I realize (and am appalled by) the amount of time that has passed since I have posted here. Of course, I make the rules, so it’s up to me whether I have to lash myself with a wet noodle or wear some sort of hair shirt as a penance. I think I will skip any punishments.

One of the major things going on, and which has consumed my time, energy, and my emotional resources to a massive degree, is my youngest daughter and her struggles at school.

My little one has always had struggles with control, perfectionism, confidence, and compliance. She is an awesome kid, except when she is expected to produce a particular result. She is determined in her focus, and will defy authority to a DEFCON 1 state when she is expected to do what is expected of everyone. She has tested right up at the border of the Autism spectrum, and sometimes dances over that somewhat fuzzy line. Her aptitude for math and language, however, are quite high, and she consistently tests at the top of the scale, academically.

Well, we finally have the school marshalled on the issue of an IEP and Special Education services.

I feel like a huge weight has rolled off my back. I have been so worried about her progress, and what will come now that we are starting to move into a more high-expectation stage of schooling. I have worried almost constantly about how we can help her to progress, how we can help her gain self-sufficiency, how the hell we’re going to get through the next 8 years of school, let alone post-secondary options. I feel like now, we have some options. I have people to whom I can turn for ideas on how to support my child.

I finally feel less alone.