First, my lovelies, I must backtrack and give a little background information.
Boo has many diagnosis’s. Autism, as you are already aware and Hyperlexia (which you would KNOW if you were a proper little stalker reading my about page) being the most significant.
Autism with a CARS score of 42. Which is kinda bad. The ‘take him home and love him’ kinda score.
Hyperlexia is a tricky one. In Boo’s case it meant that he could read before he could speak. Knew the alphabet backwards and forwards by 8 months of age. By two and a half we were communicating via the written word.
Entitled 'Mutual Admiration Society'
(one day I will take pictures of all the artwork that Boo had up at the World Autism Conference, including the official posters he designed AT THREE)
And he could spell ANY word. Unfortunately his comprehension was zero.
Intensive one on one (read JUST ME AND HIM OMG I NEARLY LOST MY DAMN MIND) therapy, with occasional speech and OT and we got to the day where he would be attending mainstream kindergarten.
Enter stupid fucking moron psychologist that should never have been allowed to practice. But I trusted her because she had a child with Autism and I was young and idealistic.
She gave him an IQ test – mandatory for applying for specialist funding – over TWO DAYS.
She chased his naked arse around the house until he complied.
She gave him sticker rewards for answering the questions.
LETTER STICKERS SO HE COULD SPELL HIS FAVOURITE WORDS (at that stage it was Nickelodeon). Like FEEDING THE MOTHERFUCKING STIM SO HE WOULD COMPLY!
At that stage I had no clue that this was totally unethical and that he should have been given a score of ‘untestable’ thus enabling us to get the supports he so desperately needed.
A few weeks later – cause she forgot cause she is a fucking fruit loop – the score came back.
144.
A CARS score of 42 putting him in the severely Autistic range and a Mensa eligible IQ.
And he was THREE.
The following year he started kindergarten, supported by an aide only because of his speech delay and because he was wearing nappies.
We decided on a second year of kindergarten, academically he was streets ahead of his peers but still incontinent and socially functioning around 18 months. As his rather abrasive teacher said IN AIR QUOTES he ‘is not normal’
*sigh*
Define ‘normal’ fucknuckle…
Then the nightmare of applying for school funding. By now I had cottoned on to the ’system’ and was able to write a horrific tale of his inadequacies without falling apart rocking in the corner.
We got Level 4. Based on him wearing nappies and his speech delay.
NOT because he had to be watched every second lest he eat the furniture, strip naked, could not get basic needs met, could not sit independently without toppling over and the fact that his preference if left alone would be to flap his arms and grunt.
Fast forward to now where the school have been FANTASTIC and ensure that he has an adult with him at all times. Teachers volunteering their own time to shadow him in the yard, an aide with him in the classroom constantly despite the fact his funding is just for speech therapy and toileting, wonderful kids helping him because they think he is funny and their friend.
And now high school looms on the horizon. He is toilet trained. He is getting his needs met and doing AWESOMELY academically. He will lose his funding.
The official line is his IQ is too high for a specialist school and to get funding for a mainstream school. His language deficit is too great (needs to be under ‘two standard deviations’ between expressive and receptive language) to attend the middle ground school. And yes, he has since had another IQ test, this time 110, WAAAAAAAAAAAY too high for the specialist school whose cut off is 55.
So basically, in a nutshell, those three years I spent 24/7 in intensive one on one therapy that cost thousands of dollars and the proceeds of selling our home to get him where he is today were for naught.
Nothing.
Nada.
Cause now my little man, my amazing wonderful infuriating little man, doesn’t fit in a check box.
Ironically, during those years of therapy his favourite thing was to check off all the activities we did.
Marked with an X.
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Hugs. I wish I had a solution for you
I got told if we had not done early intervention with Heidi she would have qualified for an aide in school. Yet if we had not done the early intervention life would be so much harder for the poor kid and us.
