Free Apps for Autism Awareness Month

Wow! In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Kindergarten.com is offering up all of their educational apps for FREE during the entire month of April. Head here to check out all of the available educational apps for both iPhone and iPad – choose from Flash Cards, Receptive Identification and Problem Solving apps (reg. $0.99-$1.99 each!). Choose from over 19 different apps – and they’re all free for the entire month of April. Sweet!


In case you didn't know my youngest has Autism ...Here we are decked out in our Blue for today!



Reasons you should think twice before messing with an autism mom..

Taken from Single Mom's who have a child with autism..

REASONS YOU SHOULD THINK TWICE BEFORE MESSING WITH AN AUTISM MOM...

 1.Some of us have given up on social skills and don’t care what we say or do.

2.We’re not afraid to have a serious “meltdown” of our own.
...
3.We are tired and all the patience we have are for our kids.

4.We have a far shorter fuse for nonsense as a result of our responsibilities but a FAR thicker skin….

5.We can get you in a hold/lockdown position in less than 3.5 secs.

6.We can shoot you a look that would make a linebacker tremble in his boots!

7.Chances are it’s been awhile since we’ve had a full night of sleep and that will give us a reason to plead insanity!

8.Our tolerance and patience is for our children who didn’t choose to have special needs, not for someone who CHOOSES to behave inappropriately and is ABLE to control their actions.

9.We’re probably already on edge and it would be stupid to push us over.

10.We are sleep deprived and already defensive, and we spend all of our patience on our children, doctors, therapists, social workers and teachers, why would we waste an ounce of it on a total stranger?

11.We’ve had to fight from the moment of our child’s birth so by the time you piss us off we’re seasoned battlers who could win a war.

12.We devote our lives to our children and don’t need more stress and people who don’t understand our life.

13.Wherever there is a cub, there is a mama bear….We’re always watching.

This one really hit home: THE STRANGEST/WEIRDEST/CRAZIEST COMMENTS MADE BY INDIVIDUALS AFTER TELLING THEM MY CHILD HAS AUTISM.

THE STRANGEST/WEIRDEST/CRAZIEST COMMENTS MADE BY INDIVIDUALS AFTER TELLING THEM MY CHILD HAS AUTISM.

1.“But, I thought you said he was SMART?!”
2.He’ll grow out of that as he gets older.
3.He looks like a human, though!
4.Are u sure he’s not just shy?!
5.“How do you do it?”
6.You should really put him in a home.
7.I don’t know if I want my kids around him, it might be contagious…
8.“Oh he must only be a little bit autistic because someone knew someone with an autistic daughter and she used to take her clothes off”. … “There is nothing wrong with him”…
9.“Working with animals cure autism”…
10.“He’s just screaming because he wants his own way, He’s just crafty like that”
11.After a meltdown in the shops one day everyone stood around staring… A woman came up to me and said that if she were the mother here she would have given her a severe hiding right then and there…I explained that she isn’t being naughty and that she’s having a meltdown because she’s autistic.. .The woman turned around with a surprised but also confused look on her face and said: “Oh, what art school are you sending her to..?”
12.Just hold her tight and hug her.
13.”I work with autistics everyday and he’s not autistic”
14.“If you were a better parent he wouldn’t act like he was raised by wolves”
15.“You need to put your foot down and show him what’s what”
16.“What did you do when you were pregnant?”
17.“But he’s playing with everyone” My response, “no he is playing near them.”
18.From my boy’s older 13yr old half-brother, “I wish I was like them.” Me: “What, why?” Him: “because you get to do what you want, when you want and you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, like you can watch movies all day, and everyone does everything for you.”
19.Stop cuddling him. He only acts that way because you let him.
20.Your daughter is manipulative and has you wrapped around her finger.
21.You poor thing….. he looks normal though.
22.My EX in-laws: there ain’t nothing wrong with that boy that a switch can’t fix.
23.My son’s father told a judge once I made my son Autistic so I could get money. The Judge nearly laughed while telling him nobody can be made Autistic it just happens to some people.
24.I was asked if I had considered giving her up to a family who could take care of her better….. I guess they thought autism was something you could know about when you were pregnant or something.
25.Make him eat what you fix and stop giving in to his whining.
26.My grandmother had seen Rain Man and she was always trying to get my boy to tell her the winning numbers for the lottery.
27.“Oh so he’s autistic… so that means he’s a retard and will never go to a normal school”
28.My ex-boss, after telling me that I couldn’t have time off to take my son to social skills therapy: “I completely understand what you’re going through! My son is dyslexic!”
29.Do you really think you should have her out in public because people can be so mean??? My response: Oh you mean people like you?
30.A school principal once said to me that my son was not autistic and that he behaved the way he did because he is an only child in a single parent household. When I calmly replied that I felt there was more going on, she repeated herself. So did I. And she repeated it two more times before she realized I was going to keep repeating my response as well. Oh the arrogance!
31.Recently my boy introduced himself to a relief teacher at the start of a day and asked if he knew about autism. The relief teacher said, “Yes, and you don’t have it.” What a brilliant way to build a bond with a student.
32.They ask me, so what’s his special gift? Depending on my mood I either explain he is not a savant or I tell them its eating paper.
33.“I’m so sorry. I saw that on TV. Does he bang his head into walls?”
34.’If you didn’t go to the doctors complaining about him not talking they wouldn’t have told you that. That’s something doctors tell parents to get them off their case’
35.‘Well you better not have any more then.’
36.‘They should have told you while you were pregnant so you could have aborted.’
37. ’Too bad because he’s so cute.’
38.“Give him to me for a week. I guarantee that he won’t come back the same.”
39. My daughter does exactly what your girl does (kicking/flapping/meltdowns/not responding etc. so your girl is “normal”. It so happened that that particular day I was up to my neck so I simply retorted “If your girl acts like my girl, then she’s autistic too and you should take her to a doctor”. That shut her up for good.
40.She needs to be around more kids her age..
41.When I told my 9 year old neice she explained ”oooo I know how Jake became autistic…cause he accidentally drank from grandpa’s liquor once!!!” hahahahaha bless her lil heart! ♥
42.I overheard someone say >>>>” I wonder what sin the mother committed to have God punish her like this with a child like that”…
43.You are just a bad parent and want to live off the system.
44.“Oh is that all” that’s nothing my nephew has that and it’s nothing.
45.It’s because you don’t go to church…
46.A couple of days ago a repairman was @ my house and of course asked me why my son was not in school. I told him he is homeschooled because of his autism and he replied ” Yeah, everyone has that now days’!
47.School counselor: He makes eye contact and socializes well, knows his name, so no your child was overly diagnosed by his Drs.
48.”The devil appears in many forms.” I was so taken aback and speechless. It wasn’t until I walked away when it dawned on me that I shoulda knocked her lights out! Just saying’…
49.If he’s autistic why is he learning so much?
50.Really! She sure talks a lot.
51.Awe, everyone is getting that. I hope he gets to feeling better.”
52.So is he really good at math?
53.It’s because you let him watch too much TV when he was little.
54.You should have her sterilized so she cannot reproduce another child like her. From a family member.
55.”Everyone has autism now. It’s the new ADD – just a trend.”
56.Oh you poor thing I saw ‘Rainman.’ I know what you’re going to be going through!
57.How did he get that disease?
58.She’s never going to be a functioning member of society. “She needs to be put in a home”.
59.“What caused it? The shots, I think so… Oh great I just gave my daughter her shots now she’s going to be “retarded”.
60.“I never would have guessed, just thought she was bad”

