Wow, two posts in one week! I have a feeling, after today, I will be posting more often. My husband and I took Mary today to meet with the director of a place called Social Bridges. We were referred to this place once before, as a place for Mary to learn social skills. At the time we did not pursue it for a number of reasons. First, we had hoped her school guidance program would help, then of course there was the cost. It is a bit pricey. Between school, speech therapy, and various other things we have done to try to help her, it was too much of an additional expense. I realized a few days ago that now that we aren't paying school tuition anymore, the expense won't be so bad. I sent an email expressing our interest, and got a call yesterday, and today we met.
Now I am trying real hard to contain my excitement. Remember I have been down this road before. I sit in on these meetings, I listen, I feel hopeful. Everything sounds perfect for Mary. There will be a group of kids that meet with 2 counselors every week. they meet at dinner time, I will have to send her with a meal, more than likely, Chick Fil A.
They start skill practicing during their meal, and go on from there. There will be a time or two when they are taken on field trips, either to a restaurant, mini golf, etc. They are given an opportunity to use their skills in a public setting. Making eye contact, speaking clearly, recognizing social cues, knowing how to start and maintain a conversation. Tom and I will also be learning how to help her at home, there is a sibling support group as well. Social Bridges also communicates with the school to see her progress in the classroom. There is a report card in the middle and a final at the end. I believe it goes until the end of December, depending on how she does, we either sign up for another session, or move on.
Our meeting today was an intake interview. Mary sat with us, had to answer questions, was explained things like why its important to look people in the eye, etc.. Of course, Mary was considered a perfect candidate for the program. Apparently, there are others like her, and they are confident she will benefit from the program. So, here we go again, starting new school, a new program, new hopes. No, I don't want her to change, I just want her to be the best she can be. I want other people to know the Mary that we know and love. Mary will talk to anyone, she is very social, it's just hard for her to know what to say sometimes. Mary's obsession with things are also going to be addressed, she will be taught to move on from things and not obsess about them. Hopefully her new medication will make that a bit easier for her. I am now going to go print out the forms, and mail out my deposit, stay tuned.....
2 comments:
Hey I saw an earlier post, but when I clicked on it, the page wouldn't come up. Have to go back and see if I can read it now.
This is really exciting, and I bet Mary thinks it is the coolest thing. She is so social, she will love to have more opportunities to talk to people! I know you don't want to change her, just prepare her to be able to handle herself as she gets older. I can't wait to see how this goes!
I also had trouble with the earlier post and couldn't read it. It was in my reader, but when I clicked on it, the page was not able to be found.
I am so thrilled to hear of this new program and Mary's acceptance into it! It sounds like this is just the type of help you needed and had been hoping for! Even reading the brief bit about what they are going to be teaching her was exciting to me, so I can only imagine how excited you guys must be! This is great news, and I hope that it is everything that is promised, and that Mary learns a whole new set of coping skills.
Post a Comment