Kellie’s Story
” Your pathway is one I know first hand…
When my first child was born or any child for that matter you think of all the adventures and possibilities about their future. You don’t think about having to struggle with their education other then normal homework issues. But when my child was diagnosis ADD when he was 5 years I knew then that I would have to be proactive in his education. I needed to help him succeed and be patience with his struggles that he would be enduring through the process of learning. I had watched my single Mother have similar issues with my brother when he was diagnosis with the same thing. Of course back then they didn’t have the advances they have now. I saw her struggles with him and I wanted to make sure that my son had all the help he needed. The Elementary school years were the hardest of them all between the teachers the children and the administrators was a constant battle. So the journey began that would change my life and my son’s life forever.
My son was labeled from the beginning which is very hard to change, but I fought to change it. With every step I took it seemed I was going forward then back two steps. You never can stop trying to make it right for them. It doesn’t matter if the teachers or administrators don’t care for you but they need to care for your child. My son did have a few teachers in Elementary school that accepted my son and worked with me to help him through, of course they were few and far between. Yes there have been some changes since then, but parents still need to be aware at all times and be proactive in their children’s education. One of the things I did was get involved in the classroom one morning or so a week. This way you can observe what really goes on in the classroom sometimes. I know some parents can’t do that but I made it work and worked a full time job my company understood at that time.
Once the Elementary schools years were over it was a relief, at least so I thought. Granted, Junior High was a little bit better, but you can’t put your guard down for one minute, because kids can be cruel. Luckily, that was only for two years. When it was time for High School, I decided that a school that we have in Simi Valley would work. It’s because this school ddin’t have too many kids, and also did not have organized sports like football. I knew we needed to avoid football jocks, because of the potential of bullying children like me son. This school had a 1000 less kids in it.
His whole world turned around in the 10th grade in a positive way. The was because we finally received a diagnosis that fit what he was experiencing in school and in life. We had known there was something more about our son that we needed to find out. That was confirmed with the diagnosis of Autism. It wasn’t until this diagnosis that we finally got the district to agree to help him with an IEP plan (Individual Education Program) plus some special educational services for which he finally was able to qualify.
So while the struggle became a little less frustrating, there were still issues that had to be addressed on a regular basis. We took the initiative to support him every step of the way. I’m happy to say that my son graduated high school and now we are in the next phase in life with him. The phase is a whole different bowl of wax as they say, but worth the journey. As a parent you can never stop guiding your children and accepting that there will be many struggles for them in life. They need your help until they find their way in life whatever that may be they will need your support.
From this life experience, my devotion has grown to helping make the journey easier for you and your family.”
— Kellie.
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I invite you to contact me on a confidential basis to talk about what might make the difference for you and your child. A Voice for Your Child.
Click to learn more about what Kellie’s client have to say.