Never Put Off Until Tomorrow What You Can Do Today

This is my first blog entry documenting my life as a mother of two children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).  One, a toddler, non-verbal, and two, an older child with Asperger's Syndrome.  After having lived with these diagnoses for over a year now, one might think things would get easier.  They don't.  My response to the difficulties has gotten easier though.

I intended to start this blog awhile ago, documenting successful activities my children engage in together; recommending treatment programs I've found to be helpful; and educating others on the disorder(s) and the need for funding research and inclusive health insurance laws, but as a single mother of 2 ASD children, I have had little time.  I am only MAKING the time now as an outlet to vent the frustrations that come with living with and caring for children with Autism. 

I currently have a problem.  It is the fact that I cannot find, no matter how hard I try, affordable housing for us, and excellent programs for BOTH of my children IN the same area.  I currently live in Ogden, Utah and have found an EXCELLENT program for my non-verbal 3 yr old.  It is with the Weber County School District who has wonderful, caring therapists involved in their Early Intervention Program and wonderful, caring therapists and teachers in their new "Partners for Success" program (Preschool Age 3-4).  "Partners for Success" is an excellent program.  My 3 yr old has 4 hours of preschool 4 days a week with the hope of graduating down to 2.5 hours of preschool.  They are using a form of ABA therapy to gain instructional control.  My older Aspie, however, has NOTHING here.  My Aspie is very intelligent, self taught to read at 2,  and struggles socially as all Aspies do.  A "504" will get guidance from a counselor, maybe a social skills class once a week, but the funding for education in the state of Utah is poor and there are no accelerated learning programs here.  So, after looking at all options available to me, I've settled on a decision to move to Camas, Washington.  I've heard they have a good program there for Autistic children and I have friends and family in the area offering support to us.  I feel great about the move for my Aspie, but I wish I felt better about my 3 yr old's treatment options.  It looks like private instruction is my only option to equate what Weber School District is doing here.  It is a very expensive option though.