Celebrating Milestones

This past week has been something to celebrate.  There has been a million things going on in the AutismRockz home.  Kiddo graduated kindergarten.  We had specialist visits then scheduled more.  I have been working on setting up t-shirt campaign, youtube, facebook, and keeping up with blog.  All awhile attempting to pay bills and run house.  Somehow in the mix of all this kiddo has been flourishing verbally.  

He recently came to me and said, "Apple, cut it, please."  This might not sound amazing to you, but he at age of 6 almost 7 has never said four words together.  This wasn't the end of his mind blowing mode.  No way, he took it further by actually answering me after I ranted on over an accident he had.  I told him we don't potty in shorts only in the potty.  He responded with holding hands up and saying, "Ok, Ok."  I literally almost cried over that.  He has never before answered me when speaking.  He has only ever repeated what I say back.  Usually the last word or two of my sentence.  He just amazes me daily.

  When you think there isn't a light at the end of the tunnel remember there always is.  Our kids are like sponges and are constantly soaking the world up around them.  Every second of the day our children are learning.  Celebrating these little or huge milestones make them want to strive for more.  This week my kiddo received two new cars to go with his collection and finally, we gave in and got him a Thomas & Friends Pirate Ship because, Rrrr.... As I sit here and laugh at that you must know he has been hollering, "Pirate Ship, Rrrrr" for at least a month now.  

 Now the summer will begin for us this weekend and I have many more items on list to be taught before school.  Autism can be difficult to navigate thru, yet the view from our train is beautiful.  I look forward to seeing what new things he will learn this summer.  Keeping busy in our home will be key.  Therapies will continue as will daily learning activities.  Let us bring in this summer break with sprinklers, pool play, sidewalk chalk, bubbles and smiles. Let me know what your planning.  We are all in this together, heat and all!  

I Have A First Grader...

    I always knew this day would come though I was told it wouldn't at appropriate age.  Kiddo worked extremely hard to accomplish this.  It is hard to imagine a child that doesn't talk knows all that's needed to move on up that ladder.  He does shock and amaze me daily.  Recently in a moment of clarity I realized he was counting in Spanish.  I guess this shouldn't blow my mind when he is watching youtube videos in all languages but our own.  Well thanks kiddo, It's not like I already have a hard time understanding you.  Once he came home signing his alphabet so I had to learn my ABC's in sign too so I could understand.  Sorry kiddo I am not sure at this age I have the patience to learn in Japanese, Dutch, German and French.  This is how autism works though doesn't it?

    We started this long journey when he was 18 months.  I knew before that things were different.  I kept holding out thinking maybe he is a little behind.  Let's face it, boys do tend to take it a little slower at milestones then girls.  Finally I knew I couldn't wait any longer in fear I would be hurting him by not getting the help he needed.  When we began this autism life he had no words.  The final diagnosis came in around 24 months.  At that point he didn't speak at all.  Only allot of meltdowns, screaming and throwing himself to the ground.  I know you all get this.  It could be chalked up as the terrible two's if you didn't know us personally. I was told at one point that he would never speak. I got him into ECI home therapy and had him in a PPCD school program at three.  He has spent the last three in a half years doing this program and here we are today.  On time, actually going into first grade just like any other 6 year old.  He still doesn't come chat it up with me.  He may never have a conversation with me or become a famous poet.  That's fine with me folks.  What matters is he keeps fighting, keeps learning, and never gives up.  

My message to you parents or caregivers, is to never give up.  Keep fighting the good fight.  Stay strong and never ease up on those therapies.  I thank God daily for our speech therapist.  Connect with your child's support group and stay involved.  Then sit back with me and smile when you see your kiddo accomplish yet another goal.  

Tell me about your child's accomplishments. Let me know your thoughts by hitting the button below.  Remember we are all in this together!  Have a great day Troop...