This list was compiled from responses submitted on our Facebook page at Single Mothers who have Children with Autism
via autismsinglemomsblogspot.wordpress.com

Thrifty Tuesday: DIY Autism awareness wreath

Aidan has autism, so I wanted to create a wreath to put on our door for April. April is autism awareness

month. It was pretty simple.. I used a 50% off coupon at Michael's for the wreath ( made it $2), I already had the paint and ribbon. I went to Dollar Tree and found a toddler puzzle (25 pieces) and painted them the colors of the autism puzzle ribbon.  I have autism ribbon but I can't find it anywhere.. ( Hammricks for $1 WOOT WOOT). I painted the wreath blue before adding the puzzle pieces. I hot glued the puzzle pieces to the wreath. Tied a yellow ribbon so I can hang it on the door..

And Waalaa... A Autism awareness wreath!!

We lit it up blue, at our house...

It's Autism Day every day at our house!

But Yesterday was World Autism Day, and Light it up Blue Day!

This month is autism Awareness month, and tons of great things happening all over the USA

and right here in the tri-cities.

World Autism Day.. Light it up Blue...

Happy World Autism Day from our Family!!

 

7 things I have learned from being Aidan's mom.

~1~
Trust your Mommy instinct. When Aidan was a baby, and a toddler, everyone tell me, Oh he's just your third child, your crazy he doesn't need speech therapy. He will be fine. Aren't we glad I didn't listen to all that? I believe the fact Aidan has come so far is we started ST at the around 18 months of age. Aidan had a few words at a year old, but they seemed to go away the older he got. Aidan also suffered from chronic ear infections, and they didn't stop till tubes were placed in his ears. When Aidan did start speaking, he was very hard to understand. He still is sometimes, but he no longer needs speech now, and graduated.

~2~
Being normal is overrated. What is normal anyways? I have learned that I don't have normal children. Is there even anyone who is normal?

~3~
That a disability doesn't define who you are. That with hard work, you can make your goals. Aidan has worked very hard to get to the point he is now. A year ago he was about to be committed and now he is starting in a regular classroom.

~4~
There are very ugly, miserable stupid people in this world. There are parents who think there children are perfect, and love to use the kiddo with issues as an OUT for there own perfect kids. Ones who think they know everything your doing wrong for your child, everyone has a opinion on how to fix your child. Most people see Aidan, and he looks like your average kid, till he starts some of his odd behaviours, or has a fit in the grocery store. No lady he isn't spoiled or crying for candy, he's crying because the sounds, lights, and smells of this place is just too much for him.

~5~
To show Love without kisses and hugs. Aidan will hug, on his terms, and its a awesome thing when he does. Kisses not happening, as he says they hurt. Mommy doesn't want to hurt Aidan, so I don't kiss him unless he asks me too. Which never happens. I have learned to show my son Love through acts of service because its his language for sure. I tell him I love him, and when he asks who loves aidan, I am always ready to play the game.

