Parenting a Child With Special Needs

Anyone who knows me, knows that I carry a special place in my heart for cildren with Down Syndrome. I absolutely LOVE them! I worked in high school special education for 2 years before we left Kansas. I LOVE special ed. kids! Seriously-they are amazing!! That being said, I've didn't understand why "Gifted" children were classified under Sspecial education. I understand now! Parenting a gifted child is truly parenting a child with special needs. I have 2! There minds are amazing, but their giftedness requires extra attention just as a child with Down's would. To the right, you will see a picture of this challenge I am delving into. At 8 years old, Jace had not formerly been tested out because we transfered schools, twice. Settled in New Mexico, I had told his teacher of the suspicions everyone has had, but she didn't originally take me seriously. Afterall, everyone claims there kid is gifted, right?! Not if they realizied the difficulty this blessing comes with! 2nd grade. Assignments are complete within minutes, thoroughly correct, but NOT TURNED IN! He just doesn't care! I've been beyond frustrated in the past few days, as this revelation has shed more light. How can I possibly make him care? Why would you do the assignments and not turn them in?! Among other things, these have surfaced with more difficulty. Maybe I should ask his mother! Afterall, didn't I do the EXACT SAME THING?! When I was told my I.Q. (higher than Albert Einstein's) it didn't encourage me. I don't remember much from that time period. The entire chunk of my life from 2years old until 10 is completely blocked out do to tramatic events that took place. My dad says I wouldn't even DO the homework-but I always aced the tests. Apparently my teacher would catch me not taking notes, doodling, etc., and surprise me with a baffling question, to which I always answered correctly. I had EVERY option available for my life. Any school would have paid to have me. I didn't even have to try. But, all I wanted was to be a mom. It doesn't utilize my brain power the way a doctorette would, but it is fulfilling in its own. So what then, should I expect of my 8 year-old, and 5 year-old?! I want MORE FOR THEM than I accepted from life! They have absolute and complete potential!! He just doesn't care. Stricken wioth guilt and frustration, I sought out help and went to Borders. Nothing in stock. I need help immediately-I don't want to order a book! Barnes and Noble-she can't find it! I looked myself and found 2! Hooray! Reading it faster than I have the Twilight series, I have learned SO MUCH more than I would have expected, for Jace, Aubrey and MYSELF! Things that stunned me before are now making since. Behaviors are understood and explained. This changes everything! Jace should begin receiving services at school in the fall. Aubrey will be tested out and follow suit. Their mother?! Well-she is becoming a better parent and learning about herself along the way!