"Outgrowing Autism? Study looks at why some kids bloom"

"Outgrowing Autism? Study looks at why some kids bloom."

http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/02/10946015-outgrowing-autism-study-looks-at-why-some-kids-bloom

I didn't even have to read that article to know why......
money.

That is what gets you early, intensive therapy.  Money, and lots of it.  I bet I spend around $2k in therapy and gas money to get out there.  It's not that I'm rich.....SO FAR FROM IT.  I am blessed enough to have family that care and who help me, and I scrimp, save, and never go anywhere or do anything.  All extra money goes there.  It really cheats my daughter who's higher-functioning because she needs therapy too.  But since my son is the lower functioning of the two, I have to put it there.  It's such a nightmare as a mother.  Trying to do your best for both of your children and always feeling like you're short-changing one, or the other, or both!  We don't go on vacations, I know my children won't be seeing Disneyland anytime soon...... it just breaks my heart.  But, I know there are many families who never get there, never go anywhere.  So I keep thinking about what I have and try and not focus on all the things others seem to be doing with their families all around me.  I'm lucky I have help.  I'm lucky I can get my son help.  Maybe I should have a four-leaf clover up there instead of a flower.  Maybe that will be my children's and my activity for tomorrow......to find a four leaf clover.

Fragile X study

http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/could-autism-be-reversed-pill-3789343

Interesting article.  It talks about Fragile X and some experimental drugs that may help this condition-described as traffic jams in the brain.

I've lived with Autism my whole life, my dad's family is riddled with it, my ex-husband had it, and both of my children have it.  This particular study was interesting to me because I can actually SEE when a neural "traffic jam" hits!  It's like they all get stuck on some idea they have.  Like a record player stuck on the same track…over and over…..and they can't let it go!  It's such a crazy, frustrating thing.  If this medication could control those neural "traffic jams" it would be wonderful and "meltdowns" wouldn't last so long. 

Autism Awareness Day

Today is Autism Awareness Day and what better way to celebrate than to say thanks to those who work with our children every day.  I love chocolate covered sunflower seeds and sunflowers.  But, since the Autism Awareness color is blue, I thought it more fitting to have blue flowers.  I attached the sunflower seeds with zip ties, cut the stems to varying lengths, made some puzzle pieces, and voila!  You have the perfect gift for 12 teachers!