Shawn,
I just posted on my Ledger.com Parent's Resource Thread information regarding GIFTED and HIGHLY GIFTED children.

http://forums.theledger.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4521043365/m/8661056416/p/3

I wanted to reply to your thread "Do You Really Want A Genius If It Comes with An Autistic Tag?"

http://talk.polkmoms.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/9781058796/m/2731062996

but didn't know if my reply was necessarily direct to your title, so I decided to put it here instead. I will address some things that came to mind as I read your thread. I don't know if it's a matter of "wanting a genius" or not "if it comes with an Autistic tag" so much as getting and being challenged with the gifts God knows parents are capable of handling. Genius is oftentimes used interchangeably with Gifted and Savant, which are two different things, so I am unsure which you are truly speaking of??

This better explains the challenges of the Gifted or Highly Gifted:

http://www.ri.net/gifted_talented/character.html

Autism is not something anybody I know would wish for, even if excellence in another area was indicated. It's so difficult for the child who bears the burden, I know most of the early years with my daughter were fraught with frustration for her, and not exactly easy on my/our end as parents either.

However, that said I'm very blessed to have my daughter, who is autistic. And quite frankly, the savant connection, from what I understand is rare. Although, I will say this, the line between genius and insanity can also be a thin one.

I do believe that all children are gifted, one way or another, it's a matter of finding their gift and nurturing it. And all children, just like adults, also have their weaknesses, and it's a parent's job to help stregnthen those areas, or work with them on that. As we hopefully do our own as well.

My purpose is to pass along information that another parent might be interested in. Do I want parents to think their child is going to be autistic if they are genius, or vice versa? No.

There are a lot of experts of many forms, from psychiatrists to geneticists that are trying to determine the mystery of the mind and how it works. The psychiatrist in the article I linked to, Michael Fitzgerald, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College, theorizes characteristics linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) were the same as those associated with creative genius. This is this person’s theory. It is also his theory that Einstein among others could have been autistic.

Here is where I was going with this article. As I said, Albert Einstein is featured in this article. I think that I can safely assume, for most people, Einstein is the “poster boy” of genius. I think I can also safely assume most parents want what is best for their child. In a lot of ways, life can be perceived much easier if you are super intelligent. I would think there has been parents that have thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice if my child turned out to be the next Albert Einstein?”. This article I thought gave a new spin on that way of thinking. I know it did for me.

I completely agree that you get what you get when you have a child. If you wish for certain characteristics in your child, it doesn’t mean that you are going to get them. My son Ryan for instance has Duarte Galactosemia. Do I wish that he didn’t have it? Of course I do. But will I accept him or love him any less because of it? No way! For me, I have 5 children pulling from a broad gene pool. They all differ greatly in intelligence and personality and that is what makes them unique and who they are and I love them for it.


I in no way wanted to portray autism, genius, savant, or giftedness as being a negative.

Hi, Shawn,

I didn't think you were attempting to portray anything negative. I, personally, don't see those with ASD or other ability or conversely disability as negative anyway. Anyway........ I just didn't see your link and therefore, hadn't read the article. Which is why I created this thread, too. I didn't want to hijack a thread on ASD, but take the direction of the Gifted, since that is our situation.

Also, to show that while some may initially say or think:

"Wouldn’t it be nice if my child turned out to be the next Albert Einstein?" may have its faults, too. Like "the grass is greener on the other side" mentality. Being a parent on the end of Giftedness has its own struggles and challenges. I think that some people, scientists especially, want or need to place labels when they don't understand something or someone. Labels make it easier to categorize that which is sometimes unexplainable.

I think you are doing a great job of it here, especially starting something new for mamas to come together.

Thank you American, I think that you are doing a great job too. I apreciate the sharing of your vast insight to being a mom and teacher.

I know, I get what you're saying Shawn, but I highly doubt, with what many parents go through with autism, anybody who has had experience with the disorder would wish for it, if they knew what their child would have to deal with, or what it can do to families.

Lack of support from other family members, not to mention the higher divorce rates of families that have autistic children ~ I just don't think anyone of right mind would wish it either way.

But, I don't know many parents that would not want to give birth to the next "Einstein" so to speak either. But it's really not a fair trade off for either child or parent, if autism is the trigger or how to say, the disorder with the gift tag.

