Twin Update

'Tis the season for good tidings and joy...I wanted to update my blog about ours! The twins had their academic testing last month to see if there was any other learning disorders, retention issues and/or academic autism (autistic behavioral testing has to be done by their pediatrician). I was apprehensive about the results but was ready to face whatever came about. They had tests and observations from two psychologists for over two weeks. They were getting pulled out of class, and causing them to be frustrated as it disrupted their daily schedule. We were all glad when it was complete! The testing came back that they are both right where they need to be! There are some areas of concern, but not too drastically below grade level or age appropriateness. It was such a relief to know that they are on the right path and the things we have set in place to help them with their sensory needs are working! There were happy tears shed that day and a sense of relief washed over me. My biggest fear is the older they get, will they have such patient teachers as they do now? We made sure we put in place their supports they have now for their future teachers. I can only hope that when the time comes, we are able to find the right teacher who is open to the different learning styles of children and will work with them closely.  As for the autism testing, I discussed it with their pediatrician and both my husband and I agree that since they are currently receiving all of the support they need at school (speech therapy, occupational therapy, small group/intervention in the classroom, sensory tools) further testing for autisim would just put them through more tests and give them a label. After considering it, my boys are my boys. A label doesn't change who they are. I know my boys react to things differently than most children. They need more breaks, more tools to help them both academically and behaviorally. A label doesn't change any of it.  Although labels may be a necessary evil when getting appropriate educational accommodations, I don't find them helpful. All children with the same diagnosis do not have the exact same needs and the label can cause others to view them differently. I believe that all children are wired differently and can flourish when their needs are met. My boys are quirky, and I love that about them. The same wiring that gave them SPD also gave them an inquisitive mind, a never ending imagination, and a deep love for animals and humankind that I wish I could bottle up and share! The one thing I learned through this is that SPD is definitely a journey, a process that ebbs and flows like the river. One dayhour , everything is going smoothly, the next it's like trying to tame wild beasts. For today, my boys are doing well academically, they are social creatures who are unique and keep us on our toes! This Christmas I couldn't ask for anything more.