In the last year, I have done more for Phoebe than ever before.  I thought the first few years of her life were difficult with asthma and illness, but that doesn’t hold a candle to this.  I have been to at least 25 appointments since June of last year.  That doesn’t count regular doctors appointments (6 to the dentist alone) and ER visits that my mom helped with.  Phoebe and I sat with a woman to do an intake at our local Community Mental Health Department that had never dealt with Autism or PDD-NOS.  She didn’t understand Emotional Impairments, and didn’t understand anxiety.  She told Phoebe the appointment would last HOURS, and that she should be patient.  I shook my head.  I finally told her to call me and we could finish.  It was the most ridiculous experience.  I was proud of Phoebe for being able to control herself for an hour, when all I wanted her to do was freak out, so we could leave.  I then went to an “autism” evaluation that had a young lady asking Phoebe questions like, “Phoebe, when you were young did you look at people when they entered the room?”  About mid-way through this “evaluation” I stopped her.  I handed her the Yale Autism Clinic evaluation done when Phoebe was in 4th grade.  It is 35 plus pages about Phoebe’s Autism/PDD-NOS diagnosis.  I said to her nicely, “We are leaving, and if you have any other concerns you can call me.”  Phoebe said, “YEAH…LET’S GO.”   I am not naturally an angry person.  I usually give people the benefit of the doubt.  This whole process has me doubting everything.

I am in the literal fight of my life to prove she needs me as her guardian.  I will attend a Psychological evaluation that the court orders.  My mind immediately goes to the thought of why ANYONE would want to do this if it wasn’t necessary.  Are there people who try to get guardianship that’s not warranted?  I can’t imagine (but am sure there are).   I will get an Guardian-ad-litem, because the court wants to make sure she is what I say she is.  I can’t wait for that person to come over.  I’m certain Phoebe will tell them to get out in her “subtle” way.  I have made about 50 phone calls to departments about the fact she is being denied CMHS services starting in April, because certain paperwork was not filed.  (which it was)  (Thank god for my case worker, who is the nicest person ever) Next up is Social Security Disability.  I can’t imagine what that will be like. That was an hour phone call, to which then the person told me to call back April 1st and the process would be easier, because she will have been 18 for one month and considered an adult.  (With clenched teeth, I smiled and said ok)

Now, you may think this is a lot for a Single Mom.  It’s a lot for ANY Mom/family. It certainly is a lot for me.  I am a teacher that also works about 50-60 hours per week.  (That’s right, I come home and do work)  The system wants me to fail.  They want me to give up.  I feel like every step is a test to see if I can withstand the process.  I have to admit, it might be easier to give up.  I’m exhausted most of the time.  I yell more. I’ve been more sick than ever this school year.   However, I can’t do that to this family.  Phoebe NEEDS these services.  SHE is the reason these services exist, right?  I’ll keep fighting and calling, and doing all these appointments with a tense smile because she needs it.  We need it.  She has to have some sort of a happy future.  She deserves that.

EVERYONE deserves a happy future – disability (special needs) or not.  I’m ready to fight.