by Pat on Jan 4, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Filed in Autism and Education | Autism Family Facts | Parenting Autistic Children | Stories from Readers
Hello Pat!!
I submitted my story a few weeks ago. Thanks for posting my son's story in your website. I will like to share some good information with all the parents seeking for the right treatment. I have a software (Computer Program) with more than 2,000 language builder cards and with tons of information on how to succeed with an Autistic child (Autism Survival Kid, that's how I call it). I love this program. My son Messiah receives ABA therapy and thanks to this program, he went from having a speech delay to become a talkative child. A lot of parents don't know about ABA therapy. It really works. I recommend it! It will be good to post this information in your website. And parents will be glad because is very nurturing and also free!!!!
by Pat on Jan 2, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Filed in Autism Family Facts | Parenting Autistic Children
Thanks to all of you who read this blog and visit this website. I have been overwhelmed by the number of emails and blog submissions I have received since my appearance on The Nancy Grace Show on December 18. Reading the stories you have chosen to share brings home the fact that there are many, many families coping with autism and doing the best that they can do. So many of you have shared stories that encourage us all not to give up, to have faith in our children, and to believe that our children can and will accomplish great things. Please continue to share your stories and to comment on those stories posted by others.
by Pat on Jan 2, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Filed in Autism Family Facts | Parenting Autistic Children | Stories from Readers
I would like to tell you a funny story about my son who also has autism. Around Halloween time he was hooked on the movie "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown". My son would watch this movie often and would repeat sentences from the movie. There was a point in the movie where Lucy knocked on a door trick or treating and said," Can I get an extra candy for my block head brother he is in the pumpkin patch." As we went trick or treating I would wait at the end of the sidewalk while the kids knocked on the doors in search of candy. After a while I noticed his candy bag was twice as heavy as his sister's. So I asked my daughter, "Why he had so much more candy than you do?" She told me that he asked everyone for an extra candy for his block head brother. This is real, no joke. Just a little humor and Thank You for allowing parents to share their stories on this wonderful website. Jackie S.
by Pat on Jan 2, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Filed in Autism and Stress | Autism Family Facts | Parenting Autistic Children | Stories from Readers
My son was diagnosed at the age of 2 1/2 and he is now 27. My son works full time in a supermarket as a cashier, and lives with a roommate ( not autistic). He has a select group of friends (not autistic) and has really done quite well. He takes care of his bills and manages his money. He calls if he needs anything as I am about 3 hours away from him. We diagnosed him at around 2 years old when his montessori teacher said he repeats what others say. He did not speak sentences at this age. We had him in special classes and had occupational therapy since he did not like anyone in his space.He went through various movements throughout the years but now he has very few movements. He never was on meds for very long as I did not see any progress from them.
I would like it if there were more outlets for employment for someone like him and also social groups for adults with aspergers. But all in all he is very special and has done very well, but parents need to be there for them in school at work and in the community. I am sure as you know children can be very mean to others who are different. We had our share of that as well and he just kept on going with it all. He never gave up and we always told him he could be anything he put his mind to. He graduated college with a 3.0. That was a feat in itself. Many days my husband went to all his classes before school started so he would be familiar with the layout. We went to advisors, teachers, and explained his differences. It is a constant, but it is all worth it. NEVER GIVE UP. THEY HAVE GREAT POTENTIAL. JUST LOVE THEM.
Thanks for listening.
by Pat on Jan 2, 2009 at 1:59 PM
Filed in Autism Family Facts | Parenting Autistic Children | Stories from Readers
My son Tony is 26 years old, and he is high-functioning autistic. He is the most wonderful boy ever born. He is giving & funny, and intelligent. For the past number of years, he has been totally obsessed by politics, and all the politicians in Newfoundland, Canada, where we live, know Tony, and respond to his e-mails. When Tony was diagnosed, not much was known about his type of autism, because he wasn't the sit in the corner, banging his head child. His growing up was difficult, but now that he is 26, he seems to have found his niche. Tonight we were at a family gathering, and coming home in the car, he remarked on how attractive one of his relatives were. I asked him if he was interested in her, and he said "if I were normal, I would be". It doesn't break my heart so badly anymore, he is who he is. He is a gift from God.