#33 Death of a Pet

Wow, this is a hard one. Our dog, Hoover, has been diagnosed with cancer and has weeks or a few months to live. He's older than either of our children, so this is a big deal. We're telling the boys tonight and will write a bucket list with them of things to do with Hoover before he goes. Ice cream and bacon will factor on this list.

Nick is very sensitive and I predict much drama from him (and me, actually). Jack, however, is a complete mystery to me. I have no idea what to expect from him. He's seen Marley and Me and seemed to understand it. Sort of.

So today's question is this: how did your autistic child/student/patient react to the death of a pet? What did you do that seemed to help in this situation? What advice do you have?

Thanks in advance!

#32 Bussing

Does your child with autism ride the special bus or the regular bus? What factors went into your decision?

Jack has always ridden the special bus. With his IEP coming up, this issue needs to be addressed for next year. His big brother will be in 5th grade (the oldest grade on the regular bus) and may possibly be able to watch out for his little brother. Jack hasn't said a word about riding the same bus as his brother, but other kids in the neighborhood (we have LOTS of them) have asked why Jack rides a different bus. THey accept the answer readily, but I wonder. Should we take the plunge and put Jack on the regular bus for second grade?

What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance for sharing!