Rainy Wednesday Post

Hi Everybody!
It has been a long time since I've written on the blog.  I look at the last date....WOW, I haven't written since March!  It is a rainy day here on the East Coast and I've just dropped the twins off at S.A.I.L camp.  This is a camp for kids that may be chosen for the Gifted and Talented program.  I guess they are showing potential.  Michael is considered a "Special, Special".  This means that even though he has an IEP and is in special ed. (mostly for speech, but a bit for his autism and behavior), and he is special in that he has a "math brain".  He can solve puzzles mazes, and math problems with ease.  He doesn't think like a typical person, hence the term "Special-Special".  He qualifies for both special education and he might qualify for the Gifted and Talented Program.

This S.A.I.L camp (and I don't remember what the acronym stands for) is only for one week this summer.  Michael has chosen the "Checkmate" class and a "Legos" class.  He is enjoying both of these immensely.  He even went with the flow of things when we were late one day because of a swim meet in the morning.  The GT teacher said that he just worked with another student to create a chess set, and didn't have any issues or upset meltdowns.  I was so proud of him.

Michael's swimming seems to be going very well.  Swimming is truly a sport for autistic children.  He can excel!  The first few practices were difficult because he had moved to the more experienced lane.  He was the youngest of 9 kids in this lane.  He kept getting kicked and splashed because there were so many practicing in this lane.  He had a few issues and grumpily sat out for a little bit.  He then went back over to lane 6 (the lane for beginners), but that wasn't any good!  He soon discovered that he is way faster than all of the 8 and unders.  Even though he is still 8, he belongs in the more advanced lane.  Michael continues to be very enthusiastic about swimming.  He can't wait to go, even when we have to wake up at 5:45 AM to get to practice by 6:15.  He has won every race he has been in.  I told him, "Buddy, next year won't be like that, you will be moving up to the 9 and 10 year old races."  He still wants to do his best and get better.  I am very happy that he has found a sport that he can call his own.

Our summer is going pretty well.   I can't believe that half of our summer is over.  I hope everyone else is doing well and that they are successfully managing their paths Somewhere Over the Spectrum.