http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/judicial/2009-06-22-courtschools_N.htm
I just read the above article posted by the USA Today site. They basically ruled that schools that don't meet the needs of children with special needs will have to pay for the private school that these kids will end up attending. What an idea!!! I happen to live in a state/area where special education is inadequate at most. There are so many people pulling their children out of school and putting them into private. That is the reason the schools don't change. They figure that the parents will just take care of the problem themselves. Those families who are not as fortunate or who don't have the means to go to private school end up staying and their children often don't get the help that they need. They are often put in self-contained classrooms that don't really address the problems but just provide a place for these kids to go. Their goal is to eventually put them into the mainstream classroom, but at what cost?
Do teachers REALLY want children with special needs in their classroom? The answer is NO! They don't have the time, means, or resources to deal with this issue. They have to meet certain deadlines, curriculum, and testing standards. If they have to spend extra time dealing with behavior or other issues that often arise then they don't have the time to properly teach the rest of the kids. I am not a teacher, but I can understand that perfectly. The system is broken!
The answer to this problem would be to make the schools accountable. If a school knew that they would have to pay for private school for these special kids, they would try a little harder and perhaps come up with some different programs for these kids. I think that children with autism are the ones who are hurt the most. The reason is that they are often very smart, but the schools can't see past their behavior or other social issues. There is also such a broad spectrum and the schools want to lump them all into one group or category. I will never forget when they requested my #2 be put into a self-contained classroom in kindergarten. I am SO glad that I didn't listen to them. I stood my ground and fought for my child. Of course, in the end I did what they wanted me to do... I pulled him out and home schooled him and then eventually put him into a private school. It would sure be nice if I received compensation. As a matter of fact, they should pay me what they spend per child per year in public school. That would be fair. I especially think that should have been the case when I home schooled.
All parents regardless of race, income, religion, and social standing want the same thing for their children. They want their children to have a good education and be able to have a better life than they had. This does not stop with children with special needs. These children are going to grow up into adults. They need to be able to be self-sufficient and to be able to make a living. Children with Autism, ADD/ADHD, or PDD have challenges but history shows that early intervention makes all the difference. If we arm teachers, parents, and eventually these children with the proper tools then there is no limits to what can be achieved. I have seen children who could barely talk or even eat, get the proper help and now are in traditional schools and will lead a basically normal life. I wish you all could see the changes in my own son. He now LOVES school. He looks forward to going and learning. He has been given a chance and has proven to the teachers at this new school his TRUE potential.
******************************
We need to pay more attention
to the Attention Deficit that
is truly plaguing the nation's
schools.
******************************
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Zinc Acetate... is it a better alternative?
Recently my daughter's doctor wanted to start chelation therapy for Wilson's Disease. He told me that it was a better alternative to doing a liver biopsy. Of course, when I heard those words I agreed. I left the office still feeling uneasy since my daughter is asymptomatic and they just don't seem to know what to do with her.
I went home and did what I do best.... I googled and researched my heart out. I came across a name of Dr. George J. Brewer. He knows so much about Wilson's Disease that he actually wrote a book! I was able to read some excerpts I found online and it made so much sense! This book is intended for doctors who are GI specialists or liver specialist. He talks about symptoms and things to look out for. He also cautions that Wilson's Disease is often misdiagnosed or not treated properly. He goes over a few different scenarios and how important it is to also test family members of patients with Wilson's.
I went to one of my favorite websites: www.mayoclinic.com (since they are the ones who do the testing for Wilson's Disease) and found some information concerning chelation and different drugs. I also found some information on zinc acetate. According to the information I read, it said that chelation drugs are very dangerous and that if the patient is asymptomatic the doctor will usually begin with zinc. I thought about this and continued my research. I contacted someone from the Wilson's Disease Organization and they confirmed that the chelation drugs are very nasty and have some serious side effects. I knew that since the doctors had told me that to begin with. I still didn't want to make any haste decisions... so I decided to call the nurse and tell her my concerns and ask her if the doctor had considered zinc acetate as a possible treatment? I told her that I was confident that he had, but I would feel better hearing it from her.