~6~
That honesty isn't what everyone always wants to hear.
To not talk about anything that doesn't concern Aidan around him. He hears everything, and remembers everything. He is also wonderfully honest, and that there is such a thing as too honest. As Aidan has informed people of things that some people just don't want to know even if it is true. He also will tell you when asked what or who did what wrong, even if it was him.

~7~
To laugh. Aidan brings so much laughter our lives. I can't imagine what my life would be like without him.

ASA Christmas Party for the tri-cities

I had a blast planning this event.. It was a Holiday Party for local autism kids and families..

And thank you too all of our Sponsors: Earth Fare Johnson City, Chick-fil-A of Elizabethton ,Krogers, Target, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, USA Marines, Barberitos, Tim Wright Photography,Cheryl Killman Photography,Fountain Of Life Bible Church,88.3 FM, Frosted and sprinkled cupcakes.

10 things...

We had a crazy weekend here.. Hope you had a great one too!

I just finished reading this book, and wanted to share 10 things every CHILD with autism wishes you knew... ( from “Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew,” © 2005 Ellen Notbohm)

1. I am first and foremost a child. I have
autism. I am not primarily “autistic.”


My autism is only one aspect of my total
character. It does not define me as a person.
Are you a person with thoughts, feelings and
many talents, or are you just fat
(overweight), myopic (wear glasses) or
klutzy (uncoordinated, not good at sports)?
Those may be things that I see first when I
meet you, but they are not necessarily what
you are all about.
As an adult, you have some control over
how you define yourself. If you want to
single out a single characteristic, you can
make that known. As a child, I am still
unfolding. Neither you nor I yet know what
I may be capable of. Defining me by one
characteristic runs the danger of setting up
an expectation that may be too low. And if I
get a sense that you don’t think I “can do it,”
my natural response will be: Why try?


2. My sensory perceptions are
disordered.

Sensory integration may be the
most difficult aspect of autism to
understand, but it is arguably the most
critical. It his means that the ordinary
sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of
everyday that you may not even notice can
be downright painful for me. The very
environment in which I have to live often
seems hostile. I may appear withdrawn or
belligerent to you but I am really just trying
to defend myself. Here is why a “simple”
trip to the grocery store may be hell for me:
My hearing may be hyper-acute. Dozens of
people are talking at once. The loudspeaker
booms today’s special. Musak whines from
the sound system. Cash registers beep and
cough, a coffee grinder is chugging. The
meat cutter screeches, babies wail, carts
creak, the fluorescent lighting hums. My
brain can’t filter all the input and I’m in
overload!
My sense of smell may be highly sensitive.
The fish at the meat counter isn’t quite fresh,
the guy standing next to us hasn’t showered
today, the deli is handing out sausage
samples, the baby in line ahead of us has a
poopy diaper, they’re mopping up pickles on
aisle 3 with ammonia….I can’t sort it all out.
I am dangerously nauseated.
Because I am visually oriented (see more on
this below), this may be my first sense to
become overstimulated. The fluorescent
light is not only too bright, it buzzes and
hums. The room seems to pulsate and it
hurts my eyes. The pulsating light bounces
off everything and distorts what I am seeing
-- the space seems to be constantly
changing. There’s glare from windows, too
many items for me to be able to focus (I may
compensate with "tunnel vision"), moving
fans on the ceiling, so many bodies in
constant motion. All this affects my
vestibular and proprioceptive senses, and
now I can’t even tell where my body is in
space.

3. Please remember to distinguish
between won’t (I choose not to) and can’t
(I am not able to).
Receptive and expressive language and
vocabulary can be major challenges for me.
It isn’t that I don’t listen to instructions. It’s
that I can’t understand you. When you call
to me from across the room, this is what I
hear: “*&^%$#@, Billy.
#$%^*&^%$&*………” Instead, come
speak directly to me in plain words: “Please
put your book in your desk, Billy. It’s time
to go to lunch.” This tells me what you
want me to do and what is going to happen
next. Now it is much easier for me to
comply.

4. I am a concrete thinker. This means I
interpret language very literally. It’s very
confusing for me when you say, “Hold your
horses, cowboy!” when what you really
mean is “Please stop running.” Don’t tell
me something is a “piece of cake” when
there is no dessert in sight and what you
really mean is “this will be easy for you to
do.” When you say “It’s pouring cats and
dogs,” I see pets coming out of a pitcher.
Please just tell me “It’s raining very hard.”
Idioms, puns, nuances, double entendres,
inference, metaphors, allusions and sarcasm
are lost on me.


5. Please be patient with my limited
vocabulary. It’s hard for me to tell you
what I need when I don’t know the words to
describe my feelings. I may be hungry,
frustrated, frightened or confused but right
now those words are beyond my ability to
express. Be alert for body language,
withdrawal, agitation or other signs that
something is wrong.
Or, there’s a flip side to this: I may sound
like a “little professor” or movie star,
rattling off words or whole scripts well
beyond my developmental age. These are
messages I have memorized from the world
around me to compensate for my language
deficits because I know I am expected to
respond when spoken to. They may come
from books, TV, the speech of other people.
It is called “echolalia.” I don’t necessarily
understand the context or the terminology
I’m using. I just know that it gets me off the
hook for coming up with a reply.


