MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 5000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'The Beach on Autism Island' source. Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:47:52 +0100 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/06/ever-wondered.html We were at the zoo today. It was hot, but the boys had a great time as usual.We rode the new sky ride and the zoo worker running the ride was less than patient with Jax (which is unusual for the zoo). Well, it got me thinking, for the first time really: When other people see Jackson what do they see? Do they see the innocence in his deep blue eyes?Do they see contentment on his face?Do they see they see the victory he is just by being in a public place?Do they see the purity of his heart?Do they see the struggle he faces?Probably not. My guess is they see a "big kid" acting little. They see a rude young man who doesn't 'listen'. They sometimes look curious, or appalled or worse judgemental.Just my thought of the day.... (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=695328 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:13:00 +0100 695328 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/06/glimpse.html For my Beach girls from my blog:I think of that Nicholas Cage movie "family man" where he gets a "glimpse" into another life. I can relate this to my own life and the moments I treasure. There are these moments for me when I get a glimpse of normalcy. A time when autism ceases to exsist. Like a time warp. These moments are priceless and sometimes come at me like a curveball. Well, today I had a couple of them. Which for me was like hitting the lottery twice in one day. My first glimpse: Jackson return kicks a ball down field during a soccer game. Does it like he's done it a hundred times before, but he's never done it before. At this, I am elated! I jump and yell and I think he's unsure of what he did that was so meaningful.Except that we've once again gone through the litany prior to entering the game:You need to kick the ball Jax, what are you going to do?Kick the ball.What will you do?kick the ballWhat will you kick?the ballThen, the countless prompts: kick the ball JaxYou have to runGo get the ball JaxGet TommyFollow MollyIn that moment, that glimpse, all these fade into the background. It's like life in slow motion as my baby defends the ball. It means so much to me; yet I wonder, does it mean anything to him?Ok, so I'm content with the glimpse, I won't ponder the complexities of it. Next, we're at the amusement park. He loves it here and so do we. When we're here as a family, we feel accepted. We feel validated. We feel like we belong [Lord, that in itself is priceless]. It's our first trip of the season and Jackson flits from one ride to the next seemingly on a mission to ride each ride he's missed all winter.Later in the day, when DH and I are both a suffereing motion sickness from all the rides we let both boys ride together on the "flying scooters". [Dh is reluctant, unsure it's safe. I'm certain they'll be fine]. Jax too, is a bit unsure but decides he'll ride with Cal. So this glimpse [tears here] lasts 2 minutes as I watch my two boys filled with joy fly through the air laughing, giggling, squealing together. There is nothing else in the world for me in those minutes. Just a heart growing warmer, a love growing deeper. Just a glimpse of what might have been between two brothers....I can't help but think of what is between these brothers. For Jackson, it's unconditional love. For Callahan, it's curious love. So, today I got two glimpses. I love them. Maybe I shouldn't admit that. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=693283 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 01:16:00 +0100 693283 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/05/holidays-vacations-routine-changes.html Sigh, Besides illness, routine changes are the most difficult part (for me), of being a Mommy.You must plan and re- plan, my DS cant be allowed to get 'bored', yet the planning must be thought out, is VERY subject to change, and must be enough, but not too much.My son no longer has full blown anxiety attacks at the very SIGHT of a crowd, however, his attention span is short. You could drive him for 3 hours, pay a hundred bucks admission, and he is 'happy' to stay for 10 minutes, then it is over....Irregardless of Yogi's belief that "It ain't over till its over".... sometimes this isn't true with the Pooh... We must remember that Yogi also said "Its Deja Vu all over again", and I can sense the mood changing and try to avert a full blown melt down...all the while trying to balance exposing DS to new and exciting happenings, and not allowing myself to isolate and limit him to the things that are tried and true...Anyone else have anything to share?It can be suggestions, but this morning I could really go for some companionship, here on the beach. Just bury my toes in the warm sand, sip my raspberry chocolate coffee, and 'share' the funny times, the scary times, what has worked, what failed miserably, the fear of the future, the excitement of seeing the kids progress, and the prospect of a L - O - N - G summer.PS: Happy Memorial Day, to all those who have served and are serving. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=645228 Mon, 28 May 2007 13:53:00 +0100 645228 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/05/slowly-learning-to-communicate.html My son has very few words, only a few signs, and doesnt use them consistently, rarely will he even attempt to use cue cards. This makes it very difficult for him to be able to get his wants and needs across to the rest of us, usually communnication takes the the form of behaviors. I have no doubt that many or his behaviors are seen by him as the only way to get through to us and it makes me very sad.Slowly, ever so slowly he is learning that he can use other methods and modes to get his point across. I try very hard to show my son the POWER of words, gestures, cue cards and signs. This has not always been troublefree and my parenting skills are a work in progress, as I strive to help my incredible child learn his way. Speechie, OT and I have worked for months to get DS to eat gummy candy, he has many sensory issues and oral motor control concerns. We are so proud and pleased that he can now use these muscles and overcome his SPD to chew and enjoy the candy. Now, we face the concern of setting limits on the candy, while still allowing him to see that he has the POWER to communicate without behaviors. Hence when he signs for more candy, I dont want to refuse him, but now instead of an entire pack, he can only have one piece. Perfect? Hardly, but I am not a perfect mommy.On super duper bath days, I always give my son plenty of advance notice about what all will need to be done and how we will do it as quickly as possible, how proud I am of him and how brave he is. (Super duper bath days are days when we must shampoo his hair and trim his nails). As I was running the bath water and getting everything together, I was singing to him abouthow he would soon be fresh and clean, etc....He came running up to me and handed me something, as I looked down to see what his was, I had to laugh. He had handed me one of his visual cue cards, and it was the sign for FINISHED, he took me to the tub and again handed me the card for FINSIHED.....Of course, we had a talk, or rather I talked to him, and I explained that while I was very proud of him for being able to tell me how he felt, we really were not finished and he did have to get a bath, shampoo and his nails trimmed. We sat the card on the sink and after we were all done and he was dressed, I told him how nice he looked, how clean and fresh he smelled and I handed him the FINISHED card. We then went to the kitchen and he got an ENTIRE package of Scooby Doo gummy candy.I am very proud of my son, I dont know if I could do nearly as well as he does, given the obstacles he faces. He is a brave and wonderful human being. