following your heart and having dreams.
• living for today/being present in the moment.
• effective communication.
• being optimistic.

[2:57] Empowerment and authority

[3:26] Following your heart and having dreams.

[10:25] Living for today/being present in the moment.

[15:55] Effective communication.

[22:46] Being optimistic.

[4:09] Back to school preparations.

[15:18] Generalization.

[21:45] Learning through reenactment.

[33:09] Educating parents in a very supportive way.

[38:51] Success story.

[46:02] ASD toolbox.

• Vision board.
• Goal setting.
• Action plans.
• Communication plans.

Check out asdwarrior.com for more information and resources

[15:00] Where does the disconnect come from and what he learned in workshops and education vs reality?

[35:07] Working with kids on the spectrum, perspective and lessons learned.

[3:04] What is an IEP?

[6:55] The backend of an IEP.

[17:33] How do they comeup with the goals?

[29:32] ASD Toolbox.

"If mistakes aren't happening we're not learning."

"Focus on what's important."

"Celebrate the successes. Smile. Laugh."

[2:17] How she got into speech therapy.

[5:27] Her approach to speech therapy.

[14:33] Using oral narrative.

[19:41] Acting out proper behavior.

[34:40] Her ASD toolbox.

What Autism Feels Like

https://youtu.be/GTT1KldAQbo

[2:48] Distance learning.

[10:49] Make learning fun.

[17:37] Creating an environment that allows sustainable learning.

[24:12] Parenting to mentoring.