I took Ellis for part of her initial IEP evaluation. Her focus lasted an hour, and that whole time was spent on the speech portion of the eval. Finally, the speech pathologist had to “call it” because Ellis wasn’t providing enough wrong answers to stop the test. I won’t know the official results until her ETR meeting, but I know she went well above preschool expectations.
At one point the observing intervention specialist looked at me and said, ”And she’s not even three yet?!”
Although we are EXTREMELY proud of Ellis, I’m sharing to challenge your views on autism.
Autism does not make Ellis any “less” than her brother and sister or any other child. Just like any other child, she has strengths and weaknesses. Those might be more predictable because of her diagnosis, but it’s not something she has to try to “rise above”.
When you think of or speak about someone with autism, try to avoid phrases that indicate a preconceived notion of limitations. It’s not a surprise when kids with autism have strengths. You can’t understand how hurtful it is to a mother or child to hear something like “she’s actually so smart!” Who ever said she couldn’t be?
We love you more than the most, sweet girl!
