INCLUSION CAN EQUAL FRIENDSHIP

"The term inclusion captures, in one word, an all-embracing societal ideology. Regarding individuals with disabilities and special education, inclusion secures opportunities for students with disabilities to learn alongside their non-disabled peers in general education classrooms. Honestly establishing a successful inclusive classroom varies in complexity, based upon the challenges created by the disability at hand. However a knowledgeable approach and positive attitudes on the parts of parents and teachers proves vital to triumphing over any obstacles which may emerge."

www.specialeducationguide.com

Inclusion means a lot of different things to a lot of people.  Some people believe in 100% inclusion for kiddos with special needs, and some people like to handle it on a case by case basis.  

I would say that our family is in the camp of doing it on a case by case basis.  This means including our boys when it works best for them, but always with the goal of making sure they are in the optimal learning environment for them.  If that means pulling them out of the classroom for more one-on-one with less distractions, then we are fine with them not being including in the regular classroom for everything.

This video reminded though that probably the most important goal of inclusion is the friendships that can develop between the typically devoloping kids and the ones with special needs.  And I believe those friendships benefit both groups!  Our boys get the chance to have support and encouragement from fellow peers.  And the typical kids get a chance to learn about how to love and care for someone unconditionally.  How to look past the differences and see the similarities.  That's a win-win for all! 

Have kleenex nearby- this video will bring tears to your eyes.  It is such a beautiful statement of what real friendship looks like!

Beautiful Friendship!  

SOMETIMES ITS THE LITTLE THINGS

The thyroid is probably one of those things that when its working as it should, no one really notices it or thinks about it much.  But when it is not working as it should, it can cause some issues.

A child’s thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, just below the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple). Hormones produced by the thyroid affect all aspects of your child’s health including heart rate, energy metabolism (how effectively the body uses calories), growth and development. 

Last fall, Jonah was diagnosed with Grave's disease which means he has a hyPER thyroid or overactive thyroid.  Jonah's problem was just caught on a routine thyroid screening since kiddos with Down syndrome tend to have thyroid issues.

Thyroid problems are more common in children and adults with Down’s syndrome than in the general population. People with Down’s syndrome usually tend to develop hypothyroidism but sometimes they can have hyperthyroidism although this is much less common.

The reason HIGH thyroid is such a concern is it can cause heart issues as well as slow down growth and development.

Now this fall, Ben has been diagnosed with hyPO thyroid or underactive thyroid.  This too was caught on a routine screening.

Concerns for LOW thyroid are fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and decreased growtth.

Today the boys had appointments with the endocrinologist at Children's Hospital.

Ben's LOW thyroid condition is pretty straightforward.  It's a lifetime condition that will require a pill everyday for the rest of his life, but the pill has very little side effects so there are no real concerns unless we can't get him at the right dosage.  Good news except for the regular labwork that will be needed to check thyroid levels.

Jonah's HIGH thyroid condition is trickier.  The med he is on (PTU) has possibilities for serious side effects so he can only probably be on it 2-3 years before they would look to do a more permanent solution of radiation treatments to kill the thyroid or surgery to remove (very tricky surgery).  However, there is a chance that if we take Jonah off the med, his hyperthyroid will go into remission and stay normal on its own.  DS kiddos have a high success rate of remission, more than typical kids.  So at this point we are going to start reducing his med level with the hope of eventually going off completely and then see how his thyroid responds on its own.  So mostly good news for Jonah except the regular labwork that will need to happen every few months.

BECOMING BROTHERS...BECOMING FRIENDS

As I watched the boys wrestle and play the other day, I was struck by how awesome their relationship is for both of them.  They will always have each other.  Even if other friends come and go in their lives, they will always be there for each other.  I think that is pretty special.  

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS GOES ROYAL!

Prince Harry has an Adorable Fan

I'm not a big fan or follower of the royal family, but this video really touched my heart.

As I have always thought with our boys, they live their lives without inhibition.  If they feel an emotion, they show it.  This means if they feel affection for someone, they let that person know.  

Perhaps this is a wise way to do life.  Think of it, we may miss out on some incredible moments in our lives because we are to scared to share what we is really in our hearts...

JUST AS I AM!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a chance to spread awareness. During the month of October, we celebrate people with Down syndrome and make people aware of our abilities and accomplishments. It's not about celebrating disabilities, it's about celebrating abilities.

I think our family has lots to celebrate!

SENSORY DIET

First a little dose of cuteness!

The boys at Bookwork Gardens.

A light bulb went on for me this morning as I was dealing with a difficult Ben getting him ready for school. One thing we have used in the past when Ben gets a defiant phase or difficult phase is upping his sensory diet.  Perhaps I need to introduce some of these activities again in our daily routine.  Sensory issues has kind of went off my radar in the past months...

Kiddos who don't get to have normal bonding and attachment during infancy, sometimes benefit from increased sensory input.  I really don't completely understand the why of it, but we have found that when we give Ben some extra "doses" of sensory input, we have sometimes seen a softening of his mood.  

Here is what we use for Ben's sensory diet during difficult phases:

1. Weighted lap pillow while he sits at the table

2. Textured seat cushion for the table also

3. Sit and spin

4. Lots of swinging on the swing outside- my dream would be to have a therapy swing in the house, but  Andrew isn't on board for this yet  

5. Sensory bin that is an extra special treat to get to play with

6. Calming sensory videos

Again part of me thinks this sounds kind of goofy because why would this work, but we have found that upping his sensory intake has helped him improve his mood when he gets defiant, growly, etc.

Ben is such a sweet little boy in there, and when he can let his guard down and relax, it is a joy to see that beautiful personality in action.  But when he gets on defense mode, he can be a handful  

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OUR FABULOUS FIVE!

We got to go up to Minneapolis to see Stephen run in his 2nd college cross country meet!  This meant we could also visit with Abigail!  

It was nice to have the whole family together. 

The above photo is actually from Stephen's 1st college meet 2 weeks ago.