I just got a phone call from the nurse and she said that the doctor did some research on the zinc acetate since he didn't know much about it and found that it would probably be the best route to take right now. He felt better about going that route versus chelation. I am once again disillusioned with the whole situation. I thought he would be on top of things, but it seems like I am the one doing the legwork. They are the ones getting paid the big bucks. I thought they would take a special interest in her since she's such an "enigma" .... to put it in their own words.
My husband purchased a book entitled: "Wilson's Disease: A Clinician's Guide to Recognition, Diagnosis, and Management" written by George J. Brewer. Dr. Brewer has seen over 300 patients with Wilson's Disease, including many younger patients with no symptoms. I would love to talk to him, but this is going to be the next best thing. The book should be arriving soon and I am going to read it from cover to cover! The more informed I am, the better I will feel. It is obvious to me that I have been an integral part in my daughter's success so far and I intend to do all I can to ensure that she stays healthy. I am not going to wait until she has liver failure or hepatitis to be proactive. I am not going to let this "disease" get the best of my daughter.... not by a long shot!
**********************************
I am not going to sit back and let
this disease take charge.
**********************************
I went home and did what I do best.... I googled and researched my heart out. I came across a name of Dr. George J. Brewer. He knows so much about Wilson's Disease that he actually wrote a book! I was able to read some excerpts I found online and it made so much sense! This book is intended for doctors who are GI specialists or liver specialist. He talks about symptoms and things to look out for. He also cautions that Wilson's Disease is often misdiagnosed or not treated properly. He goes over a few different scenarios and how important it is to also test family members of patients with Wilson's.
I went to one of my favorite websites: www.mayoclinic.com (since they are the ones who do the testing for Wilson's Disease) and found some information concerning chelation and different drugs. I also found some information on zinc acetate. According to the information I read, it said that chelation drugs are very dangerous and that if the patient is asymptomatic the doctor will usually begin with zinc. I thought about this and continued my research. I contacted someone from the Wilson's Disease Organization and they confirmed that the chelation drugs are very nasty and have some serious side effects. I knew that since the doctors had told me that to begin with. I still didn't want to make any haste decisions... so I decided to call the nurse and tell her my concerns and ask her if the doctor had considered zinc acetate as a possible treatment? I told her that I was confident that he had, but I would feel better hearing it from her.
I just got a phone call from the nurse and she said that the doctor did some research on the zinc acetate since he didn't know much about it and found that it would probably be the best route to take right now. He felt better about going that route versus chelation. I am once again disillusioned with the whole situation. I thought he would be on top of things, but it seems like I am the one doing the legwork. They are the ones getting paid the big bucks. I thought they would take a special interest in her since she's such an "enigma" .... to put it in their own words.
My husband purchased a book entitled: "Wilson's Disease: A Clinician's Guide to Recognition, Diagnosis, and Management" written by George J. Brewer. Dr. Brewer has seen over 300 patients with Wilson's Disease, including many younger patients with no symptoms. I would love to talk to him, but this is going to be the next best thing. The book should be arriving soon and I am going to read it from cover to cover! The more informed I am, the better I will feel. It is obvious to me that I have been an integral part in my daughter's success so far and I intend to do all I can to ensure that she stays healthy. I am not going to wait until she has liver failure or hepatitis to be proactive. I am not going to let this "disease" get the best of my daughter.... not by a long shot!
**********************************
I am not going to sit back and let
this disease take charge.
**********************************
Friday, June 12, 2009
Let's Eat!!
Summer is a time to play, swim, and play, and swim at our house. It is also a time to eat! The kids are "endless pits" and I find myself trying to find ingenious ways of stretching our food so I don't have to go to the store every other day. I also think it's important to keep things at least halfway nutritious. I have already seen my oldest grow into the next pant size in less than a month's time and I know they need all the nutrition they can get!
