| Subject: Re: Deaf autistics using sign language |
Author:
Sunny
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Date Posted: 07:46:05 11/11/04 Thu
Author Host/IP: pool-151-204-67-166.delv.east.verizon.net/151.204.67.166
In reply to:
atlanticgreen
's message, "Re: Deaf autistics using sign language" on 10:39:42 01/09/04 Fri
Hello....I don't even know your name but hello. I just read your message. Gee Whiz! I am with you! My family is deaf, four of us. We have two daughters. Audrey who just entered 1st grade and is 6 years old. Our youngest, Emily, 4 years old is an autistic, she is labeled P.D.D. since before age of 3. They both attends full time school at Katzenbach School for the Deaf. I am trying to make sense out of myself, so much to say, so much running in my mind. I am sure you can relate to that.
When Emily was diagnosised with P.D.D., I was a wreck. How could that be? I been going nuts doing research on Autism on the internet and it was awful. I may be denying this. But knowing Emily can do it. She does not bite herself or others. She does not hit anyone (except for her sister-of course-sisterly fights). All she is was very obessed with animals. Lining them up. Go for a spin. No eye-contacts. No communications. (that was before she was dianosised). The research I done, mostly on hearing and autistic. Very frustrated. A friend of mine was helping me by telling me that there is a deaf family with an autistic deaf daughter who was 5. To my shock, I knew her from college! So she came all the way from Mass. to New Jersey to meet the family. The day was very interested. We, the mothers, throw our opinions, feedbacks, supports and educations on Autism.
There were days when I see Emily SO "normal"!!!! But there are of course, sadly, some days she just went into closed shell. Whenever people, family member, or the staff at the school, tells me that Emily was not attentive in the room or tells me that they are worried about Emily. I get SO worried. Roller Coaster. I go back into research. Trying darn to find subject on Autism and Deafness. My sister in law sent me this website. That is where I found your note.
We live in a very structure home. Emily follows what I tell her to do. Like go bathroom first, then wash hands and then eat dinner. Whatever, I just have to go first, second and third. At times, it is very hard. But she bounds to follow after a few tries. She communicates in ASL with no speech. She tells me in english when she wants something-for example: "I want icepop red please" Otherwise I wouldn't give her if she does not sign in complete sentences.
Now, my big concern is that Emily is in Nursery School now. A year stayback. A better teacher than the previous one. The previous one was a very plaid expressionless teacher. Knows nothing about autism. I had to educate her. (ugh I know) but the classroom was full of multi-handicapped kids. In wheelchair, lifeless, and nothing. This teacher really worked with Emily. She shows improvements. She was with her for a year and a half. So when fall came recently, they decided to put Emily again with her. I got very upset! Enough is enough. Emily copies their outrageous behaviors. So I had my words with the principal. She thinks putting Emily in a larger group of students would be all ruined. LOL!!!! I succeed and Emily moved to a regular class with 6 kids including 2 autistic boys. This new teacher is awesome! She willing to use her free time to do one to one work with Emily. She sprung! Emily grew! Emily improves, and that makes me happy. A big sigh!
But there were times when the teacher tells me that Emily was "off" at some days. That hurts. Whenever Emily goes into closed shell, or "off" for the day. I broke down. I have been trying to "stand" up and fight with my broken heart. To be strong, to be firm, and be loving toward Emily. At times I just can't. I just broke down and cried the days away. It is just awful. I am doing it now. Why am I so helpless when I can help her!? At times I am so worried as to "Is this school going to benefit Emily's future?" "Will this school improves on Emily's needs?" Many more.
I live in New Jersey. I was at thought of relocate at somewhere where Emily can get full services for her needs. To my shock, I find that Florida schools have a lot of school that provides all day services. Oh how I have wished for Emily. Emily is very, very mild autistic. They tell me Emily is doing just fine. Why am I looking at other schools? That I will never know. Emily have OT services twice a week, a Monestori Class most of the days, has a lot to do with sensory intergroations. In class, they do work like working on opposites. Big/small. Hot/cold, etc., arts, things like that.
Can you tell me what your sons' school do for them? I think Emily was the first autistic deaf students that ever happened at the NURSERY school. But what about lower, middle and high school, her future, with no teacher having such knowledge on the subject on autism. I even offered the school to have an awareness on autism. We have several autistic children in the campus. But they all came from other schools. So....
Hope I can hear from you and get some feedbacks on school issues?
Heartfelt Sincerely Yours,
Sunny
New Jersey
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