by Pat on Jan 30, 2009 at 9:25 AM
Filed in Autism and Stress | Autism Family Facts | Parenting Autistic Children | Stories from Readers
Does aggression ever get better. My son has aspergers and he becomes aggressive at school frequently. At home he is ok, but I fear for the future. He is 5 years old.
by Pat on Jan 30, 2009 at 9:19 AM
Filed in Christian Autism Stories | Stories from Readers
Midnight in Chicago a tourism and culture initiative which raises funds and awareness for autism, is pleased to announce our latest Autism Spectrum Podcast:
"Why is there autism? A Christian Perspective"
"Thomas D. Taylor, Co-creator of the MIDNIGHT IN CHICAGO tourism and culture initiative raising autism awareness and funds for Autism starts the year off with an OpEd piece concerning the Christian perspective on why autism spectrum disorders exist."
Those wishing to listen to this podcast and other MIC podcast productions may do so at www.mic.mypodcast.com
The Midnight In Chicago Autism Spectrum Podcasts have been linked to by over 500 organizations around the world and have been downloaded over 3,400 times. Please spread the word about this podcast and forward the link to people you know. If you have a links page, please link to the Midnight In Chicago Autism Spectrum Podcasts.
Thomas and Elyse
Midnight in Chicago
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by Pat on Jan 30, 2009 at 9:16 AM
Filed in Autism and Education | Autism and Stress | Autism Family Facts | Parenting Autistic Children | Stories from Readers
I have a 7 yr old daughter who was dx'd in September with PDD-NOS. "They" whoever they are would call it Asperger's Syndrome if she didn't have a speech delay. She had seizures at 3 mo and 15 mos and took meds until she was 3 yr old. She never met any of her milestones, walked at 17 1/2 mos. She has an IEP and went to preschool with 1/2 typical and 1/2 "special". I sent her to kindergarten last year and first grade this year with a question in my heart as to what is best for her. She shuts down when she is overloaded and doesn't make eye contact. Her stubborn streak is a mile long as to what she will and won't do. We have been to OT, PT and Speech in school and privately thru Children's Hospital. She only sometimes works with everyone. Anyway, Wednesday this week, I met with her teacher because I feel that the gap between my daughter and her peers is getting bigger instead of smaller. I was told that I was right to feel that way and it is. I asked what to do and they said that "she has an IEP to protect her and she will be fine". Meanwhile, I have a first grader with NO desire to read or write. Her obsession is to "mother" everything...animals, dolls, children, parents...she doesn't discriminate. I started to cry and asked her teacher if I should look into "alternative" schooling options and after a few minutes of thought she said "yes". Finally, a straight answer from someone. I am curious about The Summit Academy, it sounds almost too good to be true and I wondered what other experiences anyone has had? Have you worked with anyone that would know about these "charter" schools?
Kristen
by Pat on Jan 30, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Filed in Autism Family Facts | Christian Autism Stories | Parenting Autistic Children | Stories from Readers | Treatment for Autistic Children
Our daughter Taylor Jem Wichman Small is 4 years old. 6 months ago, she was offically diagnosed Autism and Sensory Integration Disorder. She first statred showing signs as an infant by our family pediatrician and since that time has been monitored closely by doctors and specialists.
When we heard the words "Taylor has Autism", it had felt as though someone threw us in a tiny box with no air and continued to punch us in the heart and stomach. We were very scared and frusterated. We had so many questions with such little answers. After reading every book that I could find and talking to other mothers experiencing the same issues, I knew that as her mother I would have to fight hard and find proper therapies, if any were available.
Each day is difficult. The costs of programs, supplements, special toys and foods has been a very hardship. I am not able to work so I can care for Taylor and her little sister. My husband is a Jr. high teacher and our health insurance is wonderful for certain areas but does not cover autism related expenses.
The hard part of autism is not being able to communicate with my child, to have her repeat everything back. Or maybe the hard part is to have people look and point. There are some people that are in denial of autism, an example is there are some people in our family that will tell us that she is still young, socializing is overrated, she is a late bloomer, she said a word to me and looked me in the eyes Taylor does not have autism.
Because of research and generous funding Taylor is able to undergo intensive therapies and is benefiting from nutritional therapies, nutritional supplements and with 2 days a week of special education preschool she improving slowly but surely. We are so grateful for her teachers, they are wonderful. Although Taylor still prefers to play alone, it is nice to see her around children similar to her. It does hurt to go to a place where children are smiling, laughing and running around, only to be sitting in the corner holding Taylor tight due to the fear she has.
