The woman who has been sitting with Clay four afternoons a week gave her notice this week, sending us scrambling for a replacement.
Clay is in high school, so gets home by 2:30 most days, leaving a long afternoon ahead. The little guy needs some down time, a chance to “decompress” from school. But we also want his afternoons to be productive, filled with activities, typing, reading, homework and a minimum of “stimming” (rolling on the floor, jumping on the bed, etc.)
So, we have two weeks to find a new sitter with the right personality, experience with autism and, preferably, a background in special education. I had to double-check my math, but this will be our sixth sitter in a little more than a year and a half. That’s a lot of change. (I don’t think it’s me, but to be safe, I’m vowing to begin showering at least twice a week going forward.)
Thanks to a growing network of family and friends and the Web site Care.com (which has always come through for us before), we already have some strong candidates.
We filled Clay in on the situation, and that all three of us would be meeting one candidate later today. What did he think?
“So happy another lady is intrested in staying with me,” he typed. “Please tell aplicant that we are thrilled.”
“Is there anything else you want her to know?” my wife asked.
“Would like to tell her that we are smart.”
Absolutely. That is the most important thing the new sitter needs to understand.
Life With Clay 
#1 by Loretta on February 11, 2011 - 9:07 am
Clay IS smart and I’ll bet he’ll be able to tell which candidate is The One. Sending prayers that that s/he is the perfect fit for your family and also sent to you soon enough so there is no lapse in coverage.
#2 by autismmommytherapist on February 11, 2011 - 9:19 am
I’m already perseverating about when our wonderful sitter will leave us for adult life in two years, I can only imagine the stress of having two weeks! Wishing you great luck in your next acquisition!
#3 by Kathy Perry on February 11, 2011 - 9:58 am
How insightful of Clay to make those remarks. He is truly one special kid! I know you will find the right match!
#4 by Char Brandl on February 11, 2011 - 10:34 am
You are so right, Clay. When I first started using FC with my students – way back in 1992 – that’s what every single one of them wanted everyone to know. And I find it interesting that so many of them use the plural – WE are smart, or as the title of my book says, “SEE US SMART!” Good luck in finding that special person who gets it!
#5 by The Domestic Goddess on February 11, 2011 - 11:30 am
Way to go, Clay!
We’ve also been through our share of respite, sitters, staff, you name it. When we find a good person, I don’t want to let them go! UGH. Such a frustrating process. Glad you found someone.
#6 by Gpa Tony on February 13, 2011 - 2:40 pm
Glad to hear about the showering. I meant to tell you about that.
I am sure someone will take the position. When they meet Clay, and find that he is a very smart boy, and fun to be with. I only wish I could be of some help to you guys, but old age is not cooperating.
Love,
Gpa