And I know what I'm talking about, I have an autistic daughter, and I have met many other parents of autistic children. It's not something to wish for; however, like most things, it's how one deals with it in the end that can make all the difference. And we often learn more about love under difficult circumstances, than under the easier ones. And I have two other children who are amazingly gifted. I've learned so much from each of them, but the lessons with my one daughter have been of a nature that I never would have gleaned just from having "gifted" children.

Humility and empathy come to mind.

Before my daughter, I can remember seeing kids act up and feeling somewhat superior, (even though I would never dare say as much, even then) as my oldest was one of the best behaved in any setting. It was definitely a lesson when my autistic daughter for many, many years did not respond no matter how I tried to teach her.

And my empathy levels are far greater to other parents now, or people in situations out of their control. It's a myth to think we can always teach. Sometimes, instead, we learn.

Just as Shawn's intention was to bring this concept of "Genius with a side disability" into light at the other thread......Mine here is to share from a personal perspective on the converse side of that.....having Gifted and Highly Gifted children who offer their own sets of challenges and rewards. I think too often, some parents parent out of competition to the Jones. The age old "grass is greener on the other side" mentality again. Sadly the children lose out. Or out of grief or denial, the parents do nothing for years to the development of their child(ren). Again, the children lose out. And it isn't a matter for parents to argue who has it toughest, has the most challenges, the most pain and grief. To one, something may be extreme while to another, not so much so. Neither is right nor wrong, better nor worse - just so.


************************************************

GIFTED and the HIGHLY GIFTED child:


************************************************

CHARACTERISTICS AND BEHAVIORS OF THE GIFTED:

"The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this:

A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive.

To him...
a touch is a blow,
a sound is a noise,
a misfortune is a tragedy,
a joy is an ecstasy,
a friend is a lover,
a lover is a god,
and failure is death.

Add to this cruelly delicate organism the overpowering necessity to create, create, create - - - so that without the creating of music or poetry or books or buildings or something of meaning, his very breath is cut off from him. He must create, must pour out creation. By some strange, unknown, inward urgency he is not really alive unless he is creating."

-Pearl Buck-"

http://www.ri.net/gifted_talented/character.html



************************************************


GIFTED CHILDREN:



THE GIFTED CHILD SOCIETY:
MISSION STATEMENT:

"The Gifted Child Society is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1957 by parents of New Jersey to further the cause of gifted children. Its mission goals are:

Educational enrichment and support services specifically designed for gifted children.
Assistance to parents in raising gifted children to full and productive adulthood.
Professional training to encourage educators to meet the special needs of these youngsters.
A greater effort to win public recognition and acceptance of these special needs.
Since 1957, the Society has served over 60,000 children and their families. In 1975, the U.S. Department of Education named it a national demonstration model."

http://www.gifted.org/



GIFTED CHILDREN:
IDENTIFICATION, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND DEVELOPMENT:

http://www.gifted-children.com/



NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR GIFTED CHILDREN:
MISSION STATEMENT:

"The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is an organization of parents, teachers, educators, other professionals, and community leaders who unite to address the unique needs of children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents as well as those children who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences.

We support and develop policies and practices that encourage and respond to the diverse expressions of gifts and talents in children and youth from all cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic groups. NAGC supports and engages in research and development, staff development, advocacy, communication, and collaboration with other organizations and agencies who strive to improve the quality of education for all students.

NAGC defines a gifted person as someone who shows, or has the potential for showing, an exceptional level of performance in one or more areas of expression."

http://www.gifted-children.com/



AMERICAN MENSA:

http://www.us.mensa.org/Content/AML/NavigationMenu/Prog.../Gifted_Children.htm



THE NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR GIFTED AND CREATIVE CHILDREN (NFGCC):

"The National Foundation for Gifted and Creative Children was formed over 30 years ago. The main goal of The Foundation was to get much needed information to the parents of gifted children. The need is still there. Many gifted children are being destroyed in the public education system. Many gifted children are being falsely labeled with ADD as well as ADHD. And many parents are unaware their child/children could be potentially gifted. The Foundation's main objective is to reach out and help these precious children. The National Foundation for Gifted and Creative Children is a non-profit, non-sectarian, organization. Please feel free to download the complete packet of information provided by the Foundation as well as the informative news articles."


"To give a fair chance to potential creativity
is a matter of life and death to any society."

