Category Archives: Autism

Checking Out Resources

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Resources are essential for any family dealing with ASD.  There are so many organizations out there that offer services but sometimes it’s hard to know which places are best suited for your child.

One of the most valuable resources I’ve found is word of mouth.  Talking with other parents and caregivers can be a great asset.  They’ve checked out a variety of sources and can give an opinion on certain services.

The next best place for information is conferences. Most conferences, local or national, not only have a wealth of resources, but you meet many individuals who have either gone through your experience or they can suggest someone who can assist you with your situation. It’s a wonderful feeling to be in the midst of so many parents and professionals who truly understand your needs.

Another great resource are webinars.  Many organizations offer these gems of information by simply registering online.  I enjoy watching or listening to webinars because they fit well into my busy schedule.  Most associations offer archives, so you can view a variety of topics at your convenience.

Families dealing with children on the spectrum need various resources at their fingertips.  It’s vital that we reach out and connect to organizations and people that will aid in the growth of our children.  We must gather as much information as possible to continue on with the journey.

*Please check out the resource page for some organizations that hold conferences and webinars.

 

The Power of Communication

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Several weeks ago, I was attending a meeting where parents of children with Autism were gathered together discussing various topics. Usually these meetings are very uplifting because parents will share fantastic testimonies. On this occasion, there were many new parents of kids diagnosed with ASD and a lot of frustration was felt in the room.  My heart felt extremely heavy for the new families learning about Autism for the very first time.

As we went around the room speaking about our situations, one new parent confided some serious issues, regarding their child.  I sat there in awe, thinking how courageous she was to even confide these concerns to the group, something I knew would be extremely hard for me to do in my very first meeting.

Immediately, another parent spoke up. Although she had already took her turn, this mom exclaimed that she too knew exactly what the woman was dealing with. She had gone through the same experience as well with her own child.

Suddenly, I became overjoyed at being a part of the meeting.  If this mom had not confided her deep issues boldly in front of the group, the other parent would have never revealed her same experience.

It’s in these moments that I understand how powerful communication is to our spirit and soul. The lines of communication must be open whether it is for a caregiver of a child on the spectrum or anyone who needs that human connection.  Communication is essential to our ability to function and to stay mentally healthy. 

Sometimes as caregivers, we can become so bogged down in day to day life situations, that it’s hard to remember that there are others on this journey as well. That is why coming together with other families dealing with ASD is so vital. It reminds me that we should never be afraid to speak on our situations, whether it be the first time or the hundredth time, that bond is essential for everyone on this mission.

Reflections and Looking Ahead in the New Year

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Time flies when you are juggling work and family, especially when a child has special needs. It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone and the fight continues for our families dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

As the struggle carries on, many breakthroughs have occurred for many of our children in 2017. This year my son has become more focused in his classwork and socially aware of friends in school.  He actually looks forward to going every morning.

His pronunciation has become clearer and he is realizing how to be a big kid at home, such as, getting what he needs in the kitchen without mom and dad’s help.   It has been a wonderful experience this year watching him grow as a seven-year-old.

As we move into the new year my expectations are high for his continued growth and development, especially in language. He is utilizing a variety of programs to assist in building his communication.  One in particular that we’ve found to be helpful is called Gemiini.  It is a web-based communication program that can be used on any device.  I love using it on my phone while on the way to therapy sessions because he’s able to soak up the information, as we travel up and down the highway. We will continue the program since its been a success.

In 2018, I plan on getting more labs done in conjunction with his biomedical doctor, to see what other supplements may be helpful for his growth and development.  We’ve had a lot of success with the regimen he’s on but there are more nutritional supplements that can assist in unlocking language.

One thing I’ve found that is essential on this journey is ENCOURAGEMENT. Children need to be encouraged regardless if they are typically developing or have a special need.  My son loves praise and continues to try his best with our support.

No matter where we are in this journey, our kids deserve as much as we can give and at the end of the day our love surpasses all.  Moving into the new year it is essential that we remember that although times can get tough, our love and support will inspire our children to keep moving forward.

 

Bracing the IEP Once Again

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IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings are always an interesting and challenging time for me. Generally, I’m prepared but honestly every year I pray for the end of having them. When I had my first meeting, (in Special-Ed Pre-K) I thought I’d only have to do it one or two times. When the meeting occurred last year in first grade, I nearly cried because I was tired of attending them.

For those of you who haven’t experienced one, it’s basically a time when the parent (s), the teacher, any therapists and a General Ed teacher come together to discuss your child on paper. Okay, there is a little more to the meeting but that’s the gist of it.

The hard part is hearing that your child isn’t on level with the “typically developed kids.”  I always remind myself that it’s about my son’s development and no one else’s.

This year’s meeting (second grade) was fun because I had to hear about all the testing my son will have to go through in third grade. Will it be traditional or modified testing? The answer is we’re not sure yet. This year he has to have assessments from the school psychologist, his teacher and therapists to find out.

I just knew by second grade I wouldn’t have to go through this ordeal. Well, the moment has arrived to buckle up for the assessments.  I’m trying not to think about it too much since this is a year long process. There are so many other things we need to focus on right now until actual testing begins.

Healing Autism with Knowledge, Family & Community

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I began this blog so that other families can get educated about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).   I pray we can go along this journey together learning and getting a better understanding of how to get our children to “speakout” with language.

WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER?

Autism and ASD are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviors.

WHO DOES IT AFFECT?

As of March 2014, autism affects 1 out of 68 children in the United States. The Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org) website states that the number has dramatically increased from 1 out of 150 children from seven years ago. The numbers are devastating and our children are suffering greatly from this disorder.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

With early intervention, medical treatment and therapy unique to each person’s needs, as well as necessary support services for families, many children can improve greatly and live an abundant life.