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=623784 Fri, 18 May 2007 13:36:00 +0100 623784 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/05/how-can-being-told-no-be-so-sweet.html My beautiful, sweet, kind son is 6 years old. He is usually a very loving child, but he is a child and he can have difficulty not doing things he likes doing (what kid doesn't?). My son also has special copnsiderations. He has ASD, is functionaly non-verbal, and has many "behaviors of", associated with his ASD.The other evening his father and I were fixing supper, I was at the sink making salad, DH was cleaning corn, we had some steak in the microwave, on defrost. My Pooh loves the microwave, or should I say, he loves to turn the microwave off and open and shut the door....He comes running in with this big mischevious grin on his face, turns the MW off, runs out, I turn it back on, he runs back in, turns it back off. I turn to him and say "Would you please, please stop turning this off?"....a second of silence and my son looks at me with this little boy grin, green eyes sparkling and says, clear as a bell "NO", throws backhis head and laughs out loud, takes back off out of the kitchen....His father and I stand there in stunned amazment...My son, he is one of a kind.... (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=620268 Wed, 16 May 2007 14:11:00 +0100 620268 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/03/no-sweeter-words-were-ever-spoken.html Every morning, I drive 3 of my 6 children to school. Erin, our 10 year old, insists on walking. She is a stickler for time. I always walk our 6 year old Kiernan to class first. I usually get a peck on the face and a shove out the door. On Monday, I said my usual "Goodbye Kiernan".... Out of nowhere I get...Ba Bye Mama....WHAT? His amazing teacher, Kelli Dominguez (who adores him, by the way) said, "What did he just say"? I said, "just what you thought he said". Of course, we are both thrilled and amazed. I always knew Kiernan would start talking. He has a voice, but not words.... Well, he used to not have any words. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=512708 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 23:20:00 +0100 512708 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/03/renewed-hopea-great-feeling-to-have.html In the past several weeks we've had many changes....a new therapy was added and Matthew has begun to soar in all areas. I think back to a few months ago when I was feeling helpless and hopeless....it is not a feeling any of us want to experience, yet do at one time or another. My message to others is to never give hope up completely! There will be times when you think that this is it...this is how its going to be forever. That your child has reached the point where they aren't progressing any further and you believe that they aren't going to progress any further. DONT allow yourself to wallow in this pit. Pick yourself up and start again. Try new things...try old things again...ask questions and research night and day if you must. Take a break and breathe and then get back to it.This morning I watched as my ds ran up to his classmates and said "hey guys, what are you playing?" something he had never done or said before!Imagine if I had given up............ (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=506398 Wed, 28 Mar 2007 02:18:00 +0100 506398 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/invigorating.html I never realized how invigorating and regenerating it would be to get away on my own. It's so important to MAKE time for yourself. I know it's cliche, but it's so true. I recently spent a girls weekend away. It made all the diffence in the world to me, I feel better about EVERYTHING. It gave me a fresh perspective. What do you do just for yourself? How do you make time for yourself? (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488223 Wed, 28 Feb 2007 20:53:00 +0100 488223 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/on-march-2nd-clara-will-be-going-to.html On March 2nd, Clara will be going to the psychologist for her 6 month appointment following her diagnosis. I have been anxiously awaiting this day for the past 6 months... I was told that life altering day of August 29th that my daughter had autism, but because she was so young, it would be difficult to say just how severe or mild her case may be as she had yet to miss a few milestones that were rapidly approaching. After 6 months of therapy and time, we would get a better picture of how she was developing and what we could "expect" from her in the future. Since then, she has grown tremendously and possibly exceeded any of the uneducated and naive expectations I had of her. As we all do, I have my days. I wish that I could wake up, open my eyes, and autism would no longer be a household word in my family. On most mornings, I wake up and hear my daughter in the monitor, a sweet but broken song coming through in a monotone voice, and it isn't until after I've carried her downstairs and gotten one of my many hugs of the day that the thought of her disorder even breezes through my mind. I'm not entirely sure of the reason for my anxiety. This appointment carries no hopes of a mistake, an accidental diagnosis. I guess somehow it will be bittersweet regardless of what the psych has to say. She will still have autism, and it will still impact the course of her life as well as ours. I am still working on complete acceptance-- it comes in bits and pieces as time goes by. I am not angry or bitter like I imagined I would be. I will say that I am definitely relieved at the NT behavior my youngest is displaying that I don't believe was ever as present in Clara, but the love I feel is no lesser or greater for it. I have two beautiful girls and I adore them more than anything else in this world. Clara is already the light of her sister's life, and she reaches out her chubby little fingers to Clara with all her might. My heart flutters in anticipation for the day that her big sister will reach back. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488224 Tue, 20 Feb 2007 19:04:00 +0100 488224 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/brothers_18.html We have been focusing on fostering Alex's understanding of and appreciation for being social. We would never push being social on Alex, but we do want to do all we can to make him more comfortable in the social world. If he decides, later in life, that people aren't his cup of molasses, he will be making an informed choice, not shying away out of fear. That's the plan, anyway.Alex is indeed interacting more with people. His teacher told me that he recently tried to get some of his classmates to look at him (in an autism program - picture that!) and he reached out for their hands. The person Alex responds to most (and seeks out sometimes now) is his big brother, Noah. At 4 and 7, they are just beginning to find ways to interact and play together. This is the most heartwarming of Alex's many developments. Watching him laugh with his big brother is the most beautiful thing this mother has ever seen. