Too Much To Finish!

I've been busy!  I'll blog about my latest adventure in my next post.  But for now, I'm FINALLY finished with my quilts!  One is for my son, and one is for his ABA therapist's new baby.  If anyone out there has 2 children on the spectrum.....getting food cooked, laundry done, and the house cleaned is a feat in it of itself.  But, I got the quilts FINALLY done!  (It took a month.  Pre-Autistic kids, I could knock two out in a day!)

"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!

I Try

I wonder if some might read this blog thinking…."Why does she think she can say [anything] about Autism?"  I would say to them,  "I'm just a mom who has had family members with the disorder, an ex-spouse with the disorder, and 2 children with the disorder."  I want to share information and what I know or what I have found out.  Occasionally, I have information that can help someone.  And I like to help.  That's why I'm blogging.

Sometimes I try to be helpful on the Autism Networking sites.  I think that might get me in trouble.  Especially when people have such strong opinions about the disorder and how to treat it, how to talk about it, and how to do anything about it.  I post articles, videos, a study……make a few comments I think are non-bias and all the sudden everyone has claws out ready to go.  So, maybe I'll save those for my blog.  Hopefully I won't inadvertently offend anyone here.

I just emailed one of my son's old therapists in Utah to update her on his progress.  I wonder if therapists get annoyed with updates, or if they like to know how they have affected a little life.  They definitely have an effect on my life.  And I will never forget them.

Hare Loss

Life with 2 kids on either side of the spectrum is interesting.  I've mentioned my son a lot but my daughter, not so much.  She's brilliant and reads everything she can get her hands on.   I caught her reading this article in the magazine "Mind Floss."   Thank heavens she didn't ask me any questions and "the Easter Bunny" can pay a visit on Easter.  I was glad that didn't add to my stress which is literally causing me hair loss.  It's sad but true.  The lady at the wig store was very nice.  Her name is Susie at Wells Wigs Unlimited. 

Alphabet Song

I cannot say enough good about Building Bridges and ABA therapy.  My son was not talking....now look at him!