Perspective

Today had several re-evaluation meetings for students who are all ready on my caseload and one annual conference. Often times these conferences provide much insight into parents and students, especially when this is the first evaluation that I have done with the family.

Today for sure had it’s interesting moments. Here is a snapshot of the day:
Discussing with a parent the possibility of student being on the Autism Spectrum. Parent went back and forth as to if student had actually been placed on the spectrum. I don’t know that we ever truly figured it out. Here’s why:

GMom: The doctor said that the Autism Spectrum is a wide spectrum. (with 
hand gesture)

Mom: Doctor said that everyone is on the Autism Spectrum.

When working with students with emotional disabilities, I often don’t have to look far as to figure out the root of the problem:

Father’s biggest concern: that he isn’t eating the proper foods, he needs to eat healthy and the food that God provides for them.

Mom’s biggest concern: that when he is sick that he advocates for himself to take medicine. She would like to be able to take him out to eat, but won’t because of his social anxiety. Mom is worried he is a picky eater and won’t eat anything.

Keep in mind, we are working with a teenage boy.

Another evaluation showed that in addition to a learning disability, the student has raging ADHD.  And TOR wonders why he is under the ED label and can’t stay out of trouble. (keep in mind he is not medicated for ADHD)

And finally to put the day into perspective…

Father says, I am sitting at a table with two sets of professionals. I know we have made progress, so how close is my son to being cured? (same father as above)