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488225 Sun, 18 Feb 2007 17:42:00 +0100 488225 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/my-thoughts-for-this-day.html Some days I do better than others. Some days I really have to 'dig' for happiness, acceptance and the will to go on.As time marches forward, I accept that my child may never have functional speech, and almost always I am ok with that. Let me assure anyone who reads this, that is major progress for me, this time last year I would have never even been able to think that my son may never speak. DO I like it? Oh I dont think I am capable of expressing how I detest the fact that my son has been robbed of the things that others take for granted. Yes, as I write this, I know that there are some who will dislike the fact that I do not 'embrace' my son's autism. Thats fine, I can respect your stance, but you are not my son, nor do you speak for him. These are my thoughts and my feelings, so please understand and respect that.My son is so adorable, he truly is a dear heart, with sparkling blue green eyes, quick to smile and always looking for a reason to laugh. As I watched him play with his daddy today, and the giggles and laughter came in waves, I thought, what if he could not laugh? How does a mothers heart feel if her child cant laugh? I know there are children who are not able to laugh. That was my strength for the day, the happiness I have that my son is able to laugh, to have the pure and simple joy he finds in life and to have laughter as an avenue of expression. So, later, as I hugged my son to my heart, I knew that I would try to express my jumbled emotions here on the beach. How I hate autism, how I love my childs laughter and how I feel humbled and grateful that he can laugh... (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488226 Sat, 17 Feb 2007 21:42:00 +0100 488226 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/keepin-it-real.html I try to not get sucked into the whole "Oh poor me" syndrome too much. I really don't feel sorry for myself, or even for Eli, because he is autistic. He faces different challenges than my other kids did, that's a fact. But at the same time. I remember that all kids face challenges. Granted, autism is a biggie.We laugh as much as we can at ourselves. Our family is notoriously on the ball when it comes to poking fun at each other and pointing out each other's shortcomings. Me? I wear a lot of black, which is stupid because we have all these pets that shed white hair seemingly exclusively on my clothing. Old habits die hard, though. It's a throwback to my stagehand days when "blacks" were de rigeur every day. I'm a terrible shopper, much to the chagrin of most of my female friends. My teenage daughter about had a stroke when she saw me in a pastel pink blouse one day. "What is that?!" she demanded to know. I mumbled that it was a birthday gift from the husband, and that I was only wearing it to make him happy. "Well, take it off! You look stupid!" I have worn it exactly once.We even laugh at autism once in a while. I have frequently said, "If I can't laugh about some of this, I'd spend all my time crying." Eli's challenges are primarily social most of the time. His speech and language are coming along very well, and though he is still a klutz, his gross motor skills have improved over the past year or so. His fine motor skills are exceptional for a kid his age. But he still doesn't seem to care one way or another whether other kids play with him. So imagine my surprise and happiness when I overheard big sister Hannah teaching him to play hide and seek last night. There are times to inject yourself into a situation to offer assistance--this was not one of them. I sat on the steps, listening to her tell him to "close your eyes--no no, close them, okay now count to 10 and then come find me!" Eli counted slowly, then hit "10!" and I heard as he ran through the upstairs looking for her. Many giggles ensued.Sometimes, we have a tendency to over-complicate this whole parenting thing. We obsess and wonder a bit too much. At the end of the day, we need to be able to pat ourselves on the backs for making it through. Parenting is the toughest thing we will ever do, but at the same time, we need to remember that it is also the most natural thing in the world. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488227 Sat, 17 Feb 2007 14:44:00 +0100 488227 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/snow-days.html We got a storm on Tuesday. A big one. Dumped over a foot of snow, blowing and drifting everywhere.No school on Tuesday. Too dangerous and the city plows quit running at noon that day, since it was pointless. Okay, no big deal, I can entertain the kids with playing in the snow, right? Wrong. Did I mention the wind chill was below zero? Okay, so we braved it for a bit in the afternoon, bundled up and trudging down the middle of the street to the neighbor's house. The wind had died down ever so slightly, but kicked back up again as it began to get dark. No school on Wednesday. The city plows were running again, and main streets were being cleared, but too many people had been blocked in by the plows. The kids were disappointed by the postponement of the Valentine's Day parties at school yesterday. Today, they tore through the candy I had brought home as a consolation. Eli was totally thrilled at his very own heart-shaped box filled with mini Reese's cups. Mmmm. He even had a cute "quote of the day" yesterday. As he came down for breakfast his big sister said "Happy Valentine's Day, Eli!" He looked at her and said, "Valentime is up?" I guess you had to be there. It seemed like an inadvertent pun, which I appreciated at the time.No school on Thursday. Okay, this was getting ridiculous. Turns out that even though the streets were plowed, the school grounds were not. It was just too much snow to remove in that amount of time. There will be school tomorrow, thank goodness! As I tucked Eli into bed at a semi-reasonable hour, I reminded him that his party was tomorrow. He actually remembered that "Valentime's" Day was yesterday and got all confused. He thought that there should be no party! Promises of candy and cards from his friends made it okay. Whew! The bad news? More snow is forecast for Saturday! (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488228 Fri, 16 Feb 2007 02:54:00 +0100 488228 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/brothers.html My 2 boys are over 5 years apart. Jackson has always been protective of his little brother; literally since we brought him home from the hospital. Unfortunately, little bro is much less accepting and forgiving (which I suppose goes along with being the little brother).Lately, my boys have been playing! [This independent of my intervention.] Chasing each other around the house, tickling one another, rough housing on my bed, even playing with the shake and go race cars track. It makes my heart soar! How do your kids interact? How do they play? (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488229 Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:25:00 +0100 488229 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/important-step.html A day or so ago, Matthew had drawn and colored a bunch of vehicles (some monster trucks, a bus, couple cars,etc...) and asked me to cut them out for him (they were on a piece of oversized construction paper & his kidsafe scissors are misplaced at the moment). As I'm cutting the last of them out, he reaches for the scissors and says "Here let me try." Of course I didn't let go, and somehow they twisted around while still open & at the same time his fingers on the handle closed them....right on my finger. It was so unexpected & quick...not to mention really painful that I just started screaming. Matthew