When you have a child in the autism spectrum there are many issues that you have to face as a parent. The first, and most important, is the physical AND mental well-being of your child. The physical is probably the most apparent for most parents. However, it seems like the mental or emotional part is more challenging for most.
The fact is that sometimes we need the help from professionals. Not only does the child benefit, but the parents as well. I have a friend who has great health insurance and it covers her child's visits to a Psychologist once a week! I wish I were so lucky! She takes full advantage of it and is able to not only get help for her child, but also gets counseling for herself.
I am extremely lucky to have wonderful support from family and friends. I can pick up the phone right now and I know that they would understand and be a listening ear when I need it. There are many who are not so lucky. The stigma of going to a doctor for help is slowly changing. More and more people are talking openly about it. Maybe it's the media... maybe it's that we're more open-minded. I strongly believe that the main reason is that there are more people now who seek professional counseling. There is nothing wrong with it and it doesn't make you weak. On the contrary, it makes you stronger.
My hope is that whoever is out there struggling with the decision of whether to get help or not, will do so. Don't wait. Don't wait until all hope is gone or you feel like there is no other alternative. You CAN get the support you need. There ARE people out there who understand. I promise you that there is someone out there who has the same values and thought process as you. You just need to seek them out. My friend has to drive over an hour to seek help, but she does it. It definitely puts things in perspective for me.
If you end up with someone you don't like or who doesn't have the same value system you do, then look elsewhere. You don't have to give up. I have seen how persistence pays off. This is definitely something worth fighting for.
*****************************
I urge you to check this out:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-pervasive-developmental-disorders/index.shtml
******************************
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Wilson's Disease Miracle
I realized that it has been a long time since I wrote about Wilson's Disease. It comes in cycles since my daughter has to go to Children's Hospital every six months. Every time I go I am reminded about her condition and that her health is such a blessing. I am still optimistic, but unfortunately the doctors have a way of always reminding me that she is still young and that things could change once she is older. I try not to let it get to me.
I have concluded that my daughter is a Wilson's Disease miracle. Everywhere I read that people have all kinds of side effects on their meds and so far she hasn't... except for the occasional upset stomach which seems to be remedied by giving her morning dose with a little food. Her liver enzymes are getting better. They are still not "normal" but they keep going down and are at almost normal range, which is definitely something the doctors were not expecting but were hoping for.
I have concluded that miracles happen every day. However, we have to keep our minds open. God has a silent and reverent way of teaching us. If we would just take the time to get away from all the chaos and commotion in our lives, we can actually feel his presence in our lives. I believe that our daughter is a testament of what can be achieved when we pray and have faith. I have prayed for my daughter, for the doctors, and for myself. I honestly believe that my prayers were answered and that because I acted on my promptings that we are blessed today.
*********************
God answers prayers.
*********************
I have concluded that my daughter is a Wilson's Disease miracle. Everywhere I read that people have all kinds of side effects on their meds and so far she hasn't... except for the occasional upset stomach which seems to be remedied by giving her morning dose with a little food. Her liver enzymes are getting better. They are still not "normal" but they keep going down and are at almost normal range, which is definitely something the doctors were not expecting but were hoping for.
I have concluded that miracles happen every day. However, we have to keep our minds open. God has a silent and reverent way of teaching us. If we would just take the time to get away from all the chaos and commotion in our lives, we can actually feel his presence in our lives. I believe that our daughter is a testament of what can be achieved when we pray and have faith. I have prayed for my daughter, for the doctors, and for myself. I honestly believe that my prayers were answered and that because I acted on my promptings that we are blessed today.
*********************
God answers prayers.
*********************
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Do You Have Autism... Or Does Autism Have You?
There is a consensus among the medical community that since there is no "known cause" for autism then we just need to treat the symptoms. I challenge the medical community to look at it this way: perhaps if we could diagnose a child EARLY on with autism then there could be less symptoms to treat!! Imagine that.... early intervention making a difference. Makes so much sense to parents.... why not the doctors?
When I found out that my child was delayed in speech I took the "bull by the horns" and got therapy. Guess what happened? He learned to speak and communicate better. His social skills improved and there was less issues with behavior.
