Final ABA Team Meeting

Today it really felt like we were in the home stretch because we had our final ABA Team Meeting. I've come to know our daily therapists so well, and it will be really weird not having them here on a regular basis. I'd feel much better about all of it if I knew what was going to happen with the transition. But now it's just a waiting game until the IEP in January, and that is just two weeks away.

We started out by talking about the transition - mostly my disappointment with how it is being handled thus far by the district. Janine assured me that someone from the team will be with me every step of the way from this point forward. Jennifer is going to the medical evaluation with me and Cari will be going to the psychological one. All three are attending the IEP, and Janine said she will personally go with me to observe the school(s) and different programs available to Raquel. It will certainly be nice having their support. They are the ones who have worked with Raquel on a daily basis for the past six months, and I am confident that they will be able to identify what program is best suited for her. I know the district will not be pleased about me not going with their initial recommendation, however, my obligation is to do what is best for Raquel, not the district. And I have no problem being the bad guy. Thanks for teaching me that, Mom. I really wish you were here to help me with all of this.

After the brief talk about the transition and upcoming IEP, it was business as usual. We reviewed Raquel's progress and Janine made a few program changes. Mike stopped by with pizza and salad for lunch and was able to stay for a short time.

One of the sensory issues with Raquel is her constant need for oral input. Everything goes in her mouth. We've tried vibrating toothbrushes. We've tried teethers and nooks. We've tried just about everything. Today, Janine recommended that I get one of those coil things that you put your keys on and wear around your wrist. Instead of putting it on Raquel's wrist, I fastened it with a clip to a belt loop on her pants.

When she starts putting toys and stuff in her mouth, I'm supposed to redirect her to the coil and have her chew on that. We're hoping that pretty soon it will become an automatic thing and that she'll reach for the coil when seeking that input instead of what's placed in front of her - especially during the sessions. She doesn't seem bothered by it all and has reached for it - most likely out of curiosity - several times. Hopefully this will work!