Arnold Toynbee


"It is vital that the emotional needs of these complex, sensitive, independent children be integrated into the educational process."

Marie Friedel

http://www.nfgcc.org/



EDUCATION.COM:

"Being smart has its challenges, and in this area of our website, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions for parents. Although navigating all the issues may seem daunting at times, remember that having a gifted child is exactly what the name implies...a gift."

http://www.education.com/reference/gifted/


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HIGHLY GIFTED CHILDREN:

GIFTED EDUCATION:
HIGHLY GIFTED CHILDREN:

http://www.coe.unt.edu/gifted/parents/highly.htm



HOLLINGWORTH CENTER FOR HIGHLY GIFTED CHILDREN:
A NATIONAL VOLUNTEER RESOURCE AND SUPPORT NETWORK FOR HIGHLY GIFTED CHILDREN, THEIR FAMILIES, SCHOOLS, AND COMMUNITIES:

http://www.hollingworth.org/



GT WORLD:
MISSION:

"At GT World, we strive to provide a warm, comfortable, yet challenging environment in which to explore intellectual giftedness and the issues which surround it. These include parenting and advocating for our children, teaching them how to advocate for themselves, the experience of growing up gifted, obtaining an appropriate education, helping gifted kids with learning disabilities, and the wide range of other issues which tend to be flavored strongly by the our own and our children's "difference". To this end, we provide a number of ways for community members to get together."

http://gtworld.org/



GIFTED DEVELOPMENT CENTER:
A SERVICE OF THE INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT:

http://www.gifteddevelopment.com/


************************************************

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOUR CHILD??

http://www.ri.net/gifted_talented/character.html#Recognizing



OR THIS??

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/asynchrony.htm



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HOMESCHOOLING THE GIFTED OR HIGHLY GIFTED CHILD: (Some of this may offer insight for those whose children attend government or private schools also)



HOMESCHOOLING THE HIGHLY GIFTED:

http://www.hollingworth.org/homesc.html



ASYNCHRONY: HOMESCHOOLING AN EXCEPTIONALLY GIFTED CHILD, by Hilary Cohen:

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOUR CHILD?

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/asynchrony.htm



HOMESCHOOLING HIGHLY GIFTED CHILDREN:

http://www.hollingworth.org/HomSchHG.html



THE HOMESCHOOLING OF ANDREW WYETH:

http://www.nfgcc.org/51.htm



GIFTED CHILDREN & HOMESCHOOLING:
AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY:

http://www.hollingworth.org/homebib.html



INTERNET RESOURCES FOR HOMESCHOOLING GIFTED STUDENTS:

http://www.hollingworth.org/int-res.html



************************************************

"I think too often, some parents parent out of competition to the Jones."

Been there, certainly have experienced that. And having an autistic daughter, having made that clear, one would think, the competiveness would have died down from compassion or wisdom, but no, it never made a difference. . And I even asked for compassion given what I was dealing with at the time. One would think compassion alone would have made it clear I did not need extra challenges. But no, my daughter was called the product of sin, I was given lists of reasons, what have ye, where I was to blame for my daughters condition, I have been and still have to deal with boasting on the part of a nameless person, (they know whom they are) regarding the gifted status of their children. One of the very personal reasons I stated in my above posts, that parents would never hope for autism with their child, regardless of gifts that might come with. And I am not totally unique in this, one can find any number of sites where the impact of having autistic kids as related to support or rather, lack thereof, is discussed. As if the impact of dealing with the unexpected diagnosis of autism were not enough, as if trying to see a child through the difficulties were not enough, as if dealing with grief were not enough, many parents of autistic children find no real support where needed, no real compassion, or even empathy, and ( in even not so extreme cases) are pummelled by not so well meaning folks, or even family with criticisms of what they must be doing wrong to begin with, Blame in other words.


And there is a very good reason, I will not talk furthermore to certain posters.
"Or out of grief or denial, the parents do nothing for years to the development of their child(ren). Again, the children lose out. At least for a while. "

Some still pull out their own pedastal, some still wax falsely judgmental, and some never learn.

I've said it before, but I'll say again, and I know it to be true; good or ugly, what one does returns tenfold; bread on the waters..

Finally, I would have hoped at least some things had changed, but obviously not.

guitarjee

First, let me say, I am sorry to read of what your perspective & experience was.


