Asher...Take 2

UGH. I am a frustrated mommy! I want so desperately for Asher to be doing well in school. I wanted so desperately to say that after my visit to his class that everything was better! And it was... for about a week or maybe even two weeks it was better! BUT THEN... our amazing teacher (did I mention how he's teacher of the year in our town and in the top 12 teachers in the whole state of Oklahoma?) went out of town for a day because of the teacher of the year stuff so there was a substitute! 

OH NO!!

Asher thrives on routines... so this really threw him off. He hasn't been the same since that day about 2 weeks ago. We made an appointment with the pediatrician for tomorrow. I want to brain-storm with the doctor to see what I can do to make life easier for Asher. I want to do whatever it takes. I want to know what I can do because everything ... EVERYTHING that I've been trying is not working. 

------------------------------

I wanted to share the conversation I had with his teacher today:

Me to Mr. C: 

Tim and I have decided to not ask you how Asher is doing anymore if Asher is present. I may be wrong, but IF he is thriving on the attention, albeit negative, then I don't want to feed into that! I know that if kids are feeling like they need attention, they'll act out since negative attention is better than no attention at all! We decided this last week when I picked him up and Miss L said in a frustrated tone (I don't blame her since I too am frustrated), "he didn't do anything again today- he wouldn't play or have snack or do activities!" and she said it in front of him. I left there in tears that day, frustrated with the situation and a little upset by her tone in front of him. We made an appointment with the pediatrician so I can see if he has any tips for how to make Asher's adjustment any easier. I know he thrives on routine and structure. I know he likes to be in control.  I will let you know what the ped says- our appointment is tomorrow.

Mr. C's reply: 

 

This has been such a difficult situation emotionally for all of us. I understand about the negative attention and am willing to try that out...  Lately, he has not done any journal writing nor has he wanted to play during recess. He seems content during recess but I still want him to enjoy of all the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. During centers this week he sat out Monday, yesterday was dress-up day and today when Miss L asked him to her table, he came, but when she asked him to choose which coloring activity he wanted he just stared at her. This is one of the most frustrating things and I apologize for the incident last week, but as a teacher who is trying anything and everything to help a student not only communicate, but participate, and enjoy school, it is so hard when every response is a brick wall. I know he likes being here. I see glimpses of it every day. I got him to laugh and smile with me today which was a great feeling but this "wall" or barrier is honestly wearing us down. We will continue to try and will NOT give up. Please let me know what the Dr. says.

---------------------------------

So...can you see the frustration that even the teachers are feeling?

I need prayers.... I need help!

Please pray for us to get some answers tomorrow! You have NO idea how badly I want to help my little man to be the best student he can be!! I love him so much and desperately want him to be happy and well-adjusted!