6. Because language is so difficult for me, I
am very visually oriented. Please show me
how to do something rather than just telling
me. And please be prepared to show me
many times. Lots of consistent repetition
helps me learn.
A visual schedule is extremely helpful as I
move through my day. Like your day-timer,
it relieves me of the stress of having to
remember what comes next, makes for
smooth transition between activities, helps
me manage my time and meet your
expectations. Here’s a great website for
learning more about visual schedules:
www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/autism/structure/
str11.htm .
I won’t lose the need for a visual schedule as
I get older, but my “level of representation”
may change. Before I can read, I need a
visual schedule with photographs or simple
drawings. As I get older, a combination of
words and pictures may work, and later still,
just words.

7. Please focus and build on what I can
do rather than what I can’t do. Like any
other human, I can’t learn in an environment
where I’m constantly made to feel that I’m
not good enough and that I need “fixing.”
Trying anything new when I am almost sure
to be met with criticism, however
“constructive,” becomes something to be
avoided. Look for my strengths and you
will find them. There is more than one
“right” way to do most things.

8. Please help me with social interactions.
It may look like I don’t want to play with the
other kids on the playground, but sometimes
it’s just that I simply do not know how to
start a conversation or enter a play situation.
If you can encourage other children to invite
me to join them at kickball or shooting
baskets, it may be that I’m delighted to be
included.
I do best in structured play activities that
have a clear beginning and end. I don’t
know how to “read” facial expressions,
body language or the emotions of others, so
I appreciate ongoing coaching in proper
social responses. For example, if I laugh
when Emily falls off the slide, it’s not that I
think it’s funny. It’s that I don’t know the
proper response. Teach me to say “Are you
OK?”
9. Try to identify what triggers my
meltdowns. Meltdowns, blow-ups,
tantrums or whatever you want to call them
are even more horrid for me than they are
for you. They occur because one or more of
my senses has gone into overload. If you
can figure out why my meltdowns occur,
they can be prevented. Keep a log noting
times, settings, people, activities. A pattern
may emerge.
Try to remember that all behavior is a form
of communication. It tells you, when my
words cannot, how I perceive something that
is happening in my environment.
Parents, keep in mind as well: persistent
behavior may have an underlying medical
cause. Food allergies and sensitivities,
sleep disorders and gastrointestinal
problems can all have profound effects on
behavior.
10. If you are a family member, please
love me unconditionally. Banish thoughts
like, “If he would just……” and “Why can’t
she…..” You did not fulfill every last
expectation your parents had for you and
you wouldn’t like being constantly reminded
of it. I did not choose to have autism. But
remember that it is happening to me, not
you. Without your support, my chances of
successful, self-reliant adulthood are slim.
With your support and guidance, the
possibilities are broader than you might
think. I promise you – I am worth it.



P.S. Don't forget that today is the last day to sign up for my giveaway!

Aidan's Fall 2011 Interview....

What is your name? Mom you know my Name it is Joseph Aidan

How old are you? Seriously mom, I am 7.

What grade are you in? Mom why so many dumb questions ... I am in 2nd, why do you not know that!

What is your favorite tv show? Phines and Ferb

What is your favorite book of all time? The Fly guy series Right now? 39 clues

What is your favorite color? GOLD ..

What is your favorite subject? Math

What is your favorite candy? snickers, Food? Pizza Resturant? O'Charleys
dessert? Ben and Jerry's chocolate brownie ice cream

What is your favorite song? Kick it up a Notch from Phineas and Ferb

What is your favorite animal? A hawk

What is your favorite City? Chicago

What do you like to collect ( Besides trash)? Legos, and money, Oh and Hot wheels.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A truck driver or famous dancer

What is your goal for school this year? Get 100 AR points.

Autism is very close to my heart and home...

http://www.daytimetricities.com/tri/lifestyles/article/the_east_tn_chapter_of_the_autism_society/51486/
I have become quite involved in our local autism society of america support group and friendship club. Above is my 3 minutes of talking about upcoming events we are doing. Here are some upcoming events and needs:

UPCOMING EVENTS:
 Friendship Club meeting at Gray Fossil site
September 17 at 10 am $3 a child
 Cupcakes for Autism at The Crazy Cupcake
September 30 from 10 am to 8 pm
20% of the day’s sales are going to fund our first
Conference in the tri-cities on march 3, 2012
 Support Group Meeting with Step Basic Rights In Special Education workshop
October 4th 6:30 to 9:30 pm
First Presbyterian Church 119 F Street Elizabethton TN

Hoping to have a meal donated, childcare is provided and we have our new parent library we are starting thanks to some donors.
 Fall Celebration at Beck’s Mountain Corn Maze
October 8 at 10 am
$8 a child $4 an adult and includes all the activities, lunch and a treat bag.
 Sponsors for treat bags, and lunch we are still looking for
 Holidays and the autistic child
Occupational therapist to talk about sensory issues and hoping to have gluten free speaker also
November 1, 2011 6:30- 8:30
Childcare and parent library
 Holiday Party
December3rd 2 to 4 pm
Elizabethton Parks and rec
 Looking for sponsors for food, treat bags, and photo booth
 We have a local church buying gifts.