immediately started screaming too and asking "what?" well when I pulled up my finger to look at it and the blood started pouring, Matthew started sobbing and saying "sorry...sorry, mom". Then while still sobbing, he takes hold of my elbow & says "here, let me help you" (gasp).Afterward, when it was all cleaned up and bandaged, he kept coming over to me, picking up my hand to look at the bandage & saying "oh no....I sad, mommy boo boo" I just can't believe how well he reacted to the fact that HE hurt me. He has seen me get hurt before (a fall, a burn, etc..never by something he had done)and reacted with the appropriate empathy...giving my 'boo boo's' kisses. But this time he really knew and understood and was feeling bad about his being the cause (unintentionally of course) of my being hurt. I'm so very proud about his reaction to this. (I've made it a point to tell him several times that it was just an accident....he seems to have accepted and somewhat understands.) (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488230 Sun, 11 Feb 2007 13:52:00 +0100 488230 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/nicolette-larson.html When my youngest (Ben, NT) was a newborn, I sat in the rocking chair in his room trying to help him sleep. With his brother (Jacob, autism) it always helped to put on music and quietly sing along, or just listen, so I popped in a CD that I hadn't listened to since Jacob was a baby. We sat there in the dark listening to a lovely woman's voice singing about welcoming her beautiful baby into the world; how the world was wide open to him; how he could have anything he dreamed of; how she would always be there for him. I was instantly taken back to Jacob's infancy, to a memory of a night in the first year of his life. I remembered hearing the song playing over the baby monitor. I remembered how it was hot and how the windows and doors were open, I was in shorts and a tank top. I remembered listening to the song and watching TV with my husband. It was just an ordinary, uneventful night in the life of a new family with a baby.I immediately felt sad; so very, very sad. And as I sat there with Ben and listened to him breathe, I cried, and I didn't know why. Why was I so sad? Why was this one memory, of such an ordinary night, making me so emotional? Here I was with this exceptionally healthy and happy new baby, thinking about a moment in my past of no real significance; of a night with another exceptionally healthy and happy new baby. Why would this make me sad? I should be happy; things were actually going pretty well! For days I sat there with Ben and listened to this song, each time being taken back to that night, each time feeling extremely sad, each time not knowing why.Eventually I figured it out. Sitting there in my living room, listening to the music over the baby monitor, I could relate to the meaning of this song, sung by another new mother. My child had the whole world in front of him. He could do anything he wanted to, his future was bright and wide open. He was a brand new person with infinite options: and it was before autism. Newborn babies have no limits, and new parents have no limits on their hopes and dreams for their children. That hot night I had no idea what autism was. I didn't know about the language delay he would have. I didn't know about how he would run away in terror when other kids tried to just say hello to him. I didn't know about how he would flap his hands in front of his face, or tirelessly run back and forth with no purpose, or constantly recite from a computer game but refuse to even look at me. I didn't know about the endless therapy sessions, or the tests, or the struggles to get services, or the despair I would feel. All I knew was that I had a brand new baby who had the whole world in front of him.So I sat there with Ben and I mourned for the loss of my innocence; for my naivety. I knew that things weren't hopeless, but I also knew that we had to work really hard. The things that come so easily to other families and other children were going to be a constant struggle for us. It wasn't that the world wasn't still wide open for him, it just meant that he was going to have a harder time finding his way into it. I was sad because the person I used to be on that hot summer night was gone, replaced by someone forced to live with the cold, hard realities of life with autism. I was sad because that had been the last time I would live without autism, and I missed it. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488231 Fri, 09 Feb 2007 22:19:00 +0100 488231 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/light-in-darkness.html Even in my darkest moment, my sweet child will add brightness to my day. He gives me reasons to rejoice each day. While I'm struggling to keep up with laundry he's content to run wild in boxer shorts...when I feel guilty for not cooking a 'meal' he's content to eat chicken nuggets and goldfish (yet again), he's oblivious to the dirty floor and sticky walls. He is so easily happy; content with life. So I wonder, (sometimes) why can I not find this happiness with such ease? Do you see this innocence in your asd child? (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488232 Thu, 08 Feb 2007 22:57:00 +0100 488232 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/relationship-dynamic.html I gotta be honest. I wonder just how much this autism thing has affected my marriage. Truth? I've lost friends over it: honestly, it IS hard to relate to the daily struggle presented by autism. I know I'm a changed person. I'm just not as patient with others, I'm not as carefree. I also sometimes feel quite trapped in this life...so I wonder does my husband? Does he think about it? How has autism affected your relationships? (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488233 Sun, 04 Feb 2007 03:15:00 +0100 488233 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/social-skills-rollercoaster.html A week ago I took my son, 7 yo, and a school friend to play at a local kid's gym. Well, my son ended up playing more by himself while his school friend joined in with some strangers. Needless to say I was concerned once again about my son's social skills and began to question myself about whether or not I should force the issue. After all, if he's content, than why should I interfere with that?I was very down about the whole situation and had some wise moms remind me that social skills are an everyday part of our lives, so I need to interfere and I need to continue striving for my son's full potential.A few days later my son was out of school due to heater problems so I took him to McDonalds to eat and play. There was one other boy there, 5 yo, who asked my son a couple of times if he wanted to play. My son said no and continued to eat. Well, finally he did go play and the two of them played for a quite awhile pretending to be chased by sharks and snakes and monsters (some of my son's favorite pretend activities).I know my son still has a long way to go with his social skills and being able to really carry on a conversation with another child, but at least he's trying and he's able to pretend play.So for all the grief I felt a week ago, a few days later I felt better. Maybe the kid's gym was just too much sensory overload - too many kids. Maybe my son will always function better with a smaller setting and less kids. If that's the case, I'm o.k. with that; whatever works for him. