Felt Boards and Felt Activities for Children - Tammy Lessick Your Story Time Felts Independent Consultant

 

 

 

 

Sixteen years ago on a beautiful March day my son Tony was born.  His birth was by C section and he came into the world a healthy baby boy.  Fast forward 3 years and there were signs of some unusual behaviors beginning to show.  He began doing alot of self stimulation, he had anxieties about leaving the house and going places, he hated the way his shoes felt on his feet and the clothes he wore.  Also, he was the pickiest eater (vegetables were not on his radar) ever.  We started with his pediatrician expressing our concerns, but he told us that this was his way of playing and not to worry about the eating habits, etc.  Not until Tony entered pre-K at the age of 5 did his diagnosis come to light.  The school became very concerned about Tonys behaviour and over the next year we sifted through may doctor visits and evaluations to determine what was going on with Tony. 

 

The school even video taped Tony during one of his self stim behaviors so the doctor could see what was going on and determine what might be happening.  When Tony was finally diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome there was not many children with this disorder.  Although we are homeschoolers now, I will say that during his elementary school years he was given the best services including a one on one assistant and phenomenal teachers who were always willing to keep me informed.  With all of the issues that Tony had I would say that his lack of social skills is his weakest.  So, by the time he going into middle school his immaturity and the way the school was handling his transition made us decide that this would be a better road for him. He has always been very imaginative and a loner.  Even with mainstreaming him in school, social groups, etc. he really never has caught on in that area.  As he has gotten older and because homeschooling him has made us able to work with him on his weaknesses he is showing progress with his social interactions.  Watching your child have not friends and always being odd man out is one of the most heartbreaking things about being a parent of a child with Aspergers Syndrome. 

 

Sometimes it is hard to understand why people don't see that funny, smart, great kid that you see.  Over the years we have learned to accept Tony for who he is and he is the love of our lives.  As he gets older he is becoming more of his own person and he is very comfortable in his own skin.  He doesnt feel the need to be like everyone else or fit into a certain group of peers.  Sometimes I wonder if maybe these kids with Aspergers have a better understanding of themselves and the world around them than most people do?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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