Get Ready.

The Autism CAREWalk. It's coming. April 14, 2012. Are you ready -- to walk -- to donate -- to help me help Dom?

I knew yesterday was going to be a tough day for the little red-headed bug when I walked up to Mom's house, and I wasn't greeted with a big smile at the door. Instead, I was greeted by Mom keeping guard at the door, greeting me with a fair warning that he was having a ROUGH morning. I greeted him in my usual manner, rubbing his bony little back and saying, "Good morning, Lovey!!!" He informed me in no time that he was NOT in the mood to visit with a few sharp screams and some swift kicks to Nana's shins. (Poor Nan. lol)

When Dad and I left for work, we were both worried about what kind of day Dom would have at school. So, we did what we always do when he's having a rough morning...we whisper our own little prayers, cross our fingers, go to work, and hope for the best. That's all we can do.

As expected, Dom's report for the day wasn't pleasant. The teacher made a comment that he was "defiant." Here is why (and this is the part that makes us -- his family, his voice, his advocates -- want to belt out some sharp screams and a few swift kicks to the teacher's shins):

The class was instructed to color a picture of the Kansas State Seal. Dominic refused. When the teacher physically held the crayon in his hand and guided his hand to color, he refused again and began screaming. And by that scenario, he is labeled "defiant." REALLY?!

And here is where our frustration lies...

First of all, when Dominic screams, he is trying to communicate. He is trying to say, "That hurts me." "I don't like that." "I need help." "I --- ." You name it.

Secondly, there are some things that Dom just absolutely cannot bring himself to touch, smell, or taste. A crayon is one of those things. So naturally, the above scenario sent him into meltdown mode. The teacher failed to pick up on it. Again.

It has come to the time where enough is enough. I'm glad that God blessed Dom with a mama who can be a pitbull when necessary. So, she's pulling out the "big guns" and taking her concerns to the top. Please pray for her and for Dom as they continue to search for help and find an educational setting where he can be successful.

The Autism CAREWalk. It's coming soon. Get ready.

Big Love,

Sarah