When I found out that my daughter had Wilson's Disease I took the "bull by the horns" and got treatment. If we would have waited for her to "get sick" then we would have had a totally different prognosis.
I want to challenge all of you out there who have a child with unique circumstances to fight for treatment and services! We have to find out why the symptoms are there and what the triggers are. Don't rely on doctors giving you all the answers. You MUST do the research and do whatever necessary to give your child a fighting chance. There is a reason why you're the parent. There is a reason why your child was sent to you.
The consensus among parents is that they often feel alone and abandoned once they reach the diagnosis stage for their child. That's such a tragedy! There are tons of books, support groups, and blogs out there. Find the ones that best fit your needs. The possibilities are endless.
*******************************
When you get the chance, read
about Temple Grandin.
*******************************
When I found out that my child was delayed in speech I took the "bull by the horns" and got therapy. Guess what happened? He learned to speak and communicate better. His social skills improved and there was less issues with behavior.
When I found out that my daughter had Wilson's Disease I took the "bull by the horns" and got treatment. If we would have waited for her to "get sick" then we would have had a totally different prognosis.
I want to challenge all of you out there who have a child with unique circumstances to fight for treatment and services! We have to find out why the symptoms are there and what the triggers are. Don't rely on doctors giving you all the answers. You MUST do the research and do whatever necessary to give your child a fighting chance. There is a reason why you're the parent. There is a reason why your child was sent to you.
The consensus among parents is that they often feel alone and abandoned once they reach the diagnosis stage for their child. That's such a tragedy! There are tons of books, support groups, and blogs out there. Find the ones that best fit your needs. The possibilities are endless.
*******************************
When you get the chance, read
about Temple Grandin.
*******************************
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Alternative Therapies for Autism
I spoke with my mom today and she mentioned something about an alternative therapy for Autism she heard about on the news. It was the hyperbaric chamber. I found this article online: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AutismNews/story?id=7070353&page=1 (just copy and paste to view). The results sound very promising!
Another treatment option that I have recently discovered is the ENLISTEN PROGRAM. Although I am not endorsing it, I know of many parents who have used it and have seen results! Here is their official website for more information: http://www.progresscenter.us/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15&Itemid=15
There is not a "magic pill" or treatment that will cure autism, but there are numerous treatment options out there. You must have an open mind. Doctors will not tell you about these options because of fear that they will get sued or that they will be seen as "quacks" by their peers. However, more and more medical professionals are seeing the benefits of some of these unconventional treatments.
Take the time and do your own research. You might be surprised at what you find.
***************************
Unfortunately, right now we
can only treat the symptoms
of autism. Perhaps one day
we will find the cause or
the cure. In the meantime
let's join forces and share
what we find. It's a matter
of necessity.
***************************
Another treatment option that I have recently discovered is the ENLISTEN PROGRAM. Although I am not endorsing it, I know of many parents who have used it and have seen results! Here is their official website for more information: http://www.progresscenter.us/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15&Itemid=15
There is not a "magic pill" or treatment that will cure autism, but there are numerous treatment options out there. You must have an open mind. Doctors will not tell you about these options because of fear that they will get sued or that they will be seen as "quacks" by their peers. However, more and more medical professionals are seeing the benefits of some of these unconventional treatments.
Take the time and do your own research. You might be surprised at what you find.
***************************
Unfortunately, right now we
can only treat the symptoms
of autism. Perhaps one day
we will find the cause or
the cure. In the meantime
let's join forces and share
what we find. It's a matter
of necessity.
***************************
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Let Me Count My Blessings
Kudos go out to all the single moms and dads out there who do the parenting thing every day by themselves. I honestly don't know how they do it! It's enough to drive me insane having to do it for a few days or a week. I've had friends whose husbands went overseas for deployment in the military, and they had to do it alone for MONTHS! They are among the strongest individuals I know.
Its truly amazing to see how much you are capable of when tested. You have no idea what your limits are until they are tested. Patience, frugality, organizational skills, and ingenuity are among some of the things that I have personally gleaned from having to do things on my own. Sometimes I take it for granted that my husband will do certain things. We truly make a good team. However, when he's gone I am reminded of all the ways he makes things easier for me and the family. The biggest thing I miss when he's gone is the moral support. It can be mentally exhausting raising four busy kids. My oldest is finally calming down and is able to help more, but he still demands a lot of attention and still needs me for validation. He still likes for me to go to the school and never hesitates to give me a hug. I am so glad that the transition into the teenage years has gone so smoothly.