What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:
•Lack of or delay in spoken language
•Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
•Little or no eye contact
•Lack of interest in peer relationships
•Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
•Persistent fixation on parts of objects


Facts and Stats

Facts and Statistics

•1 percent of the population of children in the U.S. ages 3-17 have an autism spectrum disorder.1
•Prevalence is estimated at 1 in 110 births.2
•1 to 1.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder.3
•Fastest-growing developmental disability; 1,148% growth rate.4
•10 - 17 % annual growth.5
•$60 billion annual cost.6
•60% of costs are in adult services.7
•Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention.8
•In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion.9
•1 percent of the adult population of the United Kingdom have an autism spectrum disorder.10
•The cost of autism over the lifespan is 3.2 million dollars per person.11
•Only 56% of students with autism finish high school.12
•The average per-pupil expenditure for educating a child with autism was estimated by SEEP to be over $18,000 in the 1999-2000 school year. This estimate was nearly three times the expenditure for a typical regular education student who did not receive special education services.13
•The unemployment rate for people with disabilities was at 14%, compared with 9% for people without a disability. Additionally, during the same period, only 21% of all adults with disabilities participated in the labor force as compared with 69% of the non-disabled population.14



2003, 2006 Copyright the Autism Society. All rights reserved.

1. Pediatrics, October 5, 2009, based on a National Children’s Health Survey done with 78,000 parents in 2007.

2. "Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders - Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, United States, 2006." Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbitity and Mortality Weekly Report, 18 December 2009.

3. Based on the autism prevalence rate of 1 in 110 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009) and 2000 U.S. Census figure of 280 million Americans.

4. “Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Changes in the California Caseload, An Update June 1987 June 20007.” Cavagnaro, Andre T., California Health and Human Services Agency. State of California 2003 survey of developmental disabilities.

5. Autism Society estimate based on 2003 US state educational data.

6. Autism Society estimates based on UK study by Jarbrink K, Knapp M, 2001, London School of Economics: "The economic impact on autism in Britain," Autism, 5 (1): 7-22.

7. Autism Society estimate.

8. Autism Society estimate, using Government Accounting Office Report on Autism 2007.

9. Autism Society estimate.

10. Autism Spectrum Disorders in adults living in households throughout England," Report from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007, a survey carried out for the United Kingdom NHS Information Centre for health and social care.

11. Arch Pediatric Adolesc Med. 2007;161:343-349.

12. (Wagner. M., et al. An Overview of Findings from Wave 2 of the National Transition Study, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA)

13. (GAO-05-220, Special Education Report to Congress, 2005)

14. Current Population Survey. (December 2010). Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, DC.

I have people ask me

All the time what they could help us with.. So here are a few ideas

I always say PRAYER!! Cause that helps more then anything.

Right now I need prayer for a job, my health, the kids, and Bobby's health, safety and more.

I don't ever turn down a cooked meal. And I hate to cook.

Stamps.. I have quite a few right now.. thanks to a special friend who gave me a 100 :)

Gas Cards.. because then I can afford to visit my hubby.. otherwise I can't.

Sending my husband a card, a book, or a magazine subscription, would not only cheer him up, but me too. I can't do a lot for him, and getting mail is the only thing to look forward to in that place.

There is other things.. but I would love to be able to provide Aidan with some services that I can't afford otherwise.. I have made him a Chipin account, and the widget is on the side of my blog.

God Bless all you great friends and supporters of mine!! I don't know what we would do with out you!

Deep Stuff: Vaccines and Autism.

My son has autism, he was vaccinated, and his first diagnosis was encephalitis, autism,a speech, and a sensory disorder. I did not write this it's written by Marcella Piper-Terry. I too have given up because at this point it's more important to me how to make my son a better life rather then what caused it, I believe one day we will have the answers until then I feel the jury is still out. I have read and read and read books about autism, how to help my son's "symptoms", and all kinds of various theories on the cause. I have my own ideas on how my son's autism came to be, and one day I will know, I hope, but that isn't going to change who he is now. I think all the fights about the cause need to stop and we need to work TOGETHER.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay. I give up.
Vaccines do not cause autism.
Autism is a behavioral diagnosis. In order to receive the diagnosis of "Autism" a child must exhibit a certain number of behaviors over a certain time frame. If he or she does not do so, the diagnosis of "autism" is not warranted.
There is no blood test for "autism."
"Autism" can't be confirmed or "ruled-out" by laboratory analysis. It's strictly a behavioral diagnosis.
Therefore, anything that causes physiological damage cannot directly "cause" autism.
Ergo... vaccines cannot "cause" "autism."

Vaccines cause other stuff.

Vaccines cause encephalitis.
Vaccines cause seizures.
Vaccines cause immune system deficiencies.
Vaccines cause gastrointestinal problems.

Encephalitis causes mood swings.
Encephalitis causes extreme pain.
Encephalitis causes inattention and impulsivity.
Encephalitis causes aggression.
Encephalitis causes balance problems and difficulty relating to one's environment.