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488234 Sat, 03 Feb 2007 20:19:00 +0100 488234 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/02/borrowing-trouble.html When Elias started school, big kids school, one of my biggest fears was that he would not have friends. He doesn't much care one way or another whether or not other children play with him. He is content to play by himself most of the time, and has always been pretty capable at amusing himself. These days, computer games are a big favorite.When he started his kindergarten class last fall, we had a conference with his teacher and therapists to discuss goals for Eli. My husband and I both expressed most concerns over social awareness and friendships. Kindergarten is far more than just academics, though it seems that many parents put a huge emphasis on ABCs and 123s. As visual as my son is, I knew that these would be a small step and easily achieved once he got into the swing of things. He did, and they were. He knows all his letters now, upper case and lower case both, and counts and identifies numbers now! As I said before, academics are a tiny part of the picture. What about friends?The other morning was rough. Sometimes my house is crazy, ya know? Getting kids out of the house onto respective buses and myself out the door and on to work can seem like a full day's work. Sometimes, kids miss buses and they have to be driven to school, and I am a bit late to work. We had one of those days. The night before, we discovered that our sweet cat, Larry, was injured and I took him to the Animal Emergency Clinic with what appeared to be a broken leg. Long story short is that Larry had been hit by a car and suffered rather extensive internal injuries, resulting in euthanasia. The Clinic closes at 8 a.m. and I needed to pick up his body, along with getting ready for work and school. You get the picture. I was a wreck and didn't get things done on time, so I needed to drive kids to school.Eli didn't want to go to school that day. His routine had already been thrown out the window, considering he was playing Toontown online in his sister's room. I dressed him under protest, with him whining most of the time. A bribe of a heart-shaped sucker sweetened the deal and we were on our way! Car rides are good these days, so long as they don't last too long. A couple of years ago, I dreaded rides with Eli, as he would scream echolaliac phrases most every time. He didn't like the car--at all. These days, he rides along happily, and will frequently attempt jokes and silliness like his older sibs, throwing in insults like "You're a poopy head!" which cracks us up. I carefully avoid passing any McDonald's along our routes, though. The Golden Arches have a special place in our hearts. But I digress. This was about friends. We got to Elias' school and entered the office to sign him in, about a half hour late. He led me down the hall to his classroom and we saw two of his classmates come into the hallway with the teacher, trailed by two little girls. BOTH of the little boys ran up to my son, yelling, "Eli is here! Hi Eli!" with big smiles and hugs. My heart melted. One of the boys, A********, is particularly fond of Eli, apparently. His teacher came up and said, "Thank God you came! He is completely beside himself when Eli isn't here, and kept asking when he was coming!" A******* took Eli by the hand and dragged him off to the other classroom where the children spend some of their day, for storytime, and his teacher and I spoke briefly in the hallway outside. A helpful hint for parents out there, from the daughter of an educator---don't try to squeeze in a conference every time you see your child's teacher. I told her how happy I was to see that Eli had friends--that kids were happy to see him. Then I was on my way to work.I reflected on the drive that sometimes we "borrow trouble" as my mom puts it. What this means is that we worry about things that may not need quite as much energy and time as we give them. I am not naive. I know that Eli will get picked on from time to time because he is different, because he doesn't quite understand all the nonverbal and subtle social cues that other kids have picked up on. He will suffer some rejections along the way, and get his feelings hurt. But this is part of life for any child, and learning to deal with these unpleasantries is part of growing up. Not everyone likes you, regardless of any quirks and disabilities. His family loves him, though, and now I see that there are some kids out there who like him, too.So take heart. I borrowed some trouble, and now I am returning it. My son has some friends. And considering that one of his friends is a very tall and protective kid, I don't think I will be borrowing that trouble again any time soon. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488235 Sat, 03 Feb 2007 14:13:00 +0100 488235 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/autism-takes-vacation.html Sometimes autism takes a vacation in our house. Well, truthfully it takes a vacation a lot of the time. It's not that I don't care that Eli is autistic, or don't want to help him, but we are lucky to be able to forget the autism once in a while. My mother has cancer. She was diagnosed late November and began her chemo treatments the day after Christmas. One week later, she slipped on ice and fractured a vertebra. Not a good start to a new year.So a lot of my emotional energy has gone to her. She has been there for me my entire life--picking me up when I'm down, building me back up. She went with me to our initial consultations for Elias, listening to what the various specialists had to say. There are times when she questions how much the experts know, and has never lost her optimism about his outcome in life. "He's going to be fine." Mind you, I don't always agree with my mom, but on this, we are in total agreement.Eli adores my mom. All the grandkids call her Granny, and though his speech is not always totally clear, this word comes out loud and strong. Some of my favorite pictures are of my mom holding Eli on her lap, from infancy onward, to the point that he is a big boy covering most of her body, sleeping in total bliss on his dear Granny's lap.When she was diagnosed with the cancer, she told her oncologist that her wish was to survive long enough to see her two youngest grandchildren grown. That means another 18 years or so, since my brother has a baby boy now. She would be 90 then. I hope she makes it. Even another 13 years to see Eli graduate from High School would be good, don't you think? (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488236 Sat, 27 Jan 2007 17:54:00 +0100 488236 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/without-words.html It's amazing to me that my son is able to communicate without words. He doesn't carry a conversation like many children his age, and he still cannot answer, "What did you do at school today?" But, as his mother, I know if he's had a bad day; I know if he's happy or excited. I know when he's stressed too. I don't always know why, which, I guess is what is so frustrating. How does your child communicate without words? (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488237 Sat, 27 Jan 2007 02:13:00 +0100 488237 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/storm.html Even the Island has weather. Jsut as I think I can do this, and I have found answers for some or most of the challanges, along will come a storm. Sometimes it passes quickly and is a very mild turn of events, other times the storm seems to feed on itself and gather strength as it hits the island. The last several days have been a storm, or perhaps a series of storms of the latter type. I think I have one thing fixed, only to find two other things ready to tear apart the hut that protects my son and I.There is no real need to put the actual names on the events / issues / concerns, all of us can fill in the blanks and get the gist of what I am talking about. Sometimes it seems the most simple thing just cant turn out correctly, without a big todo and lots of extra effort that I really dont have time for. The last many days / weeks, everywhere I have turned, the storm is there and it is threatning immediate disaster.....Sometime I turn to others and receive help, other times I must weather it out all alone.For now, I think the worst of the storm is over, though I always must keep in mind, this could be the eye, and it will start again soon. Now, to get some of this mess cleared away and get my hut on the beach in good repair. Even though I would love to lay very still and rest, my son needs me. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488238 Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:29:00 +0100 488238 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/my-piece-of-perfection.html On August 29th of last year, we sat in the psychologist's office while she told us that our daughter had autism. Tears welled in her eyes as she told us that she hated to tell parents things like this, and she wanted to know how we were feeling. I know that this may cause a few eyes to roll, but I've always known deep down that I would have a special needs child. Before Clara was born, I was drawn to disabled children like a magnet, and quite a few of them have been drawn to me. I remember thinking, "This is practice for later." So was I upset when I found out that my first born had autism? Of course. Was I shocked? Not really, and I actually think it was helpful because I bypassed denial and went straight into action. Since that life altering day, I have spent countless hours reading and doing research online. I've driven mile after mile taking my daughter back and forth to therapy and evaluations and made countless phone calls. I've cried, screamed, and leaned on the shoulders of others, including the other moms strolling along the beach. Would I go back and change things if I could? Never. For the past two and a half years, my life has become something that I could never have imagined. I've discovered that I have more love in my heart than I thought humanly possible. This journey with Clara has made me stronger, more compassionate, and more understanding than I ever was without her. I've also learned how to find the small blessings within our trials. My daughter leads me around the house to tell me what she needs. Sometimes it can be aggravating when I'm busy taking care of my infant, but suddenly I hear a voice in my head..."You get to hold your baby's hand all day long". In the middle of a meltdown, I grab her up and hold her tight, comforting her and protecting her. Even in the heat of her frustration, I sigh and squeeze a little harder..."It's just one really long hug. Someday, she may not need me so much anymore. Get it while you can." At times, when she pulls me down to her level, looks me in the eye and calls me "mama", my heart swells and lodges in my throat. This is the ultimate. There isn't anything better in life than the unconditional love between parent and child. She is perfect as is. For me, I couldn't want for anything more. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488239 Wed, 17 Jan 2007 20:51:00 +0100 488239 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/what-happens-next.html So. You got the diagnosis. Your child has autism. You suspected that something was "not quite right" with your son or daughter's development, but couldn't quite put your finger on it. He didn't talk on time--she didn't walk until very late--he has sleep troubles and she has eating problems. He cries more than an average two year old and she is nowhere near potty-training as you had hoped she would be by now.He doesn't play with toys in the expected fashion, and she doesn't acknowledge grandma's gift. He lays on the floor with Matchbox cars, slowly spinning the wheels. She tantrums and bangs her head on the floor until there are big lumps. And worst of all (to some) they both scoop poop from panties and diapers, smearing it on the floor, the walls and even their hair. The smell is awful and you cry as you try to clean it from under the tiny fingernails.Sound familiar? Oh yeah. Your friends slowly drift away, uncomfortable with your child and her "behavior problems" and his "issues." You feel angry and alienated. You need your friends and family more than ever right now! How dare they abandon you! How could they?! But they do--the ones that don't get it--that don't understand. They may never "get it" unless you spell it out to them, and then their eyes glaze over with the boredom of listening to all your problems.You jump on the Internet and "Google" 'playing with poop' and after sorting through some rather unsavory and unexpected hits, you find AUTISM. You read every article you can--matching the symptoms, checking them against your list. You diagnose your child and phone the pediatrician nearly hysterical with dread. "My son is autistic! I just read all about it online! He has like every single hallmark for it! Help me!" Four months and numerous appointments later, your fears are confirmed. Your child has autism.So? What now?Take a deep breath and look at your child. Is he or she a different kid than you had yesterday? Of course not. Same kid. Whew! Do you still love your child, even with a diagnosis of autism? Of course! Who wouldn't love that sweet face! Do you feel better prepared to help your child? Probably not---yet. But you will.Go ahead and read all you can about autism and possible therapies that may help your child. It surely can't hurt, right? Well, maybe and maybe not. Do your best to stay clear of anyone offering to cure or recover your child from autism. Granted, this is my own opinion, but at this point there is no cure for autism. Am I advocating doing nothing for your child? What, because he is autistic I think you should just throw in the towel and say you can't do anything since it can't be cured? Au contraire, mon frere! There is much you can and should do to help your little autie find his way in the world.First and foremost, in my book anyway, is play, play, play! Get down on the floor and pretend with the Little People and farm animals. Get your crayons and color. Finger paint. Even if you can't stand the smell (which I can't) get some Play-Doh and make snakes and balls and cubes. Roll a ball. Take a walk outside and down the sidewalk and look at the pretty leaves on the ground, or if you are lucky enough to live near a beach, build a sandcastle. Build a house with Duplos or wooden blocks. If it bugs you that he lays on the floor and rolls the Matchbox cars back and forth and that's it, then show him how to 'vroom vroom' it around. Drive it up his arms and down his legs. Just play. Talk to your child--a lot. Even if he doesn't talk back he is hearing your speech patterns and learning words. Besides, it is soothing to him to hear your voice. Remember, he is still your child, and you want him to learn to communicate. PECS might help him bridge the gap, or sign language, or even facilitated communication devices. Whatever it takes to help her learn to communicate her wants and needs will help to lessen those tantrums, even if it's just a bit.Stick to routines as much as you can. Little auties seem to thrive on sameness and routine, so keep to those routines whenever possible. Wake her up at the same time every day. If she wants the same cereal every single day--who cares? Does it matter in the big picture? I didn't think so. But you see, eating