We've been struggling since August. Finally, we had Ben tested in November and he was diagnosed with Autism, Anxiety Disorder, Amblyopia and Dyspraxia. I've felt so guilty for not listening to him complain that writing hurt his hands that I've had him do almost no writing since we got the test results in November. We have had a miracle in that Ben's eye has "connected" with his brain and is working as it should after six months of eye patching and exercises. He has 20/40 sight in his eye now and has to wear corrective glasses to keep his brain from getting lazy again, but no more patching, thanks be to God!
After spending the past six months reading about autism and homeschooling I have decided to switch to a more Charlotte Mason curriculum adapted to Ben's needs and abilities. Ben is really past much of this curriculum, but I want a strong foundation before we begin Third Grade in August. We will homeschool all year to catch up.
We've spent the past month studying Geology and ended with a trip to Eureka Springs, AR for Ben's birthday trip. We went to Cosmic Cavern in Berryville, to see the Christ of the Ozark statue, and to see my cousin Debbie at Quigley's Castle. We spent one night at Turpentine Creek Refuge Center listening to the lions, tigers, cougers and bobcats growling and roaring all night. The next night we spent at the most haunted hotel in America, the Crescent Hotel. We heard one ghost, but Ben was very excited and kept watching for more. Pictures.
Tomorrow we meet with Ben's new Psychiatrist to begin his drug therapy and on Tuesday we will meet his new therapist.