Seizures cause mood swings.
Seizures cause inattention and impulsivity.
Seizures cause alterations in conciousness.

Immune system deficiencies cause children to have more frequent bacterial infections, such as ear infections, upper respiratory infections (URIs), sinusutis, and strep infections.
Immune system deficiencies cause children to have more frequent viral infections, such as stomatitis, "fevers of unknown origin," "viral rashes," hives, conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Immune system deficiencies cause children to be more vulnerable to "everything that's going around" and to have a tougher time getting over things than their peers.

Gastrointestinal damage from vaccines causes diarrhea.
Gastrointestinal damage from vaccines causes nausea, reflux, vomiting, and the recently discovered "disease" now known as GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease).
Gatrointestinal damage from vaccines causes increased vulnerability to viruses and bacteria, which leads to increased administration of antibiotics, which leads to overgrowth of pathogenic yeast.

Pathogenic yeast overgrowth leads to intestinal hyperpermeability ("leaky gut syndrome").
Pathogenic yeast overgrowth leads to constipation.
Pathogenic yeast overgrowth leads to food allergies.
Pathogenic yeast overgrowth leads to skin eruptions, "drunken, silly behavior," inattention and impulsivity, and cravings for bread, sugar, ice cream, milk, and carbohydrates.

Technically, vaccines do not cause autism because techincally there is no such thing as autism.
Vaccines cause the underlying physical conditions that result in the pain, neurological damage, immune system disorders, gastrointestinal damage, and yeast overgrowth - all of which combine to produce the behavioral symptoms that result in the "autism" diagnosis.

Gastrointestinal damage is the most obvious result of vaccine damage.
When a previously healthy child suddenly starts having multiple episodes of watery and extremely stinky diarrhea every day, and this happens shortly after receiving vaccinations, it is notable as a "vaccine injury." What is not so obvious is that when the child's gut is permanently damaged, he or she is no longer able to absorb nutrients necessary to produce neurotransmitters necessary for proper brain function. So when the child develops mood swings, sleep difficulties, and learning disabilities several months later, these issues are not recognized as being related to the vaccine injury because the initial damage occurred many months earlier.

Please re-read the previous paragraph.
This is why Dr. Andrew Wakefield is such a threat to the pharmaceutical industry.
Dr. Wakefield NEVER said vaccines cause autism.
Dr. Wakefield is a gastroenterologist. He saw a number of children with gastrointestinal problems who also happened to be diagnosed with autism. Dr. Wakefield reported his observations. He never claimed that the MMR "caused" autism. He merely reported that a number of children he had seen had BOTH gastrointestinal problems AND autism, and according to parental report, these issues developed within a short time of when the children received the MMR vaccine.

Why is Dr. Wakefield such a threat to the pharmaceutical industry?
Hint: Not because vaccines cause autism - they don't.
Vaccines cause gastrointestinal damage.
Gastrointestinal damage causes malabsorption of nutrients necessary for proper brain function.
Malabsorption of essential nutrients causes immune system disorders, seizures, encephalopathy, etc... and THAT's what leads to the ultimate diagnosis of "autism."

If Dr. Wakefield's obervations are correct, SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE will eventually draw the connection between vaccines and the domino-effect that leads to the "autism" diagnosis. From the perspective of the pharmaceutical industry, better to "nip it in the bud" now, which means discrediting Dr. Wakefield to the extent that no one will look further into the science.

Has this ploy worked?
Not for me. And not for many of the very intelligent parents I know.
Only time will tell if there are enough of us to make a difference.
.

7 things I have learned from being Aidan's mom.

It is hard to believe, Aidan will be 7 years old tomorrow. Aidan is my baby, my last child. He was my hardest pregnancy, my hardest delivery and labor, and my wildest toddler by far. In honor of his birthday I have decided to write about 7 things I have learned from being his Mommy.

~1~
Trust your Mommy instinct. When Aidan was a baby, and a toddler, everyone tell me, Oh he's just your third child, your crazy he doesn't need speech therapy. He will be fine. Aren't we glad I didn't listen to all that? I believe the fact Aidan has come so far is we started ST at the around 18 months of age. Aidan had a few words at a year old, but they seemed to go away the older he got. Aidan also suffered from chronic ear infections, and they didn't stop till tubes were placed in his ears. When Aidan did start speaking, he was very hard to understand. He still is sometimes, but he no longer needs speech now, and graduated.

~2~
Being normal is overrated. What is normal anyways? I have learned that I don't have normal children. Is there even anyone who is normal?

~3~
That a disability doesn't define who you are. That with hard work, you can make your goals. Aidan has worked very hard to get to the point he is now. A year ago he was about to be committed and now he is starting in a regular classroom.

~4~
There are very ugly, miserable stupid people in this world. There are parents who think there children are perfect, and love to use the kiddo with issues as an OUT for there own perfect kids. Ones who think they know everything your doing wrong for your child, everyone has a opinion on how to fix your child. Most people see Aidan, and he looks like your average kid, till he starts some of his odd behaviours, or has a fit in the grocery store. No lady he isn't spoiled or crying for candy, he's crying because the sounds, lights, and smells of this place is just too much for him.