problems are fairly common in our kids, so don't give up the ghost of dietary variety quite yet. Offer different foods all the time. Eat together with her, or as a family when you can. You can't expect your little girl to try new foods if they aren't offered.Therapy. If your child is under 3, get them into Early Intervention. If your child is over 3, look into a preschool that can accommodate his needs. Every child is different, so there is no way of knowing what is necessary or crucial until you get an evaluation. When your child reaches the age of five, you will need to make some choices about the type of education best suited for him.Be more patient than you would with a typical child. Reset your timetable and expectations. Above all love your child for the delightful little person he or she is. Don't worry too much. It gets easier with time, and these kids are a source of unbelievable pride and joy to their moms and dads. Take nothing for granted. The accomplishments of our kids mean so much more, because we know how hard it was to get there. As your child gets older, try to make the effort to learn from autistic teens and adults. Read their blogs and their sites. They have so much to teach us if we will only listen. Look at it this way. If you are traveling in a foreign country, your native countrymen are going to be pretty useless in helping you along the way. You wouldn't ask someone from Akron, Ohio to show you around Moscow. Relax. You can do this. You can parent an autistic kid. I recently reunited with an old high school classmate who has an autistic son, now 14. He is an awesome kid. His mom is a live-wire from a big family. She knew that my son is also autistic and said quite simply, "It gets easier and better every year." I couldn't agree with her more. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488240 Wed, 17 Jan 2007 02:55:00 +0100 488240 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/what-autism-means-to-me.html What Autism means to me ...It means cuddling in the morning and small gentle hands rubbing the hair away from my face while a lil' boys soft voice beckons me "Mama, wake up."It means excitment and joy when that lil' boy see's his most treasured toy ... clay sitting on the table "LOOOOK Mama, there's da play."It means giggles and laughter as him and his lil' sister run circles around each other and fall to the floor laughing. It means a road that was once not well traveled but slowly has become beat down path.It means friendship with women who are stronger, smarter and lovlier than I could of ever hoped to meet. It means giving and receiving love, joy, suffering and heartache, and more love and more joy.It means believing in faith and hope. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488241 Sat, 13 Jan 2007 08:20:00 +0100 488241 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/goliath.html A mighty warrior and a young man. A small, slick stone, and a sling as well as determination and faith beyond words. We all know the story. David brought down Goliath with that small stone: Victorious!We have a modern day Goliath in our world: Autism. Jackson was diagnosed at 3 1/2 after almost a year of testing and 5 different specialists. We thought he was a "late talker". We didn't know what we were missing. We thought that dancing around with his teletubbies and bathing Pooh and Piglet in the tub were "pretend play". He was our first born: all our hopes, all our dreams, all of our faith in the world. Slowly, we came to realize the power of Goliath in our house. We couldn't take our little boy to the movie theatre; trick-or-treating proved to be a nightmare for us and he slept through his own 3rd birthday party. While other kids in our family played transportation bingo and built roads and rivers in graham cracker dirt, Jackson slept. We should have seen it coming; but Goliath hit us blindside.Autism is Jackson's Goliath, but he is armed with a small stone (me, his unpredictable, ready for battle momma), a sling (his strong steady daddy) and enough faith and determination to conquer Goliath. God must have filled my dear boy with faith because he's usually up for the challenge. Not to mention we have a community full of support and encouragment. There isn't anything Jackson cannot try.Goliath taught me to cherish the small things: a trip to the zoo lasting more than 20 minutes, a sentence with 4 words in it, the use of pronouns, jumping into the "deep" end of the pool, Boy Scouts.Have we conquered Goliath? Yes we have. We celebrate little victories: enjoying the thrill of carnival rides, yearning to be on the soccer field Saturday mornings in the spring, riding a two wheeled bike up and down our street. Yes, with these victories the mighty warrior is battle-scarred and though he rears his ugly head on dark days, we know that though we might lose the battle, we have on the war.Here on the beach, we pick up the stones, we wield our faith: we defeat Goliath... (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488243 Mon, 08 Jan 2007 00:52:00 +0100 488243 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/what-i-do-know.html Before Zachary, the only thing I knew about Autism was what I saw on television. Like many others, I was unaware of the broad spectrum and exactly what Autism meant. I couldn't figure out why my precious boy couldn't follow directions; why he seemed to look at us with a blank stare when I knew his hearing was alright. Zachary is not without his obsessions or repetitive speech, but we were fortunate not to have experienced him without emotion or playfulness. His biggest obstacle has been and still is speech and language, which naturally inhibits his social skills.When I think about how far behind he is for recently turning 7, I have to put it in perspective and think how far he's come. There's less and less that we can't understand when he talks which has eliminated the tantrums from frustration. I had to take a long look at myself and realize I couldn't use this as an excuse to baby him and limit his ability. When I took a step back, then he learned to dress himself; putting on his shoes took longer but he's managed that as well. There is a lot he can do, and that's what I have to remind myself.Though the outcome of the future is still unknown, I don't fret over it as much as I did a year or two ago. What I do know is we have a loving, happy son who makes us laugh and who amazes us all the time. Watching the world through his eyes is a joyful experience.What I do know is he is in school and learning. He is reading and adding; he knows how many planets there are and which is the smallest and which is the largest. I know he will continue to learn.What I do know is I have met some wonderful parents along the way at school and here on Autism Island. People who know what you're experiencing; who know that Autism is just different, not weird or strange.So, as a wise mom (wink GG) once said, I hope this can be a beacon of light for all those who are new to this and trying to find answers and hope. There is a lot of hope to be found - that I do know. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488244 Sun, 07 Jan 2007 16:30:00 +0100 488244 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/in-my-daughters-eyes.html I pulled this song out today when I was playing piano and singing some old tunes and, as always, the words and message really touched me so I thought I'd share with you all....In my daughter's eyes I am a hero.I am strong and wise, and I know no fear.But the truth is plain to see, she was sent to rescue me.I see who I want to be in my daughter's eyes.In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal.Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace.This miracle God gave to me gives me strength when I am weak.I find reason to believe in my daughter's eyes.And when she wraps her hand around my finger,Always puts a smile in my heart.Everything becomes a little clearer.I realize what life is all about.It's hanging on when your heart has had enough.It's giving more when you feel like giving up.I've seen the light.It's in my daughter's eyes.In my daughter's eyes I can see the future,A reflection of who I am and what will be.And though she'll grow and someday leave,Maybe raise a family....When I'm gone I hope you'll see how happy she made me,For I'll be there in my daughter's eyes.Words and Music by James SlaterRecorded by Martina McBride (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488245 Fri, 05 Jan 2007 23:39:00 +0100 488245 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/elias-ate-pineapple.html Okay, I know this may sound like no big deal to a lot of parents but Elias ate pineapple at dinner tonight, completely unprompted or bribed!He has never been much of an eater. Even as a baby, he didn't seem to enjoy eating the way that my other kids had, and it worried me from the start. We tried to feed him everything we ate, and more. No go. He was incredibly stubborn and a very picky eater! It got so bad that we would actually have to force the poor kid to take even a few bites.I was advised by other moms that he was probably allergic to the foods he actively avoided. Hmmm, never heard of a "meat" or a "fruit" or "carrot" allergy, but I suppose it could happen. No, he's not allergic. Just autistic and convinced that the only foods worthy of his attention were crunchy and sweet or salty. You know the type--waffles, dry cereal, chips, pretzels and crackers.I finally figured out that he would try different foods that had these characteristics and expanded what he would eat on his own. Fruit was a big no-no for a looooong time, except for apples and applesauce. Eventually, he would eat different flavors of applesauce, and he would sometimes eat canned fruit. Seriously, though, what little kid won't even eat a banana?!Tonight, he ate polska kielbasa caramelized in pineapple juice, macaroni and cheese, and chunks of pineapple. By himself. Yeah, it's a big deal for him. He is still a little on the short side of normal, but so am I! He is incredibly healthy, though, and feeds himself at every meal now.He still won't touch carrots in any way, shape or form. Don't even try to tell me to put them out with ranch dip--we tried that, and cooked carrots have to be carefully removed from bowls of soup or stew. Trust me, this kid can spy the tiniest sliver of orange and deem an entire bowl of soup unfit for human consumption. "No carrots! No mommy, no!" Big eyeroll from mom, here. Yeah, yeah, I know.... No biggie. That's what vitamins are for! (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488246 Thu, 04 Jan 2007 01:50:00 +0100 488246 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/what-is-important.html I've sat here and thought for awhile about what to post and what I felt I HAD to say. For me it's about what is REALLY important.About my family. I am married and have two children a 4 1/2 year old son and a 19 month old daughter. Zach was diagnosed in May of 2005 just before his 3rd birthday. He was non-verbal, didn't play at all except to line up toys in a straight line and stayed in a state between obsessive behavior and tantrums. I'm happy to report that Zach speaks in full sentences, is playing with his toys in a very interactive way and is very engaged with us. Before Zach was born and even after I had him ... I used to think the important things were: How hard you worked, How successful you were, How involved you were with society, How much money you made, and what your social status was. That isn't to say that working hard and being successful aren't important, but what I deem hard work and success now are not measured by the same stick they were before. Asking for a cup of juice is success in my book. Restraining to push your sister when you are frustrated is HARD WORK and success now. What is important to me now? My family, whether we are poor, rich, or if we can go and do all the big outings that other families do really doesn't matter anymore. What amazes me most is that IT REALLY DOESN'T matter to me anymore. I feel like blinders have been lifted from eyes.My friends, whether they are in real life or online. In fact the people who support me the most are right here on Autism Island. They are so wonderful and couragous and motivated and just GREAT!!Education, Not for my son, well yes, but I'm talking about education and awareness for the rest of the world about what Autism is. I want the world to know that Autism doesn't fit in a box and that each child is unique, smart, beautiful, and stronger than any one of us is. I want the world to know that children with Autism have insight we will never have.What I've learned is important from my son ... Patience, kindness, to be silly, to laugh, to learn, that spinning in a circle for an hour doesn't make all people sick, and that clay can bring the imagination to a place I never thought possible.The biggest lesson I've learned from my son and I think is the most important lesson is: Unconditional love. HIS unconditional love of EVERY single person who walks into his life. Sure he maybe upset when a therapist pushes him when she knows he can be pushed, but once the task is accomplished all is well and the love is still right there. The love never leaves his eyes and that simply amazes me. When parents talked about the unconditional love they had for their kids I knew it was true ... but I never dreamed that a child would give that kind of love back in a way that was so apparent and unmistakable. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488247 Tue, 02 Jan 2007 19:08:00 +0100 488247 http://autismislandbeach.blogspot.com/2007/01/look-how-far-shes-come.html "Look how far she's come"....I heard this a lot over the Christmas holidays. It made my heart grow three sizes because loved ones who have not seen my baby in a while could see immediately that Ansley has come so far. I know she’s growing and learning, but sometimes it’s really hard to see progress when you’re with a child every day. But it’s really obvious when you look back at where we started. The greatest thing is that with each new word she learns, and each new skill gained, I see a little more of this special little girl and what she is capable of doing – and what she is capable of teaching me.Yes….teaching me. You see, in the time since I became aware that Ansley was autistic I have spent hours and hours researching how to teach her, how to play with her, how to communicate with her……but ultimately I believe she is the one that has taught me so very much.She has taught me what is important in life, and what is not. She has taught me that you don’t have to know how or when to say “I love you” to show someone you love them. She has taught me that patience is not merely circumstantial. She has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love and what acceptance really means. She has most certainly given me a whole new perspective of the world….both when it’s cruel and when it’s wonderful. And, maybe most importantly, she has shown me just how much my heart can love….and what I am capable of becoming.Wow….just look how far I’ve come. (Source: The Beach on Autism Island) The Beach on Autism Island blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=488242 Tue, 02 Jan 2007 01:44:00 +0100 488242