Some things I try to keep in stock at all times are: milk, bread, eggs, Malt-flavored Ovaltine, frozen strawberries, bananas, peanut butter, fruit spread or jams, ramen noodles, rice, and oatmeal. I thought it would be fun to post some nutritious but delicious snacks that are favorites at our house.... enjoy!!
..............................
Smoothies:
2 cups milk
1 banana
scoop of ice cream, any flavor (optional)
a handful of frozen strawberries
a handful of ice cubes
a teaspoon of vanilla
3-4 Tbps. Malt-flavored Ovaltine
(put all ingredients in a blender until smooth)
*Add more ice if you like it thicker*
*If you don't have bananas, the smoothie will still taste good... just add more chocolate Ovaltine.
*This also tastes good without the Ovaltine.
(Just experiment with the ingredients and see what you like.)
...............................
Ramen Noodles with egg:
I just make the noodles according the package instructions and then add 1-2 eggs scrambled once the water is boiling. It's easier if you scramble the eggs in a bowl and then add slowly to the boiling water stirring in clockwise direction as you drop it in.
*If you want to decrease the sodium, then just add half the packet of seasoning.
...............................
Special K cereals:
They have some really neat flavors now. My kids love the Vanilla Almond flavor. They also enjoy the one with strawberries. It's a quick and nutritious snack that most kids would enjoy.
*This is especially helpful to the moms who are trying to lose weight.
...............................
PB&J Sandwiches:
If you use whole-wheat or White Wheat and use fruit spread and not the "jelly" then you actually have a decent snack for your kids. My kids love for me to cut their sandwiches into shapes. Sometimes I do circles, other times I do hearts.
*If you pack them in aluminum foil instead of sandwich bags, they won't get crushed when packing for picnics.
...............................
Oatmeal:
I make my oatmeal with milk and cinnamon sugar. They love it and will eat it for breakfast AND snacks.
...............................
Fresh fruits and veggies:
You would be surprised what your children will eat when they have it cut up and with a dip. Try it and see. My youngest who is picky will actually eat artichoke dip... imagine that!!
...............................
"On-the-go" Ideas:
I try to have those Fiber One bars or "Breakfast" bars available. They are great for when you are in a hurry and don't have time to cook anything. They also make a great snack and you can carry them in your purse or bag.
...............................
Another great time-saver and money saver is the crock pot. Learn how to use yours. You will be amazed at all the things you can make in one... including dessert!
..............................
I hope everyone is having a great summer and that you are able to feed YOUR "endless pits". Don't forget the sunscreen and more importantly, drink plenty of fluids!
***************
Happy Summer!!!
***************
Some things I try to keep in stock at all times are: milk, bread, eggs, Malt-flavored Ovaltine, frozen strawberries, bananas, peanut butter, fruit spread or jams, ramen noodles, rice, and oatmeal. I thought it would be fun to post some nutritious but delicious snacks that are favorites at our house.... enjoy!!
..............................
Smoothies:
2 cups milk
1 banana
scoop of ice cream, any flavor (optional)
a handful of frozen strawberries
a handful of ice cubes
a teaspoon of vanilla
3-4 Tbps. Malt-flavored Ovaltine
(put all ingredients in a blender until smooth)
*Add more ice if you like it thicker*
*If you don't have bananas, the smoothie will still taste good... just add more chocolate Ovaltine.
*This also tastes good without the Ovaltine.
(Just experiment with the ingredients and see what you like.)
...............................
Ramen Noodles with egg:
I just make the noodles according the package instructions and then add 1-2 eggs scrambled once the water is boiling. It's easier if you scramble the eggs in a bowl and then add slowly to the boiling water stirring in clockwise direction as you drop it in.
*If you want to decrease the sodium, then just add half the packet of seasoning.