~5~
To show Love without kisses and hugs. Aidan will hug, on his terms, and its a awesome thing when he does. Kisses not happening, as he says they hurt. Mommy doesn't want to hurt Aidan, so I don't kiss him unless he asks me too. Which never happens. I have learned to show my son Love through acts of service because its his language for sure. I tell him I love him, and when he asks who loves aidan, I am always ready to play the game.

~6~
That honesty isn't what everyone always wants to hear.
To not talk about anything that doesn't concern Aidan around him. He hears everything, and remembers everything. He is also wonderfully honest, and that there is such a thing as too honest. As Aidan has informed people of things that some people just don't want to know even if it is true. He also will tell you when asked what or who did what wrong, even if it was him.

~7~
To laugh. Aidan brings so much laughter our lives. I can't imagine what my life would be like without him.

Aidan's IEP Report card

Aidan's IEP progress report card came home, and I am very proud that in following items he went from no progress or less to progress being made.

■Aidan will keep his hands,feet, and objects to himself.
■Aidan will refrain from physical and verbal aggression towards others ( No growling,throwing objects,etc)
■Aidan will express anger with non aggressive words rather then physical action or aggressive words. He will not blame others and use I statements when talking about his own actions.
■He will be prompted when he is angry to take a break or free "cool down" to gather himself and talk about things before returning to his place in the room.
■He will realize that he is not always right, and accept corrective feedback.
■Aidan will interact appropriately socially with peers in small and large group situations throughout the day.
■Aidan needs to use his words and communicate when asked without shutting down. He will tell the truth and accept consequences.
■He will follow multi step directions

2008 Memorable Moments for Katy

So here is the top 10 Moments in my life in 2008.......

1) Flying in a airplane by myself for my first without children vacation as an adult to Las Vegas, NV, where I partied like a rock star, and realized I could never live a life like that...

2) Realizing I was pretending to be someone I am not in order to make someone love me, and then letting it go to only find the love of my life, in the most random way ever.

3) Losing enough weight to be under the 200 pound mark!!

4) Falling in love with Bobby, and getting engaged, and getting married!! Watching a man fall in love with my children, and be the best daddy ever!!

5) Our Van being totalled, and the fact my children were safe and sound, and not dead!

6) I have made many new friends this year!! And lost many I cared about who I thought were friends, but they were not!

7) Flying with 3 children to San Diego Ca, and not causing a plane wreck. Then taking my kids to Disneyland, to see the magic in there eyes.

8) Growing Closer to God, and realizing what Christian means, and what church is all about, finding a church I feel comfortable and loved at. And realizing many people say there Christians, but are not. And seeing how some people use that as a reason to be rude, nosey,snobby, and ugly.

9) Watching Aidan's transformation, and how much he has changed this last year!! Helping our community become more aware of Autism, and it's challenges.

10) All three of my children are in school!!! Wahhhh I have no babies!!! Watching Grace change and mature, and Avery started middle school. Seeing Avery become a caring young man, and not so angry all the time.

Autism Insurance Rally in Richmond...

From a Email from Autism Votes....


For far too long, families in Virginia have been dealing with the challenges of raising a child with autism and have been hoping that change would come to the Commonwealth. Change is finally on its way.

This is the moment. This is our opportunity. January 15th is the day that Virginia lawmakers will long remember as the moment when parents, advocates, friends and neighbors gathered in Richmond with a simple, but powerful message:

Autism is Treatable. Insurance Should Cover Treatment!

On January 15th we will be at the Rally in Richmond to support House Bill 1588, the autism insurance reform bill. Will you be there?

HB 1588 will require private insurance companies to provide coverage of medically necessary, evidence-based autism treatments and therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. ATTEND THE RALLY IN RICHMOND on Thursday, January 15th at 11:00 am at Capitol Square. Now is not the time to depend on someone else to go. We need you. We need your family. We need your friends. We need you church groups, soccer teams, neighbors and community organizations. Bring your children. Take a day off of work. Be there!

Please note that buses will be coming from different areas of the Commonwealth. If you would like to ride one of these buses, please RSVP to the applicable person as soon as possible:

Fairfax/Arlington/Prince William Counties - contact Don Shipley at donlshipley@gmail.com
Loudoun/Prince William Counties - contact Pat DiBari at patdibari@smartneighborhood.net
Tidewater area - contact Mark Llobell at mllobell@aol.com
(A special thanks to Don, Pat, and Mark for arranging this transportation.)

For more information about the Rally in Richmond, please visit http://www.vaautismrally.com.

2. VISIT YOUR LEGISLATORS. Arrive early on rally day and visit with Virginia legislators between 8:00 and 10:45 am. If possible, call ahead and make an appointment to speak with your legislator about HB 1588. Invite them to the rally. Find out who your Virginia legislator is here.

3. WEAR RED to the Rally in Richmond. Let’s turn Capitol Square into a sea of red, presenting a unified visual to the media and legislators who will be witnessing this event.

4. FORWARD THIS E-MAIL to everyone in your address book. Print out this e-mail and post it around your community. Make copies and send it to your holiday card list. Ask everyone to begin 2009 by doing something incredibly positive. So many of our friends and neighbors are constantly looking for ways to support families dealing with the challenge of autism. Rallying in support of insurance coverage for autism treatment is something anyone can do and can make a meaningful difference for families now.

