Autism and other disabilities

Awards

2010-05-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

The school year is over. Josh just finished 2nd grade. For a child with many challenges he did real well. Earned 2nd place in the math bee, 1st place in the spelling bee. He earned AB honor roll, Math award, and Spelling award. He has learned to zip and button.

Amethyst just finished 4th grade. She tried her hand at choir. While, she didn't enjoy it as much as she thought she would; I think it was a good experience for her. She won A honor roll and Math award.

Updated 2010

2010-01-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

Wow. I have not been on here in ages. So, here is the scoop. Josh is now 7 almost 8 and in second grade. He is mainstreamed into a regular class with a full time aid. He makes A's and B's. He loves foreign languages, Candy Land, and Super Why. He is missing school due to snow days. He has also been diagnosed with ADHD and OCD on top of the pdd-nos probably Asperger's. He has spent one day in MIA (their version of in school suspension). We love his aid. She is the absolute best.
I wish our school system had a special class for higher functioning autism. He's to smart for resource but has difficulties in a regular class.
Amethyst is a great big sister soon to be 10. She loves her brother, but does get frustrated at times, when he insists that she plays his games with him.
My husband is a wonderful help. He gives me support and breaks. We are working on 12 yrs of marriage.
I currently work for Faces of Hope. A non-profit organization. We provide therapy to all special needs children. I love my job which is always changing.
www.facesofhopetn.com for more information.

My Dreams about Autism

2009-02-25T18:30:00.000-08:00

I dream of a world of understanding towards families living with autism spectrum disorders. I dream of a church that doesn't hide these children and pretend that they don't exist.
I dream of people understanding when my child acts up because he is sick and can't tell me what's wrong.
I dream of a Charter School for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders weather on the low functioning side or high functioning side. Because we all know the regular public schools don't want to deal with our children.
They make charter and Magnet schools for the smart kids. Why not for my son, who is smart but has behavior issues because of his pdd-nos and behavior conduct disorder-nos.
I dream of a day-care center for children with autism. So, that I can go to work and provide financially for my family.
I dream of an after school program for my child with autism.
No one wants to deal with our children. We are alone in this fight. Only God is with us. Thankfully, God is bigger than this world.
I dream of a sitter for special needs children, so that I might go out once in awhile. I can only dream of taking a vacation without the children. I dream of having a night alone with my husband.
But, most of all dream of my son going to school without his rights being violated.
He did not choose to have autism. He was given autism. His autism has given me a purpose. I hope one day to fill the need of my children, my family, myself and others like me.

Faces of Hope

2009-02-15T15:09:00.000-08:00

www.facesofhopetn.com

I worked half of yesterday. We will soon be ready to open. I can't wait. I am still waiting for help.

Here is a converstation between my best friend and I.

Her: "What are they doing to help him?

Me: "Nothing."

Her: "Nothing? How come?

Me: "We are still waiting for help?

Her: "Your still waiting for help?

Me: "Yes. We are on a two year waiting list for Vanderbuilt. It's only been a year."

Her: "That just isn't right."

Me: "No. It is not. But, what can I do. That is why I am so big on helping Faces of Hope. That is why I am on the board for Faces of Hope."

The End

There are many others waiting for help and hope. I hold on dearly to my family and their support with Joshua.

Fun with a box

2009-01-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

One of the symptoms of autism is the arm flapping. Joshua flaps his arms when he gets excited. Can you belive he has surgery this morning? He is a trooper. He is a good boy. I am proud of him.

Money and Special Needs child

2009-01-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

The problem with having a special needs child is that everyone wants your money. They some how think you have thousands of dollars to spend on things your child needs. PECs about 50 to over a hundred dollars. Special assistant dog 8,000 dollars does not include shots and vet fees. Special needs bicycles 3,000 and up. Where am I supposed to get all this money. We can't work because there are no day cares for our children. Diets and biomedical treatments beyond my calculations. The bottom line only the rich can help there children. ABA thearpy to expensive and not coveeered by insurance.

18 P minus

2009-01-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

18 p minus is a very rare chromozone disorder. There is only a hundred and fifty known world wide. We had no idea what this was until our son was diagnosed with it. They were looking for other things. If you google it, there will be 4 accurate results. Up from two last year at the time he was diagnosed.

Christmas Time

2009-01-04T17:48:00.000-08:00

Blessed with a caring and supportive family.

It's Hard

2009-01-02T17:13:00.000-08:00

When your at a play place with your children. The four year olds know that your older son is different. They look at him funny. You can tell they just know. Why does the social out cast start so young. Your son says the words a mother never wants to hear, "I have no friends." I have to be a mother and a friend. You reassure him that sister and his classmates are his friends. I thank God Everyday Joshua's classmates love him. They treat him the same and help him when he needs it.

Autism The Night Before Christmas/ Author Unknow

2009-01-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

Twas the Night Before Christmas
And all through the house
The creatures were stirring
Yes, even the mouse

We tried melatonin
And gave a hot bath
But the holiday jitters
They always distract

The children were finally
All nestled in bed
When nightmares of terror
Ran through my OWN head

Did I get the right gift
The right color
And style
Would there be a tantrum
Or even, maybe, a smile?

Our relatives come
But they don't understand
The pleasure he gets
Just from flapping his hands.

"He needs discipline," they say
"Just a well-needed smack,
You must learn to parent.."
And on goes the attack

We smile and nod
Because we know deep inside
The argument is moot
Let them all take a side

We know what it's like
To live with the spectrum
The struggles and triumphs
Achievements, regressions. .