Frauds, Schemes, Gimmicks

   

   I just have to talk about this.  I mean this really just burns my hide.  I was watching a famous talk show yesterday and this woman came on claiming if you drank her drink it would cure you from any ailment.  She went on to say her drink cured autism, adhd, diabetes, cancer, homosexuality (wth), and my favorite claim of all, this drink can grow back limbs.  You heard me folks, I can't make this stuff up!  I was so stunned by her claims I wanted to reach through the t.v. and strangle her!  Yes, I will admit her throwing in autism is what caught my attention.  Then it just blew my mind with the rest.  Although she is the most extreme I have ever heard come out with the most ridicules claim of "curing autism" she isn't the first or the last I am sure. 

   It is most shocking when you hear of families that fall prey to this outrages kind of scheme.  My heart breaks for the person who thinks they are getting that fix all.   The other part of me, my evil side, wants to smack that person upside the head!  Really folks?  You are failing your child and yourself if you believe these off the road quacks.  Not to mention there could really be repercussions from your experimenting with your child's life.  Take precaution with your child's life and yours.  Always be wary of any claim using "cure" in their advertisement.  Do plenty of research and please base your decision on facts backed up on science, doctors, and even testimony from others (lots of). 

   Please do not get upset, I am not talking about the latest diets geared to help your child's digestion and keep them healthy.  Some of those are really just a way to help with all the gut issues and keep their adorable little minds cloud free.  Read these kinda forums and listen to our autism community chatter on about what has worked for them.  Chances are we as a whole have a better grip of what is a better option then some woman with claims of growing back limbs.  Also, I feel obligated to warn you of the name.  Her juice is called "Jilly Juice," please stay away from this.  It is harmful on top of not being a cure.  It has up to 5xs the dosages needed of salt.  This can cause heart attack, kidney shut down, and many more horrible side effects.  These are children who look at us to protect them so let's do it folks. 

   Thank you for letting me vent today.  Please click on one of the boxes below and let me know your thoughts. Have a nice day Troop!

Autism & Tragedy

Our community is dealing with another school shooting which I am sure most of you have seen on news or read about recently.  How any family deals with this I am not sure.  Having a child on the spectrum dealing with this has to be on a whole other level of stress.  Each and every year that passes these shooting become more and more.  I am not here to discuss a gun ban, mental health or the lack of respect our kids now have for themselves or humanity.  I won't even touch on the fact that it may be possible that the disregard for any discipline from the elders has contributed for their total loss of compassion for others.  Nope, I won't even get started on that.  Please do not get angry over my moral ideas on how to teach your child respect for society.  I was raised by a father in the Air Force and my many sisters and I were taught to respect one another and value life.  That is all for another conversation.
   
        Today we will chat about what we should do if our autistic child is in the cross hairs of one of these extreme tragedies.  I got nothing folks.  That's right, I literally have no idea what we should do as parents.  My Anthony is only six and my thoughts are on what would the school do?  Let us all face the facts folks, if your asd kiddo is like mine, he or she might not exactly respond to commands.  Him being still and quiet when being told is just not going to happen.  He wouldn't even be able to register danger or what a gun is or what it means to be hit by a bullet.  This absolutely terrifies me.  I am sure I am not alone this.  Each year brings me to the thought of home schooling high school years.  School shootings aren't the only reason we as parents fear public schools.  More and more videos have been released of what is transpiring on buses.  Really we can do nothing but trust that some higher power will keep them safe.  With all that is going on in schools these days now is the best time for you to get involved in your kids school policies and find out what exactly is it they do when a incident occurs to this degree.  This will be helpful for you, your child, possibly even the school.  I will leave today with that in mind.  My thoughts and prayers are to all families that have had to endure these occurrences.  Let me know your thoughts Troop...
 Don't forget to click on one of the buttons below and let me know your reaction to this.  Yes really, I am curious as to your feelings of my random thoughts put to use!  Thanks Troop

End of School Year

  This is that time of year when your head is spinning and the world is tilting.  I am sure you know what I am talking about.  There is literally what seems like a million meetings, endless amounts of paperwork, doctor appointments to schedule cramming into the eight weeks that your kiddo has off.  Lets face it, you have cleaning to do that cannot be done with your asd kiddo home for summer.  Getting them signed up for activities and making sure they fit your budget.  Whatever you do, don't forget to keep up with the everyday chores.  I am too exhausted to even pop open a bottle of wine!  On top of it all you are still doing therapies, running household and managing to pay bills somehow in between.  Your child is overloaded and the meltdowns seem to come more frequently.  Hold on parents, siblings, and grandparents.  We can make it thru this just remember your coffee in the morning and your wine at night.  If you cuss along the way, no one will judge.  Here's to you my troop!