Marita´s last blog ..Awwww Nuts
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
exactly. It is like you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t…
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I just can’t believe that a report from a medical professional stating that the meets the DSM-IV criteria for ASD isn’t enough for him to get funding for a teacher’s aide. And the committee that processes the info just somehow loses the psych assessment (is it a WISC-IV?)
This whole thing blows chunks. And I see this on a daily basis in some of the work I do. The ppl I work with just lose their shite cause they don’t know how else to get these students of theirs onto the “system”. There are too many cases of schools and teachers just taking up the slack to make up for the inadequacies of the DEEWAR’s identification system.
*headdesk*
i’m so so so sorry you have to go through this shit, Kell. Who can we lobby to???
Laura´s last blog ..I’m thinking I might call this Friday Flashback
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
We are about to start the whole funding nightmare (a year early because I don’t know if I mentioned but his school IS AWESOME!) and I will need to don my battlesuit again.
It is unfair that I have to, but that is the way the system works. Fuck it.
Autism is a tricky thing. There is a kid at Boo’s school with the same score but is pretty much just a ‘weird kid’ most of the kids have no idea that he has the same diagnosis. Kids on the spectrum cannot fit in their nice little boxes.
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No way should they be able to exclude him based on his language being TOO severe.
GAH . I know Victoria the “language disorder” criterion score is 3 standard deviations below the mean (rather than 2), he can’t get in under that? I’m sure you know your system better than I do, but maybe? There was a case last year where a highschooler (I think) in Victoria successfully sued for support because she was excluded from getting support based on the new criteria for language disorder.
http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/library/Media%20Coverage%20-%20The%20Age%208%20Feb%2008.pdf I’m not saying sue, I’m just saying that that case may give you some pointers/ideas.
Fiona´s last blog ..Food Court Curry
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
ooooh, that is really interesting!
The main concern for Boo is safety and staying on task. And not just his own safety but safety of others as he is a very big boy and has no concept of his own strength especially when he is in meltdown or overwhelmed. That is why we can’t go under language because his main issues are Autism related.
But who knows. Hopefully we will be able to find some sort of loophole.
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Fiona Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
So we’re going on this
http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/stuman/wellbeing/PSD_Guidelines_2011.pdf
And the link they have on there re “severe language disorder with critical educational needs” doesn’t work http://www.education.vic.gov.au/healthwellbeing/wellbeing/disability/integrated.htm
Your other avenue may be severe behaviour disorder? I don’t know how they are about this whole changing categories thing but
“When applications are made on the basis
of significantly deteriorating behavioural
conditions, such that the student’s
behaviour poses a significant safety risk
to him or herself or others in the school,
evidence is required to demonstrate that
substantial regional and other interventions
have been fully utilised.”
is what it says in the first link.
For ASD, the grade 6-7 review needs “Current (not more than 1 year old) speech pathology assessment report, confirming diagnosis
and eligibility
• Current report from psychologist containing a Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (not more than
1 year old), and confirming diagnosis and eligibility
• Statement from school principal regarding student progress”
need to reactivate the SP and psych review before whenever that happens, hey? Can’t remember what the vineland does, but Boo’s adaptive behaviour sounds severe…
There’;s alot in there, and I might be able to get you a few more clues once I talk to my ex-Vic workmates. Maybe
But it’s worth reading any of the guidelines for professionals as well as the parent booklets if you can get your hands on them.
Some support group links in the doc too like Autism Vic.
Fiona´s last blog ..Food Court Curry
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Fiona Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Oh oh. No mention of IQ, just adaptive behaviour here:
Criteria Evidence
A A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum
Disorder;
AND
B Significant deficits in adaptive
behaviour established by
a composite score of two
standard deviations or more
below the mean on an approved
standardised test of adaptive
behaviours;
AND
C Significant deficits in language
skills established by a
comprehensive speech pathology
assessment demonstrating
language skills equivalent to a
composite score of two standard
deviations or more below the
mean.
Note: A Student Support Group should
be established and an Individual
Learning Plan developed for any
student with an Autism Spectrum
Disorder, regardless of whether they
meet the above eligibility criteria.
