It is funny but once in a while I get this nudge that I should be doing something for Elizabeth, like I forgot something.

I think of it as the still quiet voice.

An example from our past to help you understand better:

It was during her middle school years and we were facing a big change: We were getting a substitute teacher for the last part of the year. I was nervous about the change as was Elizabeth.

So one night I was sitting and watching tv and It suddenly hit me that realized I needed to reach out to Elizabeth’s substitute teacher, to see if he had any questions about Elizabeth, her IEP, or her disorders. Elizabeth’s intervention specialist just became a mom a week ago so this new teacher will be with Elizabeth until the end of the year.

I went to the school and arranged a time to meet with the new teacher and I was so happy that he was open to hearing about Elizabeth, he did have some questions, which I was happy to answer. I am happy to say the initial meeting went very well. I sent some information about Elizabeth to him today and he has my cell number as well as my email.

I felt so much better after meeting him and the funny thing is I knew there would be a sub, I knew there would be a change for Elizabeth but since this was really a first for us, I had to think how best to handle it and I am glad I listened to the quiet voice as I know now that I have started the communication path for this new teacher and I even if it is for just a few weeks.

The two take aways from this example is that:

The IEP is to be there to speak for the child

It speaks for their needs but since it really can’t say it all. It can’t tell the reader why they may react a certain way during an assembly or why that one page of homework just was not attainable right now.

Or why their handwriting was good in the morning but in the afternoon, when fatigue sets in, they are unable to concentrate to write well.

And that is where we come in to fill those voids..

That is where our advocacy needs to be its strongest.

That is why and where the IEP needs to best represent the child/young adult.

From the narrative that should cover EVERY important detail of your child so much so that anyone reading it gets a good strong understanding of your child.

To clear, appropriate goals that fit your child NOW, ones that are being worked on, and ones you can monitor!

So plan to review the IEP, see what goals are being met/worked on and adjust!
Don’t be afraid to be THAT parent

BE that parent!

Listen to your intuition/heart/that little voice inside

I may not be an expert at anything else in my life but I AM an expert in Elizabeth.

So when my heart tells me something, I have learned to listen to it. It may not be the popular choice always but I have grown in my strength and belief in myself in “all things Elizabeth” to trust this “little voice”

So please learn to trust yourself because NO ONE knows your child better than you!

I hope these 2 thoughts helped someone today.

I wish everyone a peaceful week,

Michele Gianetti author of Elizabeth Believes in Herself