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!