Developmental update for Tenley, October 8th

According to the assessment made by the developmental specialist and speech and language therapist from AzEip (Arizona Early Intervention Program), Tenley was made eligible for Aezip services under the Developmental Disability Program. Our awesome Support Coordinator, Audrie, came to the house today to help us get the ball rolling on the different services and make some goals for Tenley in the program. 

Our three main goals are:
Sleep: Get her to sleep on a consistent schedule and help her transitions into sleep and also waking.
Tantrums: Help her improve the use of her language and communication to avoid frustration.
Empathy: Help her understand what it means for another person to be hurt or upset, so that she can socialize safely and somewhat normally.

She also gave us some verbatim to recite in public when we get those stares or whispering comments when Tenley's having a melt down. "I apologize, I know this just appears to be a tantrum to you and we regret that it is making you uncomfortable. But our daughter is [special needs/ autistic] and we really do appreciate your understanding while we are trying our best to accommodate her special needs in public. Thank you."

When she turns three she will also get to go a special needs preschool based on what district we will be living in at the time. We are going to check out the programs in the Amphi school district (where we live now), and the Marana school district (the area of the rental we are thinking of moving into) to help us make our decision to move or not. I have a feeling we will be moving. After she turns three the funding for Tenley's services aren't paid for through the AHCCCS program, they are paid for through the school district. And with all my experience with Amphi, they're idea of fiscal management is a big. fat. joke and I worry about what they might not deem necessary.

We also saw her regular pediatrician today to keep her in the loop and get her help with finding a developmental pediatrician to make an official diagnosis. She wasn't concerned a year ago but is very concerned now. She is seeing a little bit of what I see at home. The DP in Tucson is booked for a year out, so we are looking at seeing one in Phoenix if our insurance covers it. If not we will go back to the Neurologist for a diagnosis and get on the year waiting list for the DP here in town. The Dr also thinks that while Tenley certainly has learning troubles ahead, she will be very smart and great at science and math. Hellelujah. With Jon and I as parents, you might worry about her aptitude in those areas :)

This is a little overwhelming for me but honestly, I'm grateful to be getting acknowledgment and help. It helps me feel like I'm not really such an inadequate parent. That being Tenley's mom is rewarding and beautiful, but also hard hard work, even for a stubborn toddler. It is a struggle every single day. Every single day I have to draw upon every last ounce of patience I never knew I had. The good news is it's forcing me to become a better person. I'm forced to become more calm, to let go of my pride and control, and to love every single happy little thing. She is my Mount Everest and my pride and joy. Love you, silly girl.