momma mommy bwuh

Boy1 has been a delightful enigma since the day we first met him—truly a puzzle in the best possible way. His joy and positivity are nothing short of remarkable, especially considering his challenging history and obstacles. Although he is mostly nonverbal, he manages to engage in meaningful conversations with everyone he encounters. He’s an extraordinary blend of strength, intelligence, and resilience, yet he remains a captivating puzzle.

Transitioning from being a provider in the special needs world to experiencing it as a parent has been both enlightening and humbling. With an extensive interest list and countless stories from patients, I didn’t expect miracles when we began seeking services for Boy1.

When Boy1 came to live with us, our initial focus was integrating him into the school environment. Previously, he was in a self-contained special education classroom, but it quickly became evident that he didn’t belong there. His social skills and abilities far exceeded what that setting could offer. This isn’t a critique of self-contained classrooms; they are vital for many children and represent one of the most challenging roles within the education system. However, within a day of meeting Boy1, it was clear he thrived in a more inclusive setting.

The lesson here: always advocate fiercely for your child!

Luckily, Boy1’s previous school shared this perspective and communicated it to his new school. After a thorough review of his paperwork, we were thrilled to see Boy1 integrated into a regular first-grade classroom. He receives targeted support for reading, math, speech, and occupational therapy, and enjoys participating in science, social studies, PE, art, and music. The joy he experiences during lunchtime in the cafeteria and visits to the library reflects that this setting is perfect for him. Although there are still challenges, his progress with his peers has been phenomenal.

Next came the search for private speech and occupational therapy providers. What a journey that was! It took almost a year to find a provider who could accommodate him and accept his insurance. We faced numerous waitlists and delays, but eventually, we secured a spot and connected with some wonderful therapists. After assessments, treatment plans, and insurance approvals, we finally began the therapy sessions.

Since just before Christmas, Boy1 has been working with these therapists, and the results have been fantastic. While he can be a handful for his occupational therapist, his charm often gets him through.

While it might seem excessive to have private services in addition to school-based therapies, for Boy1, it’s made a tremendous difference. He’s achieved significant progress in the past two years compared to his limited therapy while in foster care. Meanwhile, his brother Boy2 received private speech therapy and has since graduated from the school’s program, highlighting the stark differences in care within the foster system—a topic for another day.

Boy1 is now consistently learning new sounds and words, and he’s mastering a communication device to express what he can’t speak. With an incredible support team behind him, I couldn’t be prouder as his mom. His journey is one of joy, growth, and endless potential.

Featured image courtesy of Deposit Photos artist: lightsource.