Autism? you're kidding!

Today I met with Ian's teacher and a whole slew of other special education specialist for Ian's service review. Every three years children in special ed have a review to make sure they still qualify for services. If you know my child this is kinda funny because it's so obvious, but ya know, it's procedure. They are so funny at these meetings. They go over all the data with you and let you know exactly how far behind your child is and they try to sugar coat it for you. Like..."So Ian is testing to be an age equivalency of 2 years 11 months (he's 8) but he has made so much progress! yada, yada, yada" Really, what, he learned two colors this whole year? Wow, you are right! That is some progress!! They really do mean well I just have to laugh because I really don't need the tests to tell me my child is behind. The kicker today was when they gently told me my child has Autism. Really?? I didn't know that! Are you sure? Can you wait a minute while I catch my breath...I wasn't expecting to hear this...Oh wait...he's been in the Autistic Unit for two years...Now it's all making sense...the behavior, the stims, the fact that he still doesn't know his shapes! Autism you say? hmmm...

I am not trying to make light of his situation. I am grateful to know where his age equivilency is, It helps explain so much of his behaviors. I just think it's hilarious that they act like this is all news to me, like I don't know, like I don't live it! Now...if we could get those shapes down we might bump that age equivilent up to 3!