5. STAY INFORMED about HB 1588. Make sure that you have registered at AutismVotes.org to stay informed! It's quick and easy. You will be able to receive e-mail alerts any time action needs to be taken in the Commonwealth. Ask your friends, neighbors and family to register at AutismVotes.org as well. We need thousands of voices if we plan to succeed in our effort to end discrimination against our loved ones with autism.

See you in Richmond on the January 15th!

Judith Ursitti
Regional Director State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks

Quick facts on Autism...

I have been getting some questions, from various folks, asking me questions about Autism, and if there child could have it ( I am not a Dr, or therapist....). So here is the basic facts of Autism, and the checklist of "symptoms". Even though it's not a illness, and most sites treat it as it is. Autism is not a illness that can be CURED. Though some believe that way, I think early intervention, and other services can make the outcome better, and behaviours less obvious, but I think it's something they will have for the rest of there life. Aidan is doing extremely well right now, but he's still autistic. His newest obsession is Blueberry muffins, and talking about himself in the 3rd person. Aidan is sad. Aidan is hungry. Aidan needs a bath...... and oh it goes on. He is also become very good at repeating everything he hears,even days later. I mean entire conversations.... some conversations adults don't know he's paying attention to... Ha ha ha...

So here is some info!!

What is autism?
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees.

What are the most common characteristics of autism?
Every person with autism is an individual, and like all individuals, has a unique personality and combination of characteristics. Some individuals mildly affected may exhibit only slight delays in language and greater challenges with social interactions. They may have difficulty initiating and/or maintaining a conversation. Their communication is often described as talking at others instead of to them. (For example, a monologue on a favorite subject that continues despite attempts by others to interject comments).

People with autism also process and respond to information in unique ways. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may also exhibit some of the following traits:

Insistence on sameness; resistance to change
Difficulty in expressing needs, using gestures or pointing instead of words
Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language
Laughing (and/or crying) for no apparent reason; showing distress for reasons not apparent to others
Preference to being alone; aloof manner
Tantrums
Difficulty in mixing with others
Not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled
Little or no eye contact
Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
Sustained odd play
Spinning objects
Obsessive attachment to objects
Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
No real fears of danger
Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
Uneven gross/fine motor skills
Non-responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf, although hearing tests in normal range
What is the difference between autism and PDD?
The term "PDD" is widely used by professionals to refer to children with autism and related disorders; however, there is a great deal of disagreement and confusion among professionals concerning the PDD label. Diagnosis of PDD, including autism or any other developmental disability, is based upon the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) (American Psychiatric Association, Washington DC, 1994), and is the main diagnostic reference of mental health professionals in the United States.

According to the DSM-IV, the term "PDD" is not a specific diagnosis, but an umbrella term under which the specific diagnoses are defined.

What is Asperger's Syndrome?
What distinguishes Asperger's Syndrome from autism is the severity of the symptoms and the absence of language delays. Children with Asperger's may be only mildly affected and frequently have good language and cognitive skills. To the untrained observer, a child with Asperger's may seem just like a normal child behaving differently. They may be socially awkward, not understanding of conventional social rules, or show a lack of empathy. They may make limited eye contact, seem to be unengaged in a conversation, and not understand the use of gestures.

One of the major differences between Asperger's Syndrome and autism is that, by definition, there is no speech delay in Asperger's. In fact, children with Asperger's frequently have good language skills; they simply use language in different ways. Speech patterns may be unusual, lack inflection, or have a rhythmic nature or it may be formal, but too loud or high pitched. Children with Asperger's may not understand the subtleties of language, such as irony and humor, or they may not recognize the give-and-take nature of a conversation.

Another distinction between Asperger's Syndrome and autism concerns cognitive ability. While some individuals with autism experience mental retardation, by definition a person with Asperger's cannot possess a "clinically significant" cognitive delay, and most possess average to above-average intelligence.

Why is early intervention so important?
Early intervention is defined as services delivered to children from birth to age 3, and research shows that it has a dramatic impact on reducing the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Studies in early childhood development have shown that the youngest brains are the most flexible. In autism, we see that intensive early intervention yields a tremendous amount of progress in children by the time they enter kindergarten, often reducing the need for intensive supports.

WTG AIDAN!!!

Aidan was awarded Most Improved for the 2nd Six weeks for Pre-Kindergarten!! He was so excited to tell me and show me, and then he had to call Bobby to tell him all about it!!!

If anyone sure deserved it, he did!! His improvements are amazing!!

Out of the mouth of Aidan....

Aidan:

Hey MOM!!

Did you know 4 and 4 makes 8??

Yes Aidan, I did.

Hey MOM! Did you know 2 and 2 makes 4?

Yes Aidan, I did.


Oh yeah and did you know mom that pan and can rhyme?
I said Did Mrs. McKenzie teach you all that? He said Nope, I taught myself... hmmmmmm


Then he goes MOM guess what rhymes with DUCK??


Hmm Don't think Mrs. McKenzie taught him that.......

How to Eat Rocks 101

By Aidan Davis....