No more ESE!

I can't deny how far Aethan has come since starting school. He has developed amazing communication skills, academics and adaptability. We had his "exit staffing" meeting last week at school, where they determine if he still needs services in Kindergarten. It turns out, that he tested so well he no longer needs ESE. He will enter Kindergarten just like any other child and be in the same classroom as any 5 year old. I have my fears and doubts, of course, but Aethan has never failed to suprise me with his adaptablity. His IQ is above average, according to the tests and it has now been concluded that he has moved from Autism to Asperger's. I'm extatic about this, because I think Aethan can do anything. I am so thankful for his excitement in doing new things and his sweet, loving disposition. I'm also so greatful for the teachers that have made this past two years an unmistakable adventure.

Snake Dragon

Aethan has begun this activity of writing books. He folds paper in half, staples it with a piece of construction paper for the cover and then draws a picture in sequence on each page. He even numbers the pages! He tells me what he wants me to write for the words, then has me write it in his book. I love this! I have so many Aethan books I don't even know what to do with them all! Best of all, he has started wrapping them up and giving them away as gifts. I don't know how I got such a talented, generous kid.

Kindergarten....Here I Come!

We went to Aethan's Kindergarten orientation this morning. It's at a different elementary school then where he began, so I'm a little bit scared. These teachers don't know him..his quarks..his beautiful innocence. What if they don't accept him for the fantastic little kid that he is? What if they don't know how to access his creativity? What if they loose his individuality in that crowd of other faces? He didn't seem to be fazed by the newness. He was very excited to tell his current teacher that he would soon be in kindergarten. I don't think I give him enough with credit for his bravery, for his adaptability, for his adventurousness. I can't wait to see him in this element.

Fantasy of Flight

Aethan really loved this...We went to Fantasy of Flight in Polk City. Aethan loved jumping in to old airplane cockpits and pretending to fly. He's always flying..and I love that.