How To Let Them Do It

 I will be the first to admit letting your asd kiddo do things on their own can be difficult.  Not only for you, but for your special one too.  This is hard to overcome if you have been doing things for your child when you know they get frustrated or haven't gotten it down yet.  Those skills can range from potty training, putting shoes on or off, clothes on or off, brushing teeth, or any everyday activity.  Prince A has come along way this year and struggles daily on little things.  Maybe if I was a parent of only one I wouldn't notice this as much, but I have another son 22 years old.  I have had to learn to sit back and let my son do it on his own.  This year I let go and let him explore what he can and cannot do.  You know what?  I was really surprised on what my little man can do for himself.      

 When at the doctors I would almost always have to practically sit on him to get anything done.  When having to do labs, check ears or throat I would break out in sweat knowing what was coming.  Past several months I took deep breathe and tried explaining calmly what was going to happen.  Then sit back and let him work his way to it.  Don't get me wrong he would whine and fuss, but he would eventually walk up and get it done.  First time this happened I was so shocked!  His whining and fussing is his anxiety kicking in.  Letting him work through this on his own I think gave him a sense of independence and assurance he could do it on his time.  I let the doctor know what I was doing so that they could be patient with us and it has gone smoothly.  Even if your child has no special needs letting go can be hard on us as parents.  Keep in mind our children are strong.  They fight a battle everyday and come out winning.  If I indulge him with every whimper then how will he learn to make it in this world if I am gone?  This is a weight upon all our minds.  I want him to tie his shoes, get dressed, and bathe himself and I know he can do it.  Keep on loving your kiddos and hug them tightly at night, but during the day, let them do it...

Playtime and sports

   My kiddo is hyperactive so getting him somewhere he can blow off steam is a must!  This can be hard on some families.  You might have multiple children and busy work mixed with school schedules can make this difficult.

Time isn't the only problem autism families face in our up hill battle.  Financial issues can be hard to tackle.  This is where being creative can be helpful.  We are one of those families that fall thru the cracks.  My husband took over supporting us.  Sometimes working seven days a week to put food on the table.  This usually means I am the one finding ways to give Prince A his sensory needs through play.  Just so happens that a few miles down the road YMCA has an amazing sensory playground with baseball and soccer fields.  The Miracle League has baseball, swim lessons, basketball and other activities for special needs kids.  The YMCA even provides help for families with financial needs.  You cannot beat that!  If your wanting to get your kiddo and family involved, but wasn't sure if you could afford it, look into your area.  Whatever you do, do not sit back letting time go by thinking there is nothing you can do with your child because of autism.  You would be pleasantly surprised if you just go for it.  Please show me some pics of your asd kiddo at play or in sport activity! I would love to see them!