I love my husband more than words can say. He's truly my soul mate. I can't imagine my life any other way.... even with all the crazy things I have to deal with. He has a way of calming me down when I want to lose it. He has a way of helping me put things in perspective. He is truly an example to me of what a humble servant of God should be like. Last, but not least, he makes me feel like the best mom and wife in the world. That's a feat in itself because (as many of you probably can relate) I don't often feel that way.
It is humbling to know that I am among the minority in the world. All around me I see so many couples getting divorced or having difficulty. It often stems from having to deal with different issues associated with having children with special needs. They say that it either brings a couple closer together or else tears them apart. Every obstacle we've had has only brought us closer together and I feel truly blessed for that. I think all couples need time together and we make time for dates and time away from the children. We're blessed to have a built-in babysitter now who does a great job. We also try and make time to pursue our own interests either with other people or on our own. We don't have a secret formula, but we do try to keep a Christ-centered home and marriage. With all the chaos in the world, we've created a safe haven where we can get away from it all and get a head start on eternity.
Its truly amazing to see how much you are capable of when tested. You have no idea what your limits are until they are tested. Patience, frugality, organizational skills, and ingenuity are among some of the things that I have personally gleaned from having to do things on my own. Sometimes I take it for granted that my husband will do certain things. We truly make a good team. However, when he's gone I am reminded of all the ways he makes things easier for me and the family. The biggest thing I miss when he's gone is the moral support. It can be mentally exhausting raising four busy kids. My oldest is finally calming down and is able to help more, but he still demands a lot of attention and still needs me for validation. He still likes for me to go to the school and never hesitates to give me a hug. I am so glad that the transition into the teenage years has gone so smoothly.
I love my husband more than words can say. He's truly my soul mate. I can't imagine my life any other way.... even with all the crazy things I have to deal with. He has a way of calming me down when I want to lose it. He has a way of helping me put things in perspective. He is truly an example to me of what a humble servant of God should be like. Last, but not least, he makes me feel like the best mom and wife in the world. That's a feat in itself because (as many of you probably can relate) I don't often feel that way.
It is humbling to know that I am among the minority in the world. All around me I see so many couples getting divorced or having difficulty. It often stems from having to deal with different issues associated with having children with special needs. They say that it either brings a couple closer together or else tears them apart. Every obstacle we've had has only brought us closer together and I feel truly blessed for that. I think all couples need time together and we make time for dates and time away from the children. We're blessed to have a built-in babysitter now who does a great job. We also try and make time to pursue our own interests either with other people or on our own. We don't have a secret formula, but we do try to keep a Christ-centered home and marriage. With all the chaos in the world, we've created a safe haven where we can get away from it all and get a head start on eternity.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Inspiration Comes in Crazy Ways
Sometimes it takes a good book to inspire things in you that you didn't know existed. I have always planned on writing a book about my life experiences and thought it would be therapeutic for me. However, I am going to count this blog as that book for the time being.
I recently finished a book series that literally left me wanting more. I wrote an additional chapter for my own pleasure and shared it with a few people. During that process I realized that I haven't had that outlet in a very long time. I enjoy this blog, but my true passion lies in writing novels. I have written a few in my lifetime but never had the urge to get them published.
The only reason I am even sharing this with all of you reading this is because I am going to use some of my knowledge in genetics, autism, and biology to write my next novel. I think it is going to be so much fun writing it! I've always loved the saying, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Well... in essence I am going to do just that. I am going to use my life experiences and knowledge to create a work that hopefully will inspire others just as the books I recently finished did for me.
********************************
The only limits you have to your
potential is YOU!
********************************
I recently finished a book series that literally left me wanting more. I wrote an additional chapter for my own pleasure and shared it with a few people. During that process I realized that I haven't had that outlet in a very long time. I enjoy this blog, but my true passion lies in writing novels. I have written a few in my lifetime but never had the urge to get them published.