...............................
Special K cereals:
They have some really neat flavors now. My kids love the Vanilla Almond flavor. They also enjoy the one with strawberries. It's a quick and nutritious snack that most kids would enjoy.
*This is especially helpful to the moms who are trying to lose weight.
...............................
PB&J Sandwiches:
If you use whole-wheat or White Wheat and use fruit spread and not the "jelly" then you actually have a decent snack for your kids. My kids love for me to cut their sandwiches into shapes. Sometimes I do circles, other times I do hearts.
*If you pack them in aluminum foil instead of sandwich bags, they won't get crushed when packing for picnics.
...............................
Oatmeal:
I make my oatmeal with milk and cinnamon sugar. They love it and will eat it for breakfast AND snacks.
...............................
Fresh fruits and veggies:
You would be surprised what your children will eat when they have it cut up and with a dip. Try it and see. My youngest who is picky will actually eat artichoke dip... imagine that!!
...............................
"On-the-go" Ideas:
I try to have those Fiber One bars or "Breakfast" bars available. They are great for when you are in a hurry and don't have time to cook anything. They also make a great snack and you can carry them in your purse or bag.
...............................
Another great time-saver and money saver is the crock pot. Learn how to use yours. You will be amazed at all the things you can make in one... including dessert!
..............................
I hope everyone is having a great summer and that you are able to feed YOUR "endless pits". Don't forget the sunscreen and more importantly, drink plenty of fluids!
***************
Happy Summer!!!
***************
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Things That Make You Go "Hmmm??"
Since summer started I have had more time to observe kids and parents in unstructured environments. I think it's funny how as time goes on I am becoming more and more like my mom when it comes to safety and such. I still consider myself laid-back when it comes to most things, but experience has taught me that it is unwise to put your children in a potentially harmful situation or to ignore when other kids do.
My friend and I were at Burger King (one of our favorite places to go since they have a nice indoor playground) and we noticed that they were getting ready to start a birthday party. They had cleared a section off and the kids were arriving. There were about 11 kids and their ages ranged from 2-9 years of age. I had my back turned towards the kids when all of a sudden my friend gasped. She said, "Look over there. There is a girl pushing another child on the high chair. I wonder if the parents know?" I glanced over my shoulder and saw what she was talking about... they were giving "rides" on this high chair with wheels and letting go. The parents were looking over at them and smiling. They didn't see anything wrong with it. I suddenly had flashbacks of when my middle two did the exact same thing except using computer chairs and one ended up at the doctor's office needing stitches. I told my friend about my experiences and then contemplated whether we should say anything. However, in that instant we suddenly heard a child crying... it was too late. One of the kids got hurt. Luckily, it was just that a little girl had her toes run over by the high chair. THEN the mom goes over and reprimands the poor little girl who did not know any better.
Earlier this week I went to our neighborhood pool and met up with some friends. We were having a very good time and kids were playing so well. All of a sudden the lifeguards whistled for "adult swim" which means all the kids had to get out of the pool for the next ten minutes. Luckily, we have a splash park and so the kids hang out there until the pool reopens. There is also a Kiddie pool and that remains open as well. I went over to the splash park to keep an eye on my three year-old. Things were going fine until he started to fuss a little about sharing a squirt gun they had. While I was dealing with THAT, I wasn't watching my #2 as carefully while he played with the squirt toy they had at the park. All of a sudden a mom comes up to me very upset and says, "Your son squirted water all over my baby's face and I am furious!" I noticed the approximately 12 month-old little girl on her hip and she seemed okay. Although we WERE at a "Splash Park" (A.K.A. "Let's squirt each other and get wet" Park) and the baby probably should not have been there, I took it seriously and reprimanded my son for doing that since it WAS a baby. I asked him why he did that and he said, "The baby was having fun." I explained that if the baby was crying (which I had no idea if she had because I didn't see it happen) then she probably wasn't having fun. THEN I made him go to the mom and apologize. She THEN proceeded to apologize to ME and said that she had issues with some of the other boys already and other things happened before we got there and so she didn't mean to get so upset with me. Well.... why didn't she just LEAVE then? I mean, why put your baby in harm's way? This is a splash park that is NOT designed for babies. That is why they had a "Kiddie Pool" and it was practically empty at the time. As a matter of fact, there were some harsh sprayers in the park and a place where buckets fill and then they dump water down REALLY hard on the kids. Some people just don't have common sense!