School

    I am going to have to say that we have gotten really lucky with public school.  I have read and heard the horror stories of having to have your asd kiddo in public school setting.  It has not been that bad for us, no kidding.  The worst of our currently three years in has been the changing of teachers several times.  Other than that it has been a pretty easy ride.  I will say, and so will my son's school, that I am a very hands on kinda mom.  I communicate with the teachers, the principle, nurse, front door girl and at times paras.  My first IEP meeting went by fairly well even though by that time I heard so many monster stories of how the whole ordeal went down for others.  I will say that I really did not know what to ask or what I was aloud to say.  That went out the window pretty quickly.  By my third meeting I was telling them how things would go.  In fact, I have to laugh at my audacity to request all future meetings to be two hours long so that I could discuss all I needed.  I did not like being told they had other meetings behind me and were pressed for time.  This never happened again.  It is fair to say that they must think I am a little crazed and I have no life due to me talking their ears off.  Let's face it folks, I literally have no adult conversation.  My little man is not exactly verbal so when I talk to him I am usually answering myself too.  Yes, I know this might look like I am in need of a doctor.  Nothing a glass of wine can't fix at end of the day.  My kiddos school has been pretty amazing and accommodating to my child's needs and mine as a parent.  I think this is partly because I am all in when it comes to his education and care.  I've been told not all parents are as vigilant as I can be.  Don't we have to be?  Even if our children didn't need that extra care, these days call for us as parents to know what is going on.  What has helped me in these dreaded meetings is being prepared.  Keep all communication from school pertaining to your kiddo.  Keep different binders for IEP, classroom, doctors, and therapies.  Write down questions you have for your kiddo's teacher, speech pathologist, or paras.  Do not be to speak up and give your concerns or any request you have that can better your child's education or home life.  Remember you are the parent and you know your kiddo best.  They only get them a brief amount of time and they want to hear your suggestions to make it easier at school too.  Let's face it folks, horrible things have happened to some of our special needs in school.  Do not let your child be a part of those statistics.  Be the hands on in your face parent that knows exactly what is going on in classroom and out.  Have the teacher on your speed dial and be on first name basis with your special needs coordinator and the team of teachers and therapist.  Leave no opportunity for your child to fall through the cracks.  If you are not comfortable with what is going on, speak up.  Noticing a change in your little ones demeanor can tip you off to what is going on.  Be the advocate for your child and do not back down.  If you are not happy with the outcome then take it straight to the school board.  Sometimes being the loudest voice in the room is best.  Most importantly,  keep fighting the good fight.  Never forget that their are literally thousands of us fighting with you so reach out if need be.  I am not a doctor, therapist or teacher.  I am however, a parent that won't stop to get the best for my child.  Keep it up troop, we are all in this with you! Have a great day and I hope this gave you a little boost of support and encouragement you might have needed.  I shall go back to sipping this coffee while it's hot...

Taking Time

 Waking me this morning was a little boy saying "Puppy Dog."  This doesn't mean he wants a puppy dog.  It means this was the last youtube video he was watching last night which happen to be about a puppy robot.  I guess I should be happy he was speaking and actually articulate enough for me to understand.  I wasn't though considering it was 5am and I really would love to make it till 7 just one Saturday.  Alas, those days are long gone and I am left steaming by with lots of coffee.  After settling him in with tablet, juice, and a pop tart,  I get my first cup in.  I always laugh when I read the jokes about never being able to actually drink a hot cup of coffee.  This is so utterly true in every sense.  I mean, the first sip is so wonderful then before I know it I'm up doing any number of things being requested.  What's worse, is when you have a six year old desperately wanting you to repeat the words he is saying yet you can't get them right because you cannot understand him.  He is in this phase of us having to repeat his words.  At first I couldn't figure out why he needed this and then it hit me.  In therapy we say the word then we have him say the word.  I guess he now thinks this is how all conversation shall go.  This can be tiresome on days that your busy and he will say one word over and over until you say it back.  This is where we as autism parents come to the realization that we are giving therapy 24/7 without reprieve.  We do it though and the days begin to blur.  Somewhere in the muddle of it all we loose ourselves.  Loosing friends along with our own identity.  Taking a shower, brushing your teeth and even putting a bra on can be a luxury!  I had an IEP meeting Friday so I put on some make-up as to not scare the crap outta the team.  I forgot how to put it on!  No kidding, I couldn't get my eyeliner on right to save my life.  I didn't even bother with lipstick!  Expensive jeans sitting in my closet I cannot even pull up my legs.  Let's not even discuss working out and staying fit.  That's a yo-yo I play with several times a year.  Loosing several pounds then packing them back on again.  Point is,  we have to remember ourselves.  We cannot forget to take care of ourselves because those kids need us.  If there is no gas in your tank then your truck is sitting still sweet cheeks so fill the tank.  Go to the gym, do some yoga, get your nails done or treat yourself to a Starbucks because you deserve it.  Don't feel guilty for putting on a few pounds you took off previously.  It will come off again.  Just fit it in when you can, as you can.  Take time for you.  Now I must get back to warming this coffee up in the trusty microwave.  Have a nice day troop...