The only reason I am even sharing this with all of you reading this is because I am going to use some of my knowledge in genetics, autism, and biology to write my next novel. I think it is going to be so much fun writing it! I've always loved the saying, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Well... in essence I am going to do just that. I am going to use my life experiences and knowledge to create a work that hopefully will inspire others just as the books I recently finished did for me.
********************************
The only limits you have to your
potential is YOU!
********************************
Monday, April 12, 2010
Our Family Spring Camp Out
We finally did it!!! I couldn't believe it. The last time we tried to get away, I ended up with strep throat. This time, our daughter got bronchitis. However, she pleaded that we go and so we gave it a try. I told my husband that if she looked like she was getting ANY worse then we would pack our bags and cut our losses. We had already booked our cabin and we couldn't get our money back. I figured there was nothing to lose.
We arrived late Friday night and the weather was perfect. It was cool with low humidity. We didn't even have to turn on the AC the entire time we were there! (Yes, our cabin had all of the modern amenities such as AC, bathroom, and kitchen.) That evening was tough getting to sleep. ALL the kids were wired and just wanted to play. The bedroom had two full sized beds and so we divided up the sleeping arrangements right away. We had the younger two sleep in the other bed and the older two slept in the living room area. One slept on the couch and the other slept on the floor. Amazingly, they didn't fight over the couch!
The next morning we all woke up at about the same time. I made sure to bring LOTS of food and so we had a good breakfast. The kids could choose from waffles, oatmeal, poptarts, and other quick meals. Everyone ate very well. The dad took the older two on a hike, while the rest of us stayed and played around the cabin. The cabin was situated close to the lake and there were woods behind us. We walked around and went "exploring" to see what there was. I took lots of good pictures. The cabin itself reminded me a lot of Little House on the Prairie, except it had a screened in front porch with rocking chairs. According to the pamphlet, it was among the original cabins built in 1938. The doors had original hardware on them and the logs looked ancient! I caught myself laying on the bed and just admiring the craftsmanship of the place. It was truly amazing to think that this place was built so long ago.
When the guys returned from their hike we went to Callaway Gardens. It was the perfect time of year to walk among the beautiful gardens and flowers. The butterfly sanctuary was definitely our #4's favorite thing to do while we were there. We had to go back a second time because he was relentless. Our #2 also enjoyed it and tried very hard to stand still and encourage the butterflies to land on him. Unfortunately, there were masses of people there and they were rude and bumped into him and basically made it impossible to stay still. I was so proud of him for not giving up and for not getting frustrated. We did a lot of walking and looking at nature. I thought the kids were going to get bored, but they had a wonderful time. They kept spotting squirrels and wildlife around us. It is so much fun seeing things through a child's eyes.
That evening we decided to roast marshmallows over an open fire outside the cabin. We sent the kids out to look for wood and they had a blast. Our oldest was able to find a lot of smaller twigs (they were the ones to be used for the marshmallow roasting), while my #2 hunted for the larger pieces of wood. My younger two also contributed to the stash of wood. I had envisioned my eldest and husband starting the fire and then the boys basically keeping it alive. It worked out exactly like I planned. I never thought I would see the day when anyone in our family would actually get tired of roasted marshmallows! We went through a bag and a half before I could see everyone a bit lethargic and mellow. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
The following morning we had to be out by 11:00am. I thought we would wake up early and be able to do a couple things before heading out, but it didn't work out quite like I planned. We ended up sleeping in and did not get out of bed until almost 9:30am! It took us about an hour to pack up and clean out the cabin. I thought we did good. I woke up with a sore throat and sore back, but other than that I wasn't feeling too bad. Two adults and a four year-old don't fit very well on a double bed. However, somehow.. someway, we managed it and my back sure paid the price!
Our ride home was not too bad. It was an hour and a half drive. We are used to that since we visit grandparents about the same distance. We took the truck so the kids were in the "fun" car. They love the shiny new red extended cabin truck that their dad bought last year. I have to admit that it's a fun car to drive and to ride in. It sure beats my minivan. When we arrived at our house, I walked in and the first thing I noticed was the smell. My sense of smell hasn't been good lately, but there is nothing like the familiar smells of home. I went straight to my room and laid on the bed. The feeling of that familiar comfort and softness of my new pillow was almost enough to make me pass out right then and there. However, my moment was short lived when the "gang" stormed into the room and asked, "What's for lunch?" I took a deep breath and smiled and said, "Let's see what's in the freezer. If not, ya'll are eating PB & J sandwiches."
