Shouldn't We All Have An IEP?

This winter we had awesome news: Jonny would no longer need an IEP (Individual Education Plan) in school for the time being. He is doing better with transitions, his speech has improved so he can (and does! Holy shit!) communicate with his friends, and his motor skills are improving so he doesn't need help to perform school tasks. 

Now, don't get me wrong, we still have to do. Jonny uses absolutely all of his energy during the day to focus in school. To handle those transitions, to speak in public, to work in groups, to make and keep eye contact. So by the end of the day, he is toast. He needs half an hour every day, minimum, of "Jonny time". Time where he can be himself and there are no expectations. Quiet time. No expectation time. And we give it to him, because that's what he needs. And it's OK that he works hard in school. He should. That's his job.  And we help make his job as easy as possible, on all of us. That means we wake up 2 hours before we leave for school, so the transition is smooth and not rushed. No one is nice when mornings become an emergencies. Especially little boys who really don't like wearing shoes. Or pants.

Also, Jonny still does not tie his shoes or ride a bike. The former hurts him (too tight) and the latter is still too difficult. So, for the time being, we don't push. There is not a requirement to ride a bike or tie your shoes to graduate high school. Believe me, I asked. Really. I did.

But still, this IEP thing is a big deal. My baby hates being singled out, hates attention, so to no longer be pulled out of class for another class is a big deal for him. It's also a big deal for me. 

I'm not a huge fan of labels. I know my kid is different, but we all are. I don't need a piece of paper to tell me my kid needs a little attention, and nor should anyone else. Every kid needs individual attention, despite the what it says on their "permanent record". No kid can fit in a box. And we shouldn't try to put them there. In my opinion, we should all have IEPs.

I say it often. School was not made for introverts. I don't think I ever knew that until I started raising one. Group projects, public speaking, even fucking recess! Everyone has to get along all the damn time. And if a kid want to be by himself, he's weird, or "special". That sucks, because even though this is the world and I firmly believe that my kids have to adapt to it, it's also OK to do your own thing. Or it should be. I

So there we are. Jonny's a regular kid. Newsflash 

The best part though is that he had no idea he was ever any different. 

Now lets just keep hoping they make big velcro shoes.