Second, Is it possible that the persons you mention knew very little of your circumstances, were misguided by others who knew what you were going through, misunderstood from not having the same experience, just plain missed the mark, or retaliated due to some other reason altogether - not necessarily having to do with you, but their own personal life griefs, struggles, challenges, and that you, being in the moment of your circumstances (which would be completely natural) took everything personally or misunderstood yourself? Could it be possible that those persons honestly feel badly, but don't know how to make up for whatever missteps or poor judgments they may have dealt you? If you still feel this same way as you did whenever it occurred, maybe the issue is within you and in letting go of that pain. Allowing yourself to be open to those individuals to see their change? You'll never be able to see change if you feel the same way as if it happened yesterday.

Just some things to consider now that you are on the other side of the initial diagnosis - You mentioned your autistic daughter being your middle child with your youngest, a son, being 11y. I imagine you got the diagnosis far earlier than the teens. Prayer can be healing.



Third, It appears you have taken a personal affront to my thread where none has been intended, as I began posting prior to yourself, and on a completely different thread altogether than anything with autism.



Fourth, I started this thread aside from the other so as not to conflict with each other. Although some overlap of challenges and joys is quite probable.



My intention with this thread was for those who have gifted or highly gifted children to come and discuss what we face during our days. I am not in charge of how someone else will view what I post. If the result is that others who don't have this set of circumstances become offended by our sharing, I can not help that.


This thread is not a deliberate or personal attack on parents with other circumstances. Parents should not have to apologize for their children's gifts or disabilities, nor should a parent of a gifted child be forced to remain silent and not to share what she is going through for fear of how others may take that information.


It is yet another parental challenge and one that those of us with gifted children face. We've had relatives distance themselves from us because they didn't want to face the fact that our children aren't disabled and theirs is. As if we had any power over that to begin with. We realize it comes from a their own grief, but it hurts us, too.

I want to add that when I mentioned that some parents do nothing out of grief or denial, it wasn't a negative thing in the least. For a parent, a label can mean many things and thus need to work through the grieving process. Some, in that process, can only deal by denial. I can't imagine what it must be like to have a diagnosis where a child may be dependent for an entire life.


I'd like to think that parents mature in their children's struggles and can offer compassion, grace, and empathy to others who've gone before us or who will come behind us.

Either way, the journey is for each of us to take and make it what we will.

We are all mothers of one form or another, this is our solidarity. This is the place to provide support and information to our fellow moms tactfully. Please do not allow this site to be a venue for attacks and statements against others. Although rewards and triumphs come with the mom title, there are times when life is stressful and difficult. Negativity posted here could impede another’s ability to unwind and relax, the complete opposite of what this site is set to achieve. Please consider this.

EDUCATING YOUR GIFTED CHILD, by Vicki Caruana who used to teach in Pinellas County. "Vicki Caruana has a Master's degree in gifted and taught both gifted and learning-disabled children in the public schools before deciding to homeschool her two sons. An educational consultant, she speaks frequently on homeschooling and has authored several books, including: The Organized Homeschooler, The ABCs of Homeschooling, and Success in School."

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=43563&p=1010575

I have two sons, both adopted, at different ends of the "stick" so to say.

My 20 year old was adopted at age 4 with delays. He'd been the foster child of friends and when we met him.. we knew he was ours. He later tested mentally retarded with IQ's in the 60's (below 70 is considered mentally retarded). This, however (IMO) is the least of his "problems". He is also ADHD, OCD, Reactive Attachment Disorder, and other diagnoses over the years. I fought with the PCSB for many years to get J to help he needed in school, placement into the right classes, etc. I used to say I'd be happy if he were able to get a job pumping gas (when was the last time you saw someone hired to pump gas, lol, showing my age) as long as he was happy and healthy.

A year after adopting J, we adopted B... an 11 month old "coke" baby who'd spent the majority of his life hooked up to a moniter due to a previous sibling dying of SID's. We took him in, and it was love at first sight. I was warned by the baby Dr NOT to adopt him. I was warned of learning disorders, delays, etc. However this child was mine.. not from my womb, but from my heart. He was a very bright child from the moment we met him. He is now 15, and considered "gifted". He took his SAT's in middle school and tested college level. He tests extrememly high in national testing, state testing. In high school, he has a solid B average, because as he says.. "I'm bored". Currently he has applied to go to the Polk Community College's high school next year (his junior year). It is a random draw, so we're not sure whether he'll get in or not. He has received awards over the years.. he tested top 1% in the FCATs. He has been invited to attend a summer college thing this summer, but doesn't want to go because it's in another state.