(page 31 of http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/stuman/wellbeing/PSD_Guidelines_2011.pdf )
Hope that helps.
Fiona´s last blog ..Food Court Curry
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
holy shit woman! Thanks! Will sit down and read read read.
Hoping for a meeting with the school psych some time in the next couple of weeks. Will be more than prepared thanks to you.
Well if that’s not bullshit, I don’t know what is!
Who are the fucktards running this shit?
Big props to you for not losing your shit and killing someone
And for being an awesome mother
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
The people that make the decisions don’t actually MEET the child involved. And there lies the problem. FIVE minutes with my kid and they would just hand me a fucking open cheque…
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Wish I had something constructive to add. It’s a horrible position. And as always with kids – why can’t they be treated on an case by case basis?
The hyperlexia thing is fairly fucking freaky.
Jo´s last blog ..our chemical romance
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Dude, we thought we had a fucking GENIUS. It was amazing. He was writing out words and the alphabet in chalk on the path at 18 months. It was INFUCKINGSANE!
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The system? It’s fucked. Uh huh.
((hugs))
Veronica´s last blog ..White Faced Heron
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
uh huh.
And lets not get started on the fact that he will apparently be cured according to Centrelink when he turns 16…
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I see your system, over there, in the lovely land ‘Down Under’, is just as fucked up as the system, over here, in the ‘Land of Milk and Honey’. Aren’t you glad we taught you everything we know?
lceel´s last blog ..Sarah – Exposed Shot – Part 3
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
heh. Wanna know something funny? I considered moving to the US as we are a hundred years behind in Autism therapies here. The things that are considered mainstream there are ‘experimental’ here.
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Head. Desk.
My son has a high IQ too and school asshats rationalized that because he was smart, he could control his OCD and anxiety attacks and other thought disorders …”if he wanted to.”
The system is fucked. I think torches and pitchforks are warranted.
Tara R.´s last blog ..Wearing red
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Your story is like my future. It is fucked up all over.
We will go out for margaritas before the lynching.
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Good grief. I wish so much I knew what to tell you. All I can think of to ask is what do his therapist’s, counselor’s, etc. say? There must be SOMEONE in the mix that has some answers.
Bless your heart… I pray someone comes up with something soon.
Krissa´s last blog ..H is gone
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
You made me laugh so fucking hard right then.
The ironic bitter laugh.
Boo doesn’t have ANY therapists or counsellors or any of that.
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Gah! The reason it’s called a “spectrum” disorder is because they don’t all fit into easy categories. FAIL!
So, what are your alternatives? Guessing he won’t like staying at Primary.
spotrick´s last blog ..Things that confuse- RSS
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
considering he will be 13 at the end of grade 6 and is already (at 11) towering over most of the teachers, I am thinking THEY won’t want him there! LOL.
Alternatives? Right now homeschool till he is eligible for TAFE I think. I need to summon my strength and go into battle again methinks.
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Kelley!! I am half a world away from you and I am seeing RED. I would love to come over there and help you kick some asses. That is one of the most fucked up things I’ve ever read.
You mentioned above that you’re looking at funding. Are you aiming to hire a private aide for Boo?
(((hugs)))
Lynn @ Walking With Scissors´s last blog ..Freak Magnet
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
hiring a private aide for Boo? That is why I buy lottery tickets my love.
Hoping for the big win to buy a Boo proof house and pay for the therapies and supports he needs.
And a trampoline room for me.
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It’s an absolute nightmare. Early intervention is wonderful and important but it seems that all the states share the crazy strategy of pretending that as kids get older they will miraculously no longer need support. Families are somehow supposed to manage on their own. Have you spoken personally to the school with the cut off of 55? I know that some schools – although this may only be the non-gov ones will be a lot more flexible on a person to person basis, perhaps if they actually met with you, met Boo? As I said though, the schools here that would do that are non-gov and that may not be possible where you are.