**************************************
A cabin in the woods at Pine Mountain,
Georgia...$100.00/night..........
A weekend without t.v. and nintendo
DS.... priceless!!!
**************************************
We arrived late Friday night and the weather was perfect. It was cool with low humidity. We didn't even have to turn on the AC the entire time we were there! (Yes, our cabin had all of the modern amenities such as AC, bathroom, and kitchen.) That evening was tough getting to sleep. ALL the kids were wired and just wanted to play. The bedroom had two full sized beds and so we divided up the sleeping arrangements right away. We had the younger two sleep in the other bed and the older two slept in the living room area. One slept on the couch and the other slept on the floor. Amazingly, they didn't fight over the couch!
The next morning we all woke up at about the same time. I made sure to bring LOTS of food and so we had a good breakfast. The kids could choose from waffles, oatmeal, poptarts, and other quick meals. Everyone ate very well. The dad took the older two on a hike, while the rest of us stayed and played around the cabin. The cabin was situated close to the lake and there were woods behind us. We walked around and went "exploring" to see what there was. I took lots of good pictures. The cabin itself reminded me a lot of Little House on the Prairie, except it had a screened in front porch with rocking chairs. According to the pamphlet, it was among the original cabins built in 1938. The doors had original hardware on them and the logs looked ancient! I caught myself laying on the bed and just admiring the craftsmanship of the place. It was truly amazing to think that this place was built so long ago.
When the guys returned from their hike we went to Callaway Gardens. It was the perfect time of year to walk among the beautiful gardens and flowers. The butterfly sanctuary was definitely our #4's favorite thing to do while we were there. We had to go back a second time because he was relentless. Our #2 also enjoyed it and tried very hard to stand still and encourage the butterflies to land on him. Unfortunately, there were masses of people there and they were rude and bumped into him and basically made it impossible to stay still. I was so proud of him for not giving up and for not getting frustrated. We did a lot of walking and looking at nature. I thought the kids were going to get bored, but they had a wonderful time. They kept spotting squirrels and wildlife around us. It is so much fun seeing things through a child's eyes.
That evening we decided to roast marshmallows over an open fire outside the cabin. We sent the kids out to look for wood and they had a blast. Our oldest was able to find a lot of smaller twigs (they were the ones to be used for the marshmallow roasting), while my #2 hunted for the larger pieces of wood. My younger two also contributed to the stash of wood. I had envisioned my eldest and husband starting the fire and then the boys basically keeping it alive. It worked out exactly like I planned. I never thought I would see the day when anyone in our family would actually get tired of roasted marshmallows! We went through a bag and a half before I could see everyone a bit lethargic and mellow. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
The following morning we had to be out by 11:00am. I thought we would wake up early and be able to do a couple things before heading out, but it didn't work out quite like I planned. We ended up sleeping in and did not get out of bed until almost 9:30am! It took us about an hour to pack up and clean out the cabin. I thought we did good. I woke up with a sore throat and sore back, but other than that I wasn't feeling too bad. Two adults and a four year-old don't fit very well on a double bed. However, somehow.. someway, we managed it and my back sure paid the price!
Our ride home was not too bad. It was an hour and a half drive. We are used to that since we visit grandparents about the same distance. We took the truck so the kids were in the "fun" car. They love the shiny new red extended cabin truck that their dad bought last year. I have to admit that it's a fun car to drive and to ride in. It sure beats my minivan. When we arrived at our house, I walked in and the first thing I noticed was the smell. My sense of smell hasn't been good lately, but there is nothing like the familiar smells of home. I went straight to my room and laid on the bed. The feeling of that familiar comfort and softness of my new pillow was almost enough to make me pass out right then and there. However, my moment was short lived when the "gang" stormed into the room and asked, "What's for lunch?" I took a deep breath and smiled and said, "Let's see what's in the freezer. If not, ya'll are eating PB & J sandwiches."
**************************************
A cabin in the woods at Pine Mountain,
Georgia...$100.00/night..........
A weekend without t.v. and nintendo
DS.... priceless!!!
**************************************
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)