My point to this entire post is to say... ALL kids are special. Some are just different from others. Love them, fight for them, teach them. They are our gifts... from God.

Angel, How right you are. Every child has his/her gifts to offer our world!

Second, I want to say to you what a blessing you are to have opened your heart and home to the challenges surrounding babies with difficult beginnings in life. AND that you stuck with it, even when the doctor gave you his opinion. As parents we are our children's advocates and you were moved into action for yours. Bless you!

And as you probably have experienced, not all gifted are gifted in all areas. And some gifted have disabilities as well. Adding the label of gifted doesn't come without its own obstacles to face.

You sound committed to drawing out your sons' gifts no matter the challenge. Your sons sound like they bring you much joy. What a remarkable mama you are! If you feel you have time, please, share more of what you've learned through the years in dealing with the system, getting both your sons' needs met, any questions parents should be asking, and the Community College Program for High Schoolers. These issues are valuable, relevant, and worthy of your experiences.

Again, thank you so much for adding to this topic. I look forward to hearing more of your journey.

quote:

Originally posted by American: If you feel you have time, please, share more of what you've learned through the years in dealing with the system, getting both your sons' needs met, any questions parents should be asking, and the Community College Program for High Schoolers. These issues are valuable, relevant, and worthy of your experiences.

Hi, thanks for the kind words. I've had joys and sorrows, ups and downs, but most parents have. I'll try to answer your questions...

What have I learned about dealing with the system? As far as DCF/HRS is involved.. (both my sons came to us that way)... they don't always let the family know fully what is going on in a child's biological family, all background information. They never offered additional services or help once our adoption's were finalized. Specifically with my oldest son and his multitude of special needs. We were told he was "delayed". That he had been physically, emotionally and mentally abused. I tried to research as much as I could. I sent a questionaire to his birth mother via DCF and she was kind enough (although she obviously wasn't truthful 100% I knew from reading other reports (hospital, DCF, etc). He came to us with "party" dots tattooed onto the webs of his thumbs. She refused to answer any questions about this. He came to us after having been in foster care for less than a year, after being found laying in the street outside their apartment. He came to us with a indentation on his upper forehead (hairline). I did read the hospital reports, it was allegedly from a fall down a flight of stairs... however J always said "Em did it, she hit me with a pot". He was VERY hyperactive, and could be violent at times. Other times he was the most loving, kind, gentle child you'd ever meet. I had to threaten on more than one occasion with them, to "disrupt" the adoption (give him back to DCF, which of course THEY didn't want) in order to get services I couldn't afford (therapies, respite). The respite I did get was 2 hours a week a man would come out and take J off for a bit, to give me a little break. NOT enough, but that was all I could get. As J got older he became more and more disruptive. B grew up watching his older brother go through periods of agressive behaviors, and yes, violence at times. When J was 11 he attacked me... causing some bruising and bite marks. The police were calling during the fight and he was baker acted. After 24 hours he was sent to "juvenile detention".. yes 11 years old and in with kids who'd knowingly broken serious laws, and had full knowledge of it. I fought the system to get him out and into a program. After a month of this, and threatening to take action against the sheriff's dept. if ANYTHING happened to my child while there (they did place him in protective custody and he was observed and kept separate from the general population unless he was with a deputy), he was transferred to a mental health facility. While there, he was sexually molested by another client there. He was transferred to another facility after that. None of them ever addressed the Reactive Attachment Disorder that he'd been diagnosed as having (if you don't know what this is.. google it. You'd be amazed at how well some of the adopted kids fit this diagnosis). He was diagnosed with PTSD as well, and sometimes he would admit he had memories of his birth mom beating him, etc. The odd thing is this... at the time of our adoption I did get a photo of her, and she and I looked close enough to be relatives. I've often wondered if some of the assaults on me by him, weren't actually assaults on HER in his mind. The only thing about the RAD(reactive attachment disorder) that didn't fit him was that they said he did in fact have an attachment to me, but everything else, he fit it to a T). Anyway, after about 2 years, I brought him home. He was good for the most part (with therapy in place, and attending a special school for kids with emotional, mental handicaps). One day after he'd been home about 10 months he had something, and I asked him where he'd gotten it... he said his cousin gave it to him. I asked his adult cousin and he said no, he hadn't given it to him. He had taken him to the mall, however, to give me a break. As it turned out, J had stolen it from the mall. I told him we'd have to take it back. He got extremely upset and began beating me, to the point of breaking the shower curtain rod and beating me with it. I had multiple bruises, as well as a really deep bite mark (one of several bite marks). I was screaming for help... my younger son ran next door to my sisters, she ran over and could see what was going on, she called 911, when the police arrived I had gotten out and he was in the house alone. I tried to explain quickly his diagnosis and what had happened. They had gun's drawn. I was scared to death at what might happen. My son, B was so scared. Anyway, J didn't fight. He was placed in the police car and carried off again, to be baker acted. This time, however, he was charged with domestic violence and aggrivated battery (a felony). No bail. It was a horrible situation anyway. I knew then that I could no longer care for him at home, it simply wasn't safe for me, but more importantly for his younger brother. So I fought the system yet again... I demanded inpatient therapy. I had to go before a group at DCF and tell them essentially I was abandoning my child in order to recieve help for him. I had gotten an attorney because I'd been told if I did this, then they could charge me with abandonment, but as my attorney explained to me, if I didn't do that, then I risked having my other son removed from my home, due to unsafe conditions. So after much prayer from many, I did it. And J was put on an immediate medicaid waiver and went into a group home just before he became 16. He has remained in them ever since (4 years now). There have been ups and downs with this as well. But at least I know that J will have someone to take care of him when I die (I always worried about that). The past few months have been wonderful. He is doing well at school (he can stay in school up to his 22nd birthday), he is doing well in the group home, and I will be picking him up next thursday for Easter weekend. When he does come here, his father (my ex) comes and stays in my home with us, in case there are any problems. Since the time he was removed for the last time, however he has never struck me again. I think sometimes how sad, that we are the only family he has, yet he can't be with us. The group home he lives in is in Tampa, so not like we can see each other daily. DCF was/is willing to spend up to 10's of thousands of dollars a month to house him in a group home and provide services, but yet they were never willing to give me 10.00 a week to help with respite/in home care. No matter, he was.. he is... my son. I call him my little blue eyed boy to this day... and he signs his cards to me that way as well. DCF, Schools, etc. you just have to fight... for what you believe your child needs. I always said I'm not into this as a popularity test, but I'm in this to win, and eventually I won ever battle I fought with the school board.