Again, this may be different in Vic but here there are some multidisciplinary teams that do a global assessment and make their report based on all aspects, integrating assessment results as opposed to presenting them in isolation can produce a very different picture. Is there a team like that who could see him? He so badly needs a professional who will be his hero and make things happen for him. There has to be someone who has the power to do that. I couldn’t be more angry and distressed for you. You have been failed very badly by the system.
x
Ali´s last blog ..Documenting
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
the principal of the special school was a friend of mine (she has since moved on and is now the principal at Too’s school!) and she tried EVERYTHING to get Boo in. The damn IQ issue is always the stumbling block.
DHS has some programs that would be FANTASTIC but OMG WHAT DID YOU SAY? You have to have an intellectual disability to be eligible?
Fuck me dead.
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I think that fucknuckle may be my new favorite word. WIN.
I hate the fine line that is a spectrum disorder. I’m so new to this whole thing, but I’m already feeling the frustration of it all. We’re mild PDD-NOS. There are days where I look at him and think, “he’s a typical kid.” Most days I look at him and think “Jesus tits, how are we going to survive this?” Worse yet, is that he is apparently a completely different kid at school, than he is at home. One that has no echolalic language and perfect pragmatics for a three year old. I feel as if I’m perceived as crazy because at home I can’t have a normal conversation with him. So I have to fight to get added services.
Like, assholes, HE HAS A DIAGNOSIS, and don’t you get that therapies BEFORE he’s in school will make a metric shit-ton of difference?
statia´s last blog ..Black and white Day and night
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
And I think ‘Jesus tits’ might just be my new favourite…
PDD-NOS is WAAAAY harder. At least when we walk in a room people know that something is different. Your diagnosis is so much harder to explain to people.
As for the difference at home, I think you will find that every ASD mum suffers that. They have to spend the entire day holding it in and then at home they feel comfortable and let it all out. It is like a compliment. You make them feel at ease so they can be themselves. It is funny, when Boo has a really good day at school his aide gives me a hug cause she knows that I am going to have hell when I get home.
It sucks, but when you look it at that way you can feel better and not hit the bottle at 4pm.
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statia Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
On some level, yes, I agree with you. It’s definitely harder when your kid looks and acts somewhat typical. Most people might notice he’s a little weird, and not really quite be able to put their finger on something being wrong. BUT, at the same time, I am so lucky. I don’t have to deal with poop smearing and head banging and a non verbal child (mine NEVER shuts up, and most of the time, I’m OK with that, because it could be so much worse) and blatant stares in public when they’re tantruming or stimming like mad. I have a kid who’s quirky and has some social and language issues. At the end of the day, sure I’m still exhausted, because fuckety fuck cakes. SHUT.UP.AND.GO.TO.BED. And STOP PUSHING YOUR SISTER ALREADY!
statia´s last blog ..Black and white Day and night
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Ah well, I feel your pain. He sounds like an awesome kid though and you are an awesome monther. x
MaidInAustralia´s last blog ..The Pepper Lounge- Jindalee
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
He is. And well, OBVIOUSLY so am I. I mean why else would you be here other than to bask in my awesomeness?
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Oh Kelley, that bites so badly.
We had our own month of school placement horror over here just now, not nearly on the same scale but even that nearly sent me round the bend, I can only imagine…
———————————–
My photography is available for purchase – visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!
Robin from Israel´s last blog ..Summer Stock Sunday – Its Worldwide Photowalk Time!
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Oh girl, sorry that you are going through this too. Will ANY fucking country get this shit right? It is so blatantly obvious what NEEDS to be done to ensure that they become the best that they can be and actually become TAX PAYERS…
*sigh*
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I wish I could fix this for you. I really do. Hugs
Amanda´s last blog ..Dear Darl- it’s July 24
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Thanks sweetie. I know. And I love you for it.
Wish I could do the same for you.
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Is there a university or college near you? The reason I ask is that there might be a study you could get Boo into that may help pay for some of this stuff.
