It’s been two weeks since our big blow up and the suggestion from Brad to consider ABA for Izzy. I’ve done a lot of research, a lot of praying and she’s days away from being a kiddo at Autism Companion Services.

It’s been a good two weeks. She had a great 4th of July. She has enjoyed playing with Griffin lately, and didn’t kill him when he ripped a hole in Bearbears head! She had a fun session with Brad. And she has watched Hamilton about 52 times! I told her about the “autism school” on 7/6 and it didn’t go over very well. She was angry we didn’t include her in the decision, and she told her dad I was sending her to a concentration camp. Now there’s a dramatic, near teenage autistic girl for ya!

But since that day, she has settled into the idea and tonight when I said “ok, so we’re doing online Noblesville school at the Autism Center School, right?” She said “yeah” without attitude or anger. We decided we would still go tour Hamilton Heights Middle School next week so that when it’s time to go back to public school, she can make the decision of Noblesville or Heights.

Yesterday we met the centers Behavioral Analyst. Loved her. Sitting there chatting with her was like talking to an old friend who gets my life. My girl. My pride and heartbreak and goals. I think once her comfort level increases, Izzy will like Dr Angela a lot….Iz was pretty stand-off-ish toward her yesterday.

We are meeting with Jane (director of the center whom we met as a band mom 4 yrs ago) on Friday afternoon for Izzy to have a chance to ask her questions about the center. The center is brand new. It will be small. And I hope it’s perfect for our girl. I’m actually glad Jackson will be leaving soon after she starts with ABA. I think we’ll probably have some behaviors

I started writing this on Wednesday. It’s now Friday night. Izzy got herself together and made it to the rabbit show at the 4H fairgrounds this morning. Took three rabbits. Got three blues including a Best of Variety. It was so different this year, but she did great.

And we had our meeting with Jane today. We spent 90 mins with Izzy asking questions and Jane giving calm and wonderful answers. I really enjoyed watching Jane interact with Iz and was thrilled that Iz was able to ask Jane the questions we had written down. I think we were both filled with comfort and peace and I’m actually excited for this opportunity for Iz. She will spend her days with someone I trust and the people she hand picked to help her run the center. And God led us here, so that brings peace as well.

Izzy even agreed to no cell phone at the center (what?!?!) and the future of Bearbear is to be determined. I’m afraid that will be too much, but I’m not the professional and I need to leave that to them. I am the helper, not the leader. (Brad would be so proud). 😂