So maybe there is no need for me to hide out in Josiah’s new classroom after all. The first few days of 6th grade have gone remarkably well. Day one, we received this note, Josiah had a GREAT FIRST DAY! He was happy and cooperative. Huge relief for me. Day two, the note said, Josiah was happy and tired. He slept for an hour and twenty minutes. Day three, he was back to happy and cooperative.
There is a space near the top where we can write a note to the teacher, though I rarely use that, preferring sticky notes instead for some reason. The next section asks: How did Josiah do today? The teacher or aide makes a check mark next to the adjective that best describes his mood and also highlights the things Josiah worked on in class.
There is a section for sleep, because we all know Josiah is often nocturnal, preferring to crash during the day and NOT sleep a wink at night. Next is an area for documenting improvements and struggles.
Half way down the page is a toileting section. Josiah is on a consistent bathroom schedule in the hopes this will someday (soon) translate into complete bathroom independence. Information is recorded here so we can check for patterns in behavior and hopefully see improvements. There is an eating section to notate what Josiah consumed at school and how much and when. The bottom is for comments from the staff.
While this form may not be perfect, it does give a snap shot of Josiah’s day. When he comes off the bus, one of the first things we do together is to pull this sheet out of his backpack and ‘talk’ about his day. Actually, I do all the talking. Josiah usually lays on the ottoman beside me, dangling his string toy. I like to think he’s listening and absorbing it all.
I know he has a great receptive language. I’m very aware he understands probably much more than I give him credit for. I only wish Josiah could talk. I pray often that someday he will. But, for now, this is God’s plan. And who am I kidding? This boy is in middle school now.
I probably know much more about his day this way!
Glad to hear Josiah is in middle school. I have a grand nephew, Peyton, who is autistic and has physical disabilities who is in high school. When he was younger, he got an iPad and really began using it. He was able to manipulate the apps very well. He also seemed to like the flow of information he got from it. I read where an autistic child began communicating with a similar device. By piecing together words instead of writing, they could answer questions and communicate. Maybe technology will allow the autistic to speak through the means of electronic gadgets like IPad or some other reader. Keep Hope alive in your hearts, it is an anchor to your soul.