Things have been unusually quiet around here over the last few days.
There have been no meltdowns and no rages. No huge messes to clean, no crises to control. We have had no sibling run-ins. Why we've been productive and even were able to tackle many a project in need of our attention.
Why it's downright unnerving.
So how did we accomplish this seemingly impossible feat?
Two glorious words:
Summer camp.
For the last five days, my complicated kids have been safely tucked away in the mountains, enjoying (I hope) camping, rafting, swimming and hiking. It's a wonderful program and a beautiful location.
In the past we've struggled with finding a camp that was a good fit. Most special needs programs in our area are geared towards kids with much more significant needs. This leaves my kids feeling out of place and totally unmotivated to participate.
On the flip side, traditional camp programs -- sans the needed supports and understanding -- would be and have been a recipe for disaster.
But the program we found offered the best of both worlds. It's specifically designed for high-functioning kids with ADHD, learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. While the kids are expected to be somewhat self-sufficient, the staff is trained and the goal is to work on social skills and other issues -- all while having some fun in the process. Why it's a match made in heaven for my two.
However, there was one other minor hurdle to clear.
The cost.
There's always a catch, isn't there? In the past, we didn't even consider this program because of the $650 per child price tag. But thanks to an extremely generous scholarship from the camp and help from our local autism society, we were finally able to make this happen.
Getting my kids there was pretty painful. There was lots of anxiety, fear of transition and the packing issues encountered could fill a whole post on their own. But as I sit here typing in quiet, I have to say it was all worth it. And how.
Coming off some pretty stressful times, this respite has given our family much needed time to regroup. We've been able to simply think, rest and spend some quality time with our other two children.
Most notable has been the different this respite has made on their own behavior. The Little Stinker, who is usually prone to acting out, has shown relatively few signs of bad behavior. Even better, the usual drama that normally oozes from the Big Girl has been virtually non-existent. While all of this is wonderful, I am saddened by the realization of negative impact of their brother's and sister's conditions have had on them.
Today my complicated kids will return home. I'm anxious to hear how they did and if they enjoyed themselves. In the meantime I will enjoy my last few hours of peace. I'm also praying that this down time has given me the fortitude I need to handle the remaining weeks of summer.
Wish me luck!
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