With B, my younger child... he was always bright, he tested and got into the "gifted" program, however, he also has struggles with boredom and ADD. He frequently "forgets" things (except how to use the computer, tv and video games!!). I took him to s psychiatrist around 4th grade and he was diagnosed with ADD. HE has read up on it, he has read up on his medication. HE is the one who decided when he would take it. He refused to take it for a month, hoping to be able to get off of it (he takes adderal). At the risk of being condemned for not giving my child his medication, I even had HIM tell the DR. he wasn't taking it and way. She said that was fine.. .but in today's society, I didn't want DCF to come knocking on my door and taking my child for failure to provide medications. He takes it school days, and chess tournament days lol. Otherwise he won't take it. I approve of this as well. I don't particularly like medicating him, but I have seen his struggles... and I have had him tell me that the medication DOES help. As far as the College Program.... it's a high school program at the college (Lakeland and Winter Haven campus) where they take college and high school courses. At the end, they can graduate high school and obtain their 2 year degree at the same time (although they told me frequently the kids will require an additional class or two to finish the college requirements afterwards. I'd never heard about it until I got a postcard from them about it. One thing I really liked about it is that he is guaranteed a spot in a state college if he takes does this. I've read recently that more and more kids aren't getting in because so many are wanting in!! He WANTS to do this. He is excited and I am for him. That's basically all I know though about the program. We'll find out in the next couple of months if he gets in or not.

Angel, I don't think there is a proper response to all that you said. You have given a great insight on "the system". You have to be an amazing woman to do all that you have done. What a mom you are!

For your B, I hope that you will get into the PCC program. My oldest son, also a B, Brandon is a high school senior there. He loves it. I have a forum about the program in the teen section and I even wrote an article about it for the Ledger. We had no problems getting in, in fact slots went unfilled when Brandon was accepted.