the boy that cried wolf.  Or rather, the boy that never cries wolf.  If Matthew complains pretty consistently to me that he sees a black spot in his eye, I believe him.  How would he make that up?  If he doesn't complain to staff at the group home, does that mean it doesn't exist?  I find their nonchalant behavior callous.

Ongoing staffing issues - who doesn't experience that?  But when it involved a disabled adult it is hard to pin down when emotional abuse takes place.   I let slip that an upcoming event is very important to Matt.  I used it to try to get him to follow directions. But now fear that staff will use it over and over like a threat.

Staff (O) said Matt was getting physical - really?  Or were they trying to get him to do something by putting his hat on his head or moving his jacket?  Matt will react - but does he instigate?  I have only seen him physical when being forced to do something he doesn't want to or if someone takes something that he feels belongs to him.  

FAMILY SAGA CONTINUES

come on - when do we get a break?

now it is my sister who is breaking our hearts.

what causes people to feel self imposed guilt?

I hope we make it to 2012

WHY DON'T YOU SEE HOW SMART HE IS??!!

Matthew - an adult with Down Syndrome - has read like forever. He is 41 and he has been reading well over half his life. His vocabulary is huge. His spelling and writing not so good. He can't seem to recall words but when he sees them he can understand them.

For yet the hundredth time, someone at his group home wanted to put him in a basic reading class. Where is your head people? He reads! He reads the Arts & Leisure section of the NYTimes (Okay - he reads about the movies but he is reading). So I suggested that they deal with Matt using the written word. Encourage the reading and writing in every day events. Help challenge him since he is by far the most advanced special needs person in the house - and he is BORED.

Tonight on 60 minutes they did a program about the iPad and how it has helped autistic children. I think it might help Matt move to the next level. Perhaps there is a secret genius there just bursting to come out :-)

ABUSE CONTINUES

I think it may be impossible to stop now that it has started - and it has been discussed with the two special needs individuals. I cannot help but think that even if they know it is wrong, they know it draws attention and that is something I think they crave.

So how do we get the individual to stop bothering Matthew? Even if it occurs infrequently, I can't help but imagine that he might be fearful or intimidated all the time.

FAMILY AND DOC TO MEET ARC SUPPORT TEAM

Finally got it all scheduled - and now have SLiberi attending. Fingers crossed.

ABUSE?

And what is the ARC's reaction? I am still waiting. I identified on Sunday night that there may be physical intimidation by one resident towards Matthew....very specifically regarding his private parts. Staff said an investigation would ensue.

I saw psychiatrist today to discuss but group home manager called in sick so we couldn't discuss with her. Matt described briefly the same scenario - of resident grabbing his nuts.

Doc wants to meet with ARC and find out just what will be done to address this.

Family not helping me. I can't do this alone.