Glynis´s last blog ..My Ducks Are Scattered
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Nothing like that here in BumFuck nowhere. Hmmmm, but I wonder if maybe someone somewhere might. Thanks for the idea to ponder. MWAH
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That is fucked beyond belief. Actually I think it is more fucked than the only prostitute in town the day the navy boat arrives.
I suppose my $0.02 worth… Do you by any chance live in a marginal state electorate or a safe electorate held by the government? Can you visit local members and show them what the situation is? Or take Boo on an excursion to visit the Vic education minister…
As much as it pains me to say it… Today Tonight or ACA… But I don’t know if that would achieve anything really.
As Dave Hughes would say “I’m angry.” (ooh 7pm project?)
Fiona (Ms Fifikins)´s last blog ..Space Day…
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Today tonight? Never. Ever.
I guess I am a little cynical when it comes to our local members, I was rather active when I was running the support group for the region and part of a national advocacy organisation and the silence from the local fuckers was deafening.
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Christ Kelley, no words just massive squishy hugs.xxxx
Brenda´s last blog ..FlogYoBlog 21
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
thanks beautiful. Love your squishy hugs.
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Well, shit. This is beyond infuriating. Some commenters above seem to have some good ideas, I hope they’re useful. I certainly don’t have any. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, and send virtual hugs, and eat chocolate in your honour. (It’s the best I can do… sorry).
Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last blog ..Excellent news
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
ommmm nommmm nommm chocolate.
Some amazing comments here hey? I love my peeps.
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Oh dear, this must be so frustrating for everyone
Big hugs for everyone (well not that psychologist 
)
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella´s last blog ..Pie & A Pint- Bungalow 8- King Street Wharf- Sydney
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
bleeding syphilitic haemorrhoids with whiskers for that psych.
Thanks for the hugs gorgeous.
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So far it seems the most realistic way of sorting this out is winning the lottery, right? Because you have a 1 in 27,489,577 chance of doing that (yes, I looked it up … what?) but sounds like you have even less chance of getting the bureaucrats on board.
Sorry, dude.
womb for improvement´s last blog ..Wow!
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
But if everyone wishes really REALLY hard it will come true, right? On both counts.
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Kelley, I wish I had some words or ideas that would help.
I confess I know nothing about any of the spectrum disorders apart from what I’ve read in your posts and a few other blogs.
There seems to be afew good suggestions in the comments above mine, like take Boo to be seen by those who need to know, or contact A Current Affair or Today Tonight, spend a day tailing your local MP. Maybe take Boo to visit the head honchos at the education department. Have his teachers write long and detailed petitions on Boo’s behalf. (post a petition here, I’ll sign it). I just don’t know what else to say, the whole thing makes me so sad for you and Boo.
river´s last blog ..why is it so
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
I have contemplated taking him down to the local DHS offices and letting him run riot. Cause according to them his disability is not severe enough for support.
*sigh*
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*hugs* I wish I had some idea. I know that my school does ‘bend funding’ occasionally for problems like this (we have one student who was in the IO/IM class last year, and for some reason they decided he was suddenly miraculously cured this year because his parents decided they didn’t want him medicated). The school had to mainstream him, but assigned an aide to his class (read: him) – the same aide who worked with him in the IO/IM class.
It annoys me that some asshat in an office decides these things, and doesn’t take into consideration the input of the parents and the schools.
Angela´s last blog ..Beer Bread
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Fiona Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
That sounds like a great idea, simultaneously taking off meds and mainstreaming.
Fiona´s last blog ..Banana Crumbly Cake and mini muffins!
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
I know parents like that. And they are the ones that are always at the office screaming for the principal cause little Johnny isn’t doing so well… *sigh*
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
oh, and the school are ‘bending the funding’ already and doing beyond that to ensure that Boo is doing the best to his potential. They are awesome.
