Ever felt like just giving up?
DS has autism, and while K and 1st grade went well (typical classroom with modifications and accommodations) 2nd grade was disastrous. The school suggested that I send him to a self-contained classroom, but I refused after I observed the classroom and found it to be more of a daycare than a learning environment. (The teacher did a lot of things for the students, from zipping up their coats to packing their backpacks at the end of the day, and the only "instruction" I saw was in indoctrination like standing in line, waiting to be called on to go to the bathroom, etc I was there for a total of four hours. The kids in this classroom eat lunch separately from typical kids and have recess separately as well.) So, DS is doing 2nd grade again, and although we came up with even more accommodations and modifications at a marathon IEP meeting prior to the start of school, I just feel like DS isn't progressing. He *hates* to read, he accels at math but still sometimes won't do his work, and the teacher tells me he is still having a tough time attending at school. I've worked *so hard* to see to his education, but I'm about exhausted. Homework time is a battle, especially because he spends a lot of time completing work he didn't finish at school. I have interests *I* would like to pursue but can't, because I spend so much time shuttling DS to various therapies and attending meetings and appointments, etc. DS, too, is so frustrated and he's very self-aware ("why did I have to be born with autism? Why don't the other kids need extra help", etc) There are no other schooling options here. I sometimes feel like we would both be happier if I did just take him to the Free and Appropriate Public Babysitter and just relax for once. Am I awful?
Amy in NC
mom to Dixon, 2/14/2005
and Abigail, 4/7/2007