Mood Swings, Meltdowns & Exhaustion

Many children have mood swings, but for some reason if you throw autism in the mix coupled with sensory processing disorder, it can feel like a hurricane.  Then don't you dare allow that mood swing turn into tantrum then the big "M" or you will be huddled in a corner wishing you could tap into a barrel of aged wine.  These moods tend to come in waves with no explanation at times which can leave you feeling exhausted.  Trying to figure out why or how it all started will make our head spin.  Once you think you have it all figured out it changes in the wind and you must  begin the process all over.  These days can be tough, but there is a light at the end of that tunnel.  Take solace in the knowledge that your not alone.  Yesterday the teacher text to inform me my kiddo was sleepy all day so she let him nap for thirty minutes.  When she woke him he was extremely upset pointing and screaming and she couldn't comfort him.  He ended up headbutting her.  If you know my little man you know that you should never wake him. That is a big no no.  His being upset caused meltdown which caused headbutting.  I felt sorry my child caused another pain.  Then it hit me that my little guy is getting bigger and if you don't understand him he can get aggressive in this state.  This makes me nervous and afraid for what may come.  I usually don't get these meltdowns at home.  It's like he comes home and feels safe and understood so he doesn't need to explode with frustration.  I'm not saying I haven't dealt with some in your face meltdowns.  It just seems they are far and few here at home.  Out in the real world is a different story though.  He gets overwhelmed and anxious.  All the sounds, colors, movement of utter life can throw him into chaos.  Things have gotten better as years have past.  I can remember a time I only left house to get groceries.  If I took him I had to mentally prepare myself for what may come.  It could start with something as simple as backing up in reverse in the car.   One thing I have learned is that this things can recycle and come back with a vengeance.  I can honestly say that my experience has brought me to the conclusion that most episodes stem from needing sensory input, either calming or heavy lifting.  The other reason is lack of communication.  His frustration is clear as day when he can't express what he wants.  This is even worse when he is trying so hard to talk.  So when he attempts the words, but we fail to get it, he looses control.  I cannot imagine being on the brink of seven years old and not being able to just tell all the grown ups in your world what you want.  I am very proud how far he has come.  I know jumping into action early on helped.  We as parents live with struggles of our kiddos and we push on.  That's all we really can do.  When these days of tantrums and meltdowns get to you and you think you just can't go on remember your not alone.  There is another family possibly closer then you think, going thru it too.  Then gain your composure, pull your hair back and sip on that glass of wine because you deserve it!

#AutismRockz Train Ride!!!

This was an amazingly fun day!  We took our Prince to the Houston Zoo.  His amazement of the train ride and the smile across his face warmed my heart.  He is so enthralled with every detail of trains and his enjoyment of the ride is written all over his happy little face!

 I am determined one day to take an across the nation train ride just to see the happiness in his eyes.  I have mentioned before his obsession for trains, specifically for Thomas the Train.  This is real business in our home and the matter is not taken lightly.  I now know all kinds of things about trains I never knew in 45 years.  Have you ever wondered where our kiddos get the ability dive into a particular fixation?   I am constantly amazed on how he didn't call me mom which is now "muduh" until he was almost five years old, but could name every train and their parts.  I clearly didn't make the cut.  When he showed interest in another subject or I should say other toys, I was happy.  I was starting to dream Thomas movies and I randomly belted out with much gusto, "Their two, their four, their six, their eight."  Please tell me I am not the only one!   Do not get me wrong,  trains still rule this house.  I have joined the really useful trains and expect to be on the crew for some time.  Tell me #Autismrockz troop, what is your kiddos passion?