It took almost 3 years to hear the word "Mommy" now I cannot wait to hear "I love you mommy", words we ask parents not take anything for granted.
Autism is something Taylor will have to live with and keep under control the rest of her life. We are hoping one day a cure may be found to help her and all of the other children that are affected. Inside of her body there is a little locked key hole and I someway, somehow will find a way to unlock it. We will always accept and love Taylor for whom she is.
Now that we have an official diagnoses, as her mother I promise to dedicate the rest of my life to help make Autism awareness a priority. We want to end the ignorant attitudes most people have about Autism and end the wrong and hurtful assumptions, looks, finger pointing that come along with it.
Taylor makes our hearts smile as well as the hearts of those whom know her. She is a sweet and good little girl and we are blessed to have her in our lives.
Taylor has taught us what love, patience, understanding and uncondtional love really is.
Remember there is no "typical". No portrait to paint. No two are a like. Like snow flakes, they resemble, yet remain unique. Therein lies the challenge for parents, patients and physicians.
by Pat on Jan 30, 2009 at 9:04 AM
Filed in Autism Family Facts | Christian Autism Stories | Parenting Autistic Children | Stories from Readers
My husband and I have 2 sons. The oldest is 10 and he was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at age 3. The youngest is 5 and he was diagnosed with severe Autism at age 3. In addition to these diagnosis, both children have had medical problems and the oldest has a serious autoimmune disease that adds to the challenges he faces everyday. We are Christians and we know that the Lord chose to give us these precious children and we certainly don't take any of their milestones for granted. I know that alot of autistic children can't tolerate touch or affection but I am thankful that both of my boys are very affectionate and they desire physical affection (hugging, holding hands, cuddling). We've had alot of difficulties along the way, and we know there are many more to come, but we thank God for bringing us this far and for everything He's done up to this point in their lives. When my children were diagnosed I wish I had known someone who was in the same position so that I could seek counsel and advice, but I didn't. I was on my own for the most part. Now, in turn, it's nice to be able to talk with other parents who are new to the challenge and be able to offer some support when they need it.
by Pat on Jan 30, 2009 at 9:00 AM
Filed in Autism and Stress | Christian Autism Stories | Parenting Autistic Children | Stories from Readers
Thank you for reaching out to those of us who are Christians and parents of an autistic child. My son, Seth, is also adopted. I brought him home from the hospital as a foster child but realized early on that this child was sent to me for a reason. Seth was born with an addiction to opiates, fetal alcohol syndrome, Sandifer's Syndrome, celiac disease,and multiple food allergies. Of course I did not know these things when i picked him up. Only that he was small,pale,and born to a young mother with a troubled past.
It took us almost two years to get the actual diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder.Seth cried 22 hours a day for the first year and a half of his life. He was inconsolable.He was unable to keep down any formula and had surgery for pyloric stenosis at 3 months. I spent most of my time taking Seth to various therapies,doctors,feeding clinics. We truly were unsure if this frail boy would survive.Through constant prayer,wonderful doctors and therapists that were willing to work with us, along with a strict gluten free, casein free,soy free diet-we have a a beautiful son that we legally adopted in June of 2007. He is now a vibrant 3 year old. Everyday is still a challenge but I feel it was God's plan for me to have this child. There is much more to my story concerning Seth's biological mother (with whom I have a relationship) and many hardships that we faced along the way including doctors that turned me away, a family that told me I was crazy and the husband I lost because of the stress of raising a special needs child. If you are ever interested in talking, feel free to contact me. I am currently working on opening a day care geared toward ASD children. My dream is to write a book, so I felt compelled to write to you. God Bless you for being such a wonderful mother.
Tammi
Centerville, Pa 15417
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by Pat on Jan 18, 2009 at 9:19 PM
Filed in Stories from Readers
First, let me say I wish all children and adults with autism wellness and Godspeed. However, I do not feel children with severe autism should be allowed to disobey public school rules, act out in church, in a restaurant or anywhere else the public at large attends. Please, please, please understand we all have our own problems to deal with in life and an unruly child (autistic or not) is just unacceptable in certain situations. I know it takes a village, but unless you and your child/adult are a part of my village, please do not ACT OUT!!
by Pat on Jan 18, 2009 at 9:15 PM
Filed in Autism Family Facts | Christian Autism Stories | Parenting Autistic Children | Stories from Readers
I am the mother of two kids--one a girl 21 y/o and a boy born in 1997 with a cleft palet. If that was not enough he was diagnosed in 1999 with autism. I would not trade him for anything. If not enough, I also have three grandkids. Thanks for your help bringing this to everyone. Maria P.