Funding for schools is bullshit. I know that because I taught in one. I had a little girl with similar (not the same – similar) traits as Boo, for two consecutive years back home. She had repeated Year 1 (the second time was my first time with her in my class) and the next year progressed to Year 2 (also in my class). She was tested (and I say ‘tested’ lightly) and deemed to be functioning just fine – despite still having toileting trouble, language and comprehension issues, and severe social and verbal delays. Despite all of this, I received an hour support for her per day – PER DAY – that also went towards the rest of my learning difficulty kids as a group session. It’s ridiculous. The government needs to learn more about the different types of disorders before it decides who needs support and who doesn’t. RIDICULOUS. Right, getting off my high horse now – and sending hugs your way!
Aly´s last blog ..An Aussies Travels
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Aly Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Oh, I should also add that the year I left/when she was going into Year 3 – her funding got cut off indefinitely. God help that poor little girl and her family going into the older ages.
I think IQ testing is a ridiculous way to give out funding. What the heck does that mean to ANYONE? It doesn’t solve the fact that he needs support?
Aly´s last blog ..An Aussies Travels
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
that story breaks my heart.
And total agreement on the IQ test. So sure Boo did really well on that test in a quiet room one on one (the second one) that means fuck all in the real world.
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I’m sorry I haven’t been here for awhile…
I noticed that nobody has mentioned anything about any kind of legal advocacy group for special needs kids…do you have anything like that there? One thing that really needs to be done is to have the TWO psychologists taken to task and have their test scores totally questioned…like sue for malpractice….there is a MAJOR accountability issue here on their parts and clearly, at the very least, both are malfeasant…if you have ANY KIND of child advocacy legal group there, USE THEM, they will be able to help…we have had many kids here get what they need becasue of our legal advocates…
Hugs, honey, and I will try to visit more again…love seeing you on Facebook…
Hotmamamia´s last blog ..Wedding Pics
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Fiona Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Just because Boo isn’t ‘Functional’ doesn’t mean he wouldn’t score high on a typical IQ test. I can get ASD kids to score well on the CELF (the standard Language assessment used for funding) but the second they have to function in a room full of distractions, unpredictability there’s no hope.
My 2c
(maybe I just fear litigation as a speechie. I DO have indemnity insurance, just in case someone decides to persue such an ave, founded or not)
Fiona´s last blog ..Banana Crumbly Cake and mini muffins!
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Fiona Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
but yes, advocate, ombdsman whooever may be helpful.
Fiona´s last blog ..Banana Crumbly Cake and mini muffins!
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Kelley Reply:
July 25th, 2010 at 11:35 pm
the second psych did the test properly. Boo doesn’t have an intellectual disability but that should not prevent him from getting the supports that anyone that meets him would clearly see he needs.
The other thing is, because he is highly intelligent it means he is HARDER to control as he learns quickly how to manipulate the situation to enable him to do what he wants.
{and HI STRANGER!}
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Hotmamamia Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:27 am
Hey Kels–
If the psychologist did NOT DO an ecological assessment, then the nimrod was malfeasant! Boo should not only have an IQ and Speech/Language assessments, he MUST also have assessments that look at his everyday functioning and activities of daily living skills which would CLEARLY have some issues noted. I know things are different in Australia, but if you can get an ombusman (Fiona’s term) on your side, you need to do that…
I promise to come back some more…oh and BTW, I have officially started my “I am returning to Australia for 6 weeks of my life” travel fund..plan to be there by my birthday in 2012—wanna celebrate 60 down under with my hubby and my mate Kelley!
Wow, Kelley, what an uphill battle. I’m pulling for you all the way and if you come across people we can lobby, count me in for a letter/email or signature. I have a friend up here in NSW who works in the field so if you need another advocate or someone to source ideas from, let me know and I’ll connect you.
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Kelley Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Will do sweetcheeks.
You are awesome.
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I thought of a few things but Mrs Fifikins got there first.
Wild card: contact the journalist who didn’t cite you and tell him he owes you one. (It was a bloke, wasn’t it? Thought so.)