Moral to these stories is ... kids will be kids and we can't expect them to think like we do. If we allow them to be involved in a potentially dangerous situation then you can't blame THEM when something happens. More importantly, we need to make sure WE don't put our kids in a potentially dangerous situation. Unfortunately, some things have to learned the hard way. I have four children and so I've had my fair share of "incidents".... consequently, I have learned from them. There is nothing worse than seeing your child strapped down screaming while the doctor attempts to stitch a wound that happened from a preventable accident. I've rather hear my children cry and pout because I said, "no!" any day!
*******************************
I try to live by Murphy's Law
when it comes to accidents.
*******************************
My friend and I were at Burger King (one of our favorite places to go since they have a nice indoor playground) and we noticed that they were getting ready to start a birthday party. They had cleared a section off and the kids were arriving. There were about 11 kids and their ages ranged from 2-9 years of age. I had my back turned towards the kids when all of a sudden my friend gasped. She said, "Look over there. There is a girl pushing another child on the high chair. I wonder if the parents know?" I glanced over my shoulder and saw what she was talking about... they were giving "rides" on this high chair with wheels and letting go. The parents were looking over at them and smiling. They didn't see anything wrong with it. I suddenly had flashbacks of when my middle two did the exact same thing except using computer chairs and one ended up at the doctor's office needing stitches. I told my friend about my experiences and then contemplated whether we should say anything. However, in that instant we suddenly heard a child crying... it was too late. One of the kids got hurt. Luckily, it was just that a little girl had her toes run over by the high chair. THEN the mom goes over and reprimands the poor little girl who did not know any better.
Earlier this week I went to our neighborhood pool and met up with some friends. We were having a very good time and kids were playing so well. All of a sudden the lifeguards whistled for "adult swim" which means all the kids had to get out of the pool for the next ten minutes. Luckily, we have a splash park and so the kids hang out there until the pool reopens. There is also a Kiddie pool and that remains open as well. I went over to the splash park to keep an eye on my three year-old. Things were going fine until he started to fuss a little about sharing a squirt gun they had. While I was dealing with THAT, I wasn't watching my #2 as carefully while he played with the squirt toy they had at the park. All of a sudden a mom comes up to me very upset and says, "Your son squirted water all over my baby's face and I am furious!" I noticed the approximately 12 month-old little girl on her hip and she seemed okay. Although we WERE at a "Splash Park" (A.K.A. "Let's squirt each other and get wet" Park) and the baby probably should not have been there, I took it seriously and reprimanded my son for doing that since it WAS a baby. I asked him why he did that and he said, "The baby was having fun." I explained that if the baby was crying (which I had no idea if she had because I didn't see it happen) then she probably wasn't having fun. THEN I made him go to the mom and apologize. She THEN proceeded to apologize to ME and said that she had issues with some of the other boys already and other things happened before we got there and so she didn't mean to get so upset with me. Well.... why didn't she just LEAVE then? I mean, why put your baby in harm's way? This is a splash park that is NOT designed for babies. That is why they had a "Kiddie Pool" and it was practically empty at the time. As a matter of fact, there were some harsh sprayers in the park and a place where buckets fill and then they dump water down REALLY hard on the kids. Some people just don't have common sense!
