Great News To Start Off The New Year!

   My daughter has been doing great at home and in school. She has become more verbal and is expressing her needs/wants. She has started learning how to write her name and some letters of the alphabets.
    She is being very social in school and is playing and sharing. She has also learned how to use the toilet. I have spoken to her teacher and case manager at school and we are going to do a trial basis for mainstreaming her.      This is such wonderful news!! She has made so much progress from when she started I think this will be a great experience for her. All the hard work has paid off. Hearing this news has started my New Year off right!!

I See The True BeautyOf Autism

   My dear child I watch you as you grow. I see all of your capabilities not your disability. I love watching you learn new things.
   I especially love when you try your hardest to communicate with me. I know it is difficult for you but you are a strong beautiful little girl. I love when you say "I love you Momma". You show me that ALL things are possible, you have to believe in it. Katelyn I do and will always believe in you. You are my little shining star. Keep shining bright!!

Don't Know What To Think Anymore

      I keep seeing stories about possible links to autism. Now I dont know what to beleive. It's always been it could be, but not a definite answer. I have learned on this journey that it doesn't matter to me anymore what the cause for autism is because it will not change who my daughter is. I stopped racking my brain of all the things I did or didnt do during my pregnancy. Think about it... Does it really matter what the cause of autism is? For many parents, it has been a long journey and finding out the cause(s) of autism will not change the fact that our kids live with it already. It will not reverse the diagnosis so what's the point in knowing. I have learned to accept what is and not make excuses or be judgemental. Autism is a life changing experience but so worth it. If I could change anything I would not, because my daughter is my blessing and has filled my life with happiness and joy. So for all the parents who would like answers, I understand but if you are too consumed in finding answers that won't change anything you will miss out on all of the important accomplishments your child will make. Remember enjoy your children now because tomorrow is not promised.

Everything Will Be Great

    As many of you know Autism affects every part of your life. It brings great moments and bad moments. Everyday is like being on a rollercoaster ride, but as scared as we all are, we hold on tight and try our best to get through the ride. I look at my life and see nothing but beauty. I have been blessed with the life I have and wouldn't change it for anything. I do not and will not let Autism take away my happiness.
   My daughter is my blessing from god and she has shown her beauty. Autism doesnt change who your child is or will be, its the foundation of something amazing.  The journey gets bumpy along the way but what lies ahead is so much more greater. When we see all of the milestones our kids reach it puts in perspective that our children are more than a diagnosis.
  It took time for my daughter to get where she is now and thats okay because I have had great memories that I can cherish forever. I am happy that she is making progress even if it takes a long time. Any progress is better than no progress. Stay strong and never lose hope!!

Knowing The Signs Of Autism

   As a parent of three children I always looked forward to seeing when they first crawled, when they stood up on their own, their first step, their first word. These are basic signs every parent should suspect as their child grows. But what happens when the child doesn't exhibit these accomplishments or stops making progress. Well then as a parent that's where some common sense comes in and you are now alerted that something is going on. Don't ignore your suspicions. Knowing the signs of Autism or any disability comes from the parents concerns first. We know our children best. We have to act quickly when we feel something is not right. Its the only way to receive the best diagnoses and services. As much as it overwhelms you and makes you cry to think or know that something can be wrong you have to stay positive and stay strong. Its only a diagnosis and does not change who your child is. Here are some signs of Autism to look for:

• Poor eye contact
•  Repetitive behaviors ( lining items in a row, watches shows repeatedly, hand flapping)
•  Loss of speech
•  Walking on tip toes
•  Poor social skills
•  Plays by themselves and plays with a particular part of toy ( like wheels on a car)
•  Struggles to express feelings
• Doesn't exhibit understanding of ones directions

It is very difficult to see your child struggle in many areas but by not being aware of what's going on is even more difficult. As parents you will hurt, cry, and have so many questions. Take the first step in understanding the signs and then keep moving forward to help your child achieve their full potential. You are never alone on your journey. There are many parents who are on the same journey. You just have to walk alongside your child and they will guide you down the path and show you the way. Never lose HOPE!!

My Son's Opportunity

            I know it has been a while since I blogged about my son. So I will write one for him. I have seen many changes with my son since he has started school. His academic performance is rising. He shows his capabilities in his assignments. He is willing to try even if he is unsure ( that is a big step for him and me!!). His social skills are remarkable as well his self esteem. He has many more interests in hobbies and sports I cant keep up with it. He always wants to sign up for something new. So he told me he wanted to sign up for flag football. When the roster came out his name was not on it. He was very upset about it and I told him to speak with the coach and ask him why didn't you make the team. I knew why my son didn't make the team ( the coach saw that he didn't know the rules and how to play).  Which in my opinion is totally wrong! Every child should be given an equal opportunity. My son went to school the next day and asked the coach why didn't he make the team. The coach only responded with " Tell your mother to write me a note stating that you can play flag football". ( I think the coach knew he was wrong). I had tears of joy when I heard he was on the team. The news just made my our day! I was very happy and grateful to the coach for allowing my son an opportunity to participate in the sport. No matter what disability a child might have they should be given opportunities like everyone else. Equal treatment goes for everyone. There should be no such thing as discrimination against our special needs children!! They are human too.

A Great Start To A New School Year

          This school year has started off great so far. I have met with my son's teachers at a grade level meeting to discuss his needs and to introduce my Intervention Plan I made for him. He has been doing very well with his classwork and has not needed any assistance from his teachers. He has passed his NJASK  math section this year with a score a lot higher than last year. I am so proud of my son!!!!!! I knew he could achieve his goals, I am just glad I was able to guide him in the right direction. He has shown so much confidence in his ability to do the classwork it melts my heart to see how happy he gets. My 3 yr. old daughter has also made some HUGE HUGE improvements with her education this year. She has learned some new words like "bread", "book", "pull- up", "car", "pink", "purple", "me", "Katelyn", "Three", "Mom" this time she refers to me!!! And this one it's sooooo cute... "cheesecake"!!!!! She has learned to say some sentences too like " My name is Katelyn" and " I am three years old". " Are you proud of me?"  She has even learned to read the words "milk" and "eggs" from a book!!  She makes me proud everyday. I love to see improvements even if it doesn't happen for long time. I am very proud of all of my children's progress this year!! My hard work and dedication has paid off. But it doesn't mean I can just stop and lay back, no it means I have to continue teaching, advocating and fighting for my children to receive ALL the help they can get. Looking forward to the rest of this school year!!!