Having Boo take apart your Federal member’s office in the middle of an election campaign does have some appeal, but it’s not fair to Boo to allow him to be so near a politician.
Chookie´s last blog ..Cowan Creek Bushwalk
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Kelley Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
It was a woman. But from what I hear she does this shit all the time…
You made me snort coffee with the pollie comment!
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Geez Girlfriend,may the “Mighty Goddess of Strength” continue to contribute to your awesomeness.In the meantime,check out page 16 of Woollies specials for the coming week..1 litre bottle of various tipples are a bargain.LOL Will bring chocolate too.
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Kelley Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
I will have one of each and a straw.
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I am so with Deeleesa!
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Ohmyfeckinggod.
Move on over here to the land o’ milk and BS. At least there are legal rights for funding, fair and appropriate education, least restrictive environment and all of that. You may have to FIGHT YOUR ASS OFF and higher a lawyer to get anything, but the laws are generally in place.
Try to take care of yourself during all of this – after the health issues you’ve had in the past year …
xo
pixiemama´s last blog ..happy medium
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Kelley Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
yeah, apparently we have to fight here too. Well that is what I am learning… So not only do the government expect me to be a full time carer, speechie, OT, physiotherapist, psychologist yada yada yada, now they want me to be a fucking LAWYER?
Actually. I will kick their fucking arses.
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Bloody hell.
Frogdancer´s last blog ..Skinflint Sunday- Save money on pet food! Get rid of some pets
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Kelley Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
with bells on. Laced with bleeding entrails.
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How very very frustrating!! Hope there’s an easy solution that’s on the horison
Jeanette´s last blog ..Angel and Neels’ Wedding at Helderfontein Estate
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Kelley Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
me too. Freaking awesome peeps I have, with fabulous information. The internet is truly awesome.
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I wish I could offer some sage advice, but I got nothing. We’ve been screwed by the ‘professionals’ too in terms of The Boy’s diagnosis, so I fully empathise with you and Boo. If you want to organise a rally or anything at DHS I’ll be there.
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Kelley Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Heh, DHS don’t want to have anything to do with him. Guess why?
*drumroll please*
He doesn’t have an intellectual disability.
Sucks that you are dealing with shit like this too.
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I think you know my views already on what is happening to Boo, but it is just so ridiculous that Vic Ed won’t see beyond his IQ score to the problems he is having and give you the support you need.
Riayn´s last blog ..When Baby Steps Turn Into Leaps Of Faith
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Kelley Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
It is. And I know.
Just another thing for me to be awesome at, right?
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This is nothing short of completely fucked. Commiserations, and hoping for some sort of “miraculous” solution to present itself. (Sounds like the gov isn’t in any danger of presenting it to you.)
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Kelley Reply:
July 26th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
completely. But I guess I have to don my big girl pants and become a Super Hero and fix this shizzle, hey?
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Oh Kel, I wish I could do something to help. I am terrified of having to go through similar for Max when he is older. At the moment we’re not sure whether he’ll progress much over the years or not, he seems to be coming on sometimes, and then other days it’s like he’s taking 1 step forward 3 steps back.
I really hope you manage to sort it out. If anyone can do this, you can sweets. xxx
Marylin´s last blog ..Sunday Snippets 19-07-25-07
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Well. Crap. God FORBID our kids not fit into a checkbox! God FORBID they be off the charts gifted and yet be held hostage by their bodies and minds! They don’t fit into our preconceived notions, so sorry, can’t help you. Next!
Fucknuckles indeed.
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That sucks. I get that tests and scores and numbers are there for a reason. BUT that shouldn’t mean we can’t use our eyes, our minds, even our hearts to care for our fellow humans and see what they need and what would be best for them. It’s really frustrating.
Rachael´s last blog ..Picture this
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What a pile of shit. Stupid fucking bureaucratic red tape and rules. I vote you send Boo over to the houses of the powers that be to spread shit on their walls. I at the very least, leave a steaming bag of something on their doorsteps until they cave!
Maggie´s last blog ..Little bits of random
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