Moral to these stories is ... kids will be kids and we can't expect them to think like we do. If we allow them to be involved in a potentially dangerous situation then you can't blame THEM when something happens. More importantly, we need to make sure WE don't put our kids in a potentially dangerous situation. Unfortunately, some things have to learned the hard way. I have four children and so I've had my fair share of "incidents".... consequently, I have learned from them. There is nothing worse than seeing your child strapped down screaming while the doctor attempts to stitch a wound that happened from a preventable accident. I've rather hear my children cry and pout because I said, "no!" any day!
*******************************
I try to live by Murphy's Law
when it comes to accidents.
*******************************
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Swimming is Truly the Best Medicine!
Our family loves going swimming. We even go during the winter at the indoor pool at the YMCA and it is so much fun. What makes it ideal is that it is great exercise, it helps with appetite, it is very cheap, and it is definitely entertaining. My kids can stay in the pool for hours and that's what we usually do. They often find other kids their age to play with and if there is not anyone around then they play with each other.... imagine that!!
Today I was feeling a little bit lazy and lacking in energy. My plan was to catch up on a little housework and then lounge around. However, the first thing my daughter said when she woke up was, "Can we go swimming today?? Pleeeeeease???" How could I say no? I told the kids we would go under one condition. They would have to clean their rooms while I finished cleaning the downstairs. They ALL ran upstairs and I did not see them again until they finished. My oldest woke up with a bathing suit on and so he didn't even have to change. He was eager to go since we haven't been a few days. He recently had surgery and so he wasn't allowed to get his knee wet. (I will post about that later once we get the pathology report back.)
We went at around noon and didn't leave until 2 o'clock. The sun was blazing hot, but the kids did not mind. I took advantage of "adult swim" this time and did some laps at the indoor pool. It felt good to be able to get some exercise today. I was definitely sore after ten minutes of swimming. I forget how draining swimming can be.... especially when you are not used to it. Swimming laps nonstop is definitely different than swimming around the pool with the kids. I will have to incorporate that into my exercise regime from now on.
Needless to say, when we got home the children were all drained and decided to watch a movie. I just love to see them sit together on the sofa all on top of each other when there is a perfectly comfortable empty love seat available. They truly love each other and it's in the little things like that when it's evident. Of course, summer has just begun, but so far things are going well. They aren't killing each other yet and I am not ready to lock them up either.
****************************
Summer tidbit: Swim lessons
aren't always necessary.
Just get them in the water
and let that positive peer-
pressure be your friend.
***************************
Today I was feeling a little bit lazy and lacking in energy. My plan was to catch up on a little housework and then lounge around. However, the first thing my daughter said when she woke up was, "Can we go swimming today?? Pleeeeeease???" How could I say no? I told the kids we would go under one condition. They would have to clean their rooms while I finished cleaning the downstairs. They ALL ran upstairs and I did not see them again until they finished. My oldest woke up with a bathing suit on and so he didn't even have to change. He was eager to go since we haven't been a few days. He recently had surgery and so he wasn't allowed to get his knee wet. (I will post about that later once we get the pathology report back.)
We went at around noon and didn't leave until 2 o'clock. The sun was blazing hot, but the kids did not mind. I took advantage of "adult swim" this time and did some laps at the indoor pool. It felt good to be able to get some exercise today. I was definitely sore after ten minutes of swimming. I forget how draining swimming can be.... especially when you are not used to it. Swimming laps nonstop is definitely different than swimming around the pool with the kids. I will have to incorporate that into my exercise regime from now on.
Needless to say, when we got home the children were all drained and decided to watch a movie. I just love to see them sit together on the sofa all on top of each other when there is a perfectly comfortable empty love seat available. They truly love each other and it's in the little things like that when it's evident. Of course, summer has just begun, but so far things are going well. They aren't killing each other yet and I am not ready to lock them up either.
****************************
Summer tidbit: Swim lessons
aren't always necessary.
Just get them in the water
and let that positive peer-
pressure be your friend.
***************************
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