Comments on: Dear Sally, Grandma thinks you’re autistic and she can’t stop talking about it

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:14:47 +0000

I feel the same way! I go abck and forth but have ultimately decided the kids need to be in public school — for now. I have even recieved those notes, I can’t stand those… Great post!

Kathys last blog post..Fun Children’s Books

By: Sandwiched but not forgotten | What About Mom

Sandwiched but not forgotten | What About Mom — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:06:30 +0000

[...] told Grandma (yes, that Grandma) about this exchange, thinking that she and I could have a “What do men know? This is how [...]

By: Autism Game

Autism Game — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:23:35 +0000

I am a dad of two boys with autism, I look to your blog for current info! Thank You!

By: promosyon

promosyon — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:44:11 +0000

You have excellent analysis. thanks for writting

By: Jennifer, Snapshot

Jennifer, Snapshot — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:59:37 +0000

Would it be inappropriate for me to tell you that I love for for saying that “kids are annoying” is a reason not to homeschool? I can definitely say that because my kids annoy me (and yes, your nicer phrases apply–high-energy, and I’ll add relentless seekers of attention), and I’ll point the fingers back at myself and say that they have an impatient and sometimes ill-tempered mom.

My daughter is the same way as you describe yours–she needs approval from others, and both she and my son need other role models. If one is “called” to homeschool and it works with your personality and that of your kids, more power to you.

By: Jane

Jane — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:57:11 +0000

I know, Mom (Grandma). It was definitely hyperbole, but if you mention it again . . . (just kidding! –I hope you’re not upset that I quoted something you said mostly in jest).

It was my fault for not finding out how long the musical was (and for assuming she was old enough to appreciate it). Sometimes Sally is mature beyond her years, and then when she acts like a “typical” 7-year old, I shouldn’t be surprised or disappointed, but often I am.

Cassie and Marie — I don’t know what I’d do with parents or in-laws who tried to interfere with how I raise my kids. I get enough of that from the school people!!

My family (and Dick’s) are really supportive and encouraging. I guess you can tell that when I write a whole post about the fact that Grandma said twice that Avery acted autistic on an outing. If I were used to that kind of statement, it wouldn’t have made an impact, you know?

Cassie — I can’t even begin to imagine homeschooling 4 boys!!

Marianne — Catholic school does look really appealing. We’ve had Lutheran and Presbyterian preschools for Sally, and they were great.

Natalie – -Totally get the appeal of private school. Maybe I should look into vouchers or something . . . (Would help if I knew where we’ll be living this year for sure).

By: Grandma

Grandma — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:47:47 +0000

Jane — I used the word autistic to describe Sally’s behavior during the musical. The musical was more than all of us expected. Kids have a way of letting us know that they want out of there (Church, musicals). I am amazed that the kids know exactly what will drive us through the roof. You know I love Sally and am aware of her precociousness. I hope that you are using hyperbole to entertain, and don’t harbor ill-will. I have Harry Potter 5 here — should I bring it for Sally when we meet you camping?
I know that will keep her occupied. Maybe I should leave it at home so we can interact. I love you all!

By: Cassie

Cassie — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:04:01 +0000

I wanted to homeschool, and WOW after about 2 weeks I was about ready to kill the 7yr and send the 8yr to military school, dont get me started on the 4 and 2yr olds, I was tempted to duck tape them. I applaud anyone who can handle their multiple kids and homeschool as well. I really think that August is like Christmas to me, I buy school supplies and get at least 5 hours of less fighting than I do on the summer days.
What is it with grandparents and Autism and ADHD? I swear if I hear it one more time I will from my mom or my FIL I will scream, dont they think we read these things too? Or that we dont take them to the dr? I mean hell the ER by my house knows my name when I walk in. But I just smile and nod and say really ok I will ask their dr what he thinks. You know they never ever dianose things like Diabetes, its always something that really cant be defined 100% as it effects everyone differently so HEY why not use psychology 101 and say “oh my poor grandson has Autism”

By: Memarie Lane

Memarie Lane — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:51:53 +0000

You know I went through that with Max, right? My MIL thinking and telling everyone he was autistic no matter what the doctor had to say about it? I think she’s finally stopped now, but it would help if the very few times she visits she’d stay longer than an hour or two. She’s spent a total of maybe twenty minutes with him over the past year, and when she does he’s so excited he just laughs and jumps around the whole time. No wonder she doesn’t think he can talk.

By: Marianne

Marianne — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:21:13 +0000

Wow–a truancy notice. I’d have brought her in to the office the next time she was sick and told her I’d give her $5.00 if she sneezed goo all over the computer keyboard.

But that’s just me!

I don’t think I have it in me to homeschool, at least not at this stage in life (with an Intrepid Toddler terrorizing our home). We do send ours to Catholic school and know that we are fortunate to be able to scrape the $$ together to do so.

Take care…

By: Natalie @ Politics for Moms

Natalie @ Politics for Moms — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:55:16 +0000

Seriously? They want you to bring the child to school to determine if she’s sick!! Man, don’t even get me started on the subject of school policies. That’s why we have our kids in a private school. We looked at homeschooling but I thought I’d probably kill the kids in the first six weeks.