But what they don't know
And what they don't see
Is the joy that we feel
Over simplicity

He said "hello"
He ate something green!
He told his first lie!
He did not cause a scene!

He peed on the potty
Who cares if he's ten,
He stopped saying the same thing
Again and again!

Others don't realize
Just how we can cope
How we bravely hang on
At the end of our rope

But what they don't see
Is the joy we can't hide
When our children with autism
Make the tiniest stride

We may look at others
Without the problems we face
With jealousy, hatred
Or even distaste,

But what they don't know
Nor sometimes do we
Is that children with autism
Bring simplicity.

We don't get excited
Over expensive things
We jump for joy
With the progress work brings

Children with autism
Try hard every day
That they make us proud
More than words can say.

They work even harder
Than you or I
To achieve something small
To reach a star in the sky

So to those who don't get it
Or can't get a clue
Take a walk in my shoes
And I'll assure you.

That even 10 minutes
Into the walk
You'll look at me
With respect, even shock.

You will realize
What it is I go through
And the next time you judge
I can assure you
That you won't say a thing
You'll be quiet and learn,
Like the years that I did
When the tables were turned.

------------ --------- -------

Happy Birthday 08Cha Cha Joshua

2009-01-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

children with autism start arm flapping when they get excited.

Repeating Sounds

2009-01-02T16:31:00.000-08:00

They love to repeat things over and over again.

Anxiety

2008-12-31T09:22:00.000-08:00

When you haven't slept well. Anxiety is worse. Unrealistic fears and such. I am no stranger. I take medicine for it. Caffine makes it worse. But, you crave caffine when you are this tired and stressed. Dealing with one autistic child is hard. Then, you have the older sibling who thinks you should pay attention to her twenty-four seven.

Is 2008 really almost over

2008-12-31T07:21:00.000-08:00

It's so hard to believe. I best get back to my diet. Excersice is hard to get in when thekids are out of school. I am past ready for the break to be over. I need to find my goals for 2009.

Hyperlexia

2008-12-30T06:20:00.000-08:00

Numbers and letters are everywhere. My son loves the multiplication cd my duaghter got for Christmas from her teacher. He has numerous collection of letter puzzles, posters, magnets and the same for numbers. He loves forgein languages. Getting him to pick up his toys when done is a chore. We already lost part of Christmas toy.

A Day in House of ASD

2008-12-30T06:16:00.001-08:00

We wake up. My son has a tantrum at 6 years of age over the computer. Only he knows what is wrong. Then, we play in his room. Then, he is happy again. He doesn't even remember what set him off to begain with. He isn't feeling well. He finally tells me. "I don't feel good. But, I get better." Words worth a lot to me. That finally he told me. I know I am blessed because my child can talk. He is higher functioning.

Faces of Hope Opening Soon

2008-12-29T18:04:00.000-08:00

Finally we have an address. Hope to be open in March or April. I can't wait. We so need this. Still on a two year waiting list for Vandy's autism clinic. Got another year to go. I am enjoying being on the board. Leslie Face is th founder. I am just a board member, but loving it. Everyone on the board is so nice.

Why is it?

2008-12-29T17:59:00.000-08:00

That to get help for your special needs child. You must be richer than rich. I was looking at adaptive bikes for our autistic child. They range from 400 up to and beyond 4,000 dollars. The diet was to costly for our already strapped budget. Biomedical doctors claim to help. But, not many of us can afford them. Most insurances won't pay for the neccessary theapies he needs. The co-pays would be outragous. Then, trying to find a place near by that offers it. Good luck.

Welcome to My World It's called autism

2008-12-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

Well, today I had a Brownie Cookie Training. I took the kids with me thinking there was child care. Joshua did well. But, had few tantrums. One small meltdown. I am embarrassed. They all know he's autistic. But, it does not make it any easier.

Snow Day

2008-12-16T12:20:00.001-08:00

Welll here it is another snow day. Joshua and Gracie are doing well. They have some new stuff to entertain them.

My darling Daughter

2008-12-13T17:55:00.000-08:00

is driving me up the wall. She keeps having tantrums over a magic trick. She can't get right away. She is very smart. But, does not like to practice stuff that is hard. She wants my help, then, she does not want my help. I try to help, but to no avail. She is stubborn.

Joshua is ill

2008-12-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

Joshua is ill again. He is on antibiotic Bactrum for an ear infection. Yet, he has a small fever. Not eating. Throat seems sore. Perhaps mom is right and we should move to Arizona. Where it is warm all year. As he gets sick soon as it turns cold. Or in the spring when we have a cold snap.

Well Welcome to my world

2008-12-11T14:07:00.001-08:00

Joshua had an awesome day. But, I can't seem to get him to do his math homework. Which he usually loves. He can do it. It's easy for him.

Autism

2008-12-09T16:18:00.000-08:00

There are many forms of autism. That is why most are called autism spectrum disorder ASD for short. Our son has ASD known as persasive developement disorder not otherwise specified. PDD-NOS for short. Basically, he shows some of the signs of asperger's syndrome but not all of them. So, he is lumped in here. He flaps his arms when excited. he repeats pharses and actions. He loves to stack cans and orange saftey cones. He has hyperlexia a fasiniation with letters and numbers.

He knows 6 different languages. Yet, he behaves like a two year old hitting when upset. He has poor coordination. He has floppy muscle tone.