Since my daughters diagnosis a little over a year ago I have seen so many changes. The way she learns and the way she interacts with others, especially with her two older siblings. In the beginning it was difficult for her to play because she didn't know how to and they didn't know how to play with her. So I explained to my older children how they can learn to understand her and how they can teach her to understand them. Since then, they have made such a strong bond.
I see the smiles on their faces when they are together. Seeing my older children play with their baby sister is such a great feeling. They understand what she faces everyday and are always teaching her new things. They are her protectors and biggest supporters. The love they have for each other is amazing. Watching them hug each other makes my heart flutter. I am the happiest mother ever.
I am glad that they can accept autism as part of our family and also accept their sister for who she is. When they look at their little sister all they see is a beautiful, smart little girl and I'm happy to say that ALL OF MY CHILDREN ARE AMAZING and it makes me proud as a mom!!!!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
Summer Safety Tips
Summer is approaching and the kids are going to want to do a lot of stuff to keep busy. There are many activities that will keep the kids busy. There are arts and crafts activities. Going to the library to enhance their reading skills. You can go to a pool, there is a fun filled day of staying cool. For many parents of a child with autism these activities can become our worse nightmare. Especially taking our kids swimming. Many kids with autism love water. They love it so much that we have to keep a very close eye so they dont wonder off. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and fun summer.
1. If you have a child who wanders check out www.projectlifesaver.com and call your local police department for more information and apply. It can save your childs life. Its a GPS device that can locate your child if they wander off. It may be free to you through your local police department.
2.Always make sure you have everything you need to go swimming before you leave the house.
3. Put a life jacket on your child even if you are at a lake or beach and they are only going to sit right on the sand at the water. Kids are quick and can run into the open water with a blink of an eye.
4. Always accompany your child in the water and keep a very close eye on them.
5. Never leave your child alone in the water not even with a sibling. Kids don't listen to their siblings. ( I know I didn't).
6. Take your child out of the water with you if you need to use the restroom or for whatever reason you need to leave the water.
7. Keep your child entertained. Bring a ball, shovel and bucket, coloring book and crayons. Or whatever you think will keep them entertained in case of a meltdown.
8. Explain to your other children how they can help out and make it comfortable and fun for their sibling. ( if they are old enough to understand).
9. Have a great lunch together. Enjoy and laugh together.
10. Have a fun, relaxing, memorable day with your family. Some days may not be perfect and go as planned but there is always tomorrow!!
1. If you have a child who wanders check out www.projectlifesaver.com and call your local police department for more information and apply. It can save your childs life. Its a GPS device that can locate your child if they wander off. It may be free to you through your local police department.
2.Always make sure you have everything you need to go swimming before you leave the house.
3. Put a life jacket on your child even if you are at a lake or beach and they are only going to sit right on the sand at the water. Kids are quick and can run into the open water with a blink of an eye.
4. Always accompany your child in the water and keep a very close eye on them.
5. Never leave your child alone in the water not even with a sibling. Kids don't listen to their siblings. ( I know I didn't).
6. Take your child out of the water with you if you need to use the restroom or for whatever reason you need to leave the water.
7. Keep your child entertained. Bring a ball, shovel and bucket, coloring book and crayons. Or whatever you think will keep them entertained in case of a meltdown.
8. Explain to your other children how they can help out and make it comfortable and fun for their sibling. ( if they are old enough to understand).
9. Have a great lunch together. Enjoy and laugh together.
10. Have a fun, relaxing, memorable day with your family. Some days may not be perfect and go as planned but there is always tomorrow!!
Monday, May 20, 2013
I Just Have To Say.....
There have been heartbreaking tragedies that have happened recently of young autistic children wondering off and gone missing and were unfortunately found deceased. My heart breaks and my prayers are with all of the families who have lost their child. I could never imagine the pain they have had to endure. Yet there are comments being aimed at these parents and fingers being pointed and blame of "bad parenting"??? Are you kidding me??????? We as parents of autistic children face difficulties everyday. Our children are different and our approach has to fit their needs. We are not "bad parents" because our children have a meltdown and we can't control it. Who has the right to criticize any parent about the way we raise our children??? I love my children and will always be the greatest parent I can be. Just like every other parent would do the same. Our children are never mistreated. There are other children out there who have bad parents that mistreat them and yet these parents who lost their child because they wandered off get told they are "bad parents"? Before placing judgement on anyone learn what our lives are like for us parents and what struggles we face everyday. Its not an easy job as a parent, especially an autistic child. Let these families grieve in peace and don't be judemental about something you will never understand.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
What Autism Has Taught Me
I would always look at my life and complain about the little things. I would always think my life wasn't what it was suppose to be. Now that I have grown up and became a mom I see my life as it was shaped to be. I thought I had a rough life until I had my children. I had my first born and he was diagnosed with ADD/LD and my last born diagnosed with Autism. Watching my children learn and grow, always with a smile on their face and not a worry in the world.
That's when I realized my life wasn't so bad after all. I see the struggles they face everyday and yet they are always happy and smiling. They have taught me to enjoy life and never take anything for granted. Life can be complicated but it shouldn't bring you down. There are obstacles but we all can overcome them. There are many people who face difficulties in their life but my children go through a lot and they never let it bring them down. I realized they live their life with joy. I have learned to see the world through their eyes and its wonderful. My kids don't complain about anything and that's how we all should be. We need to just enjoy life and embrace what is already in front us and let go of the past. This is a new beginning for my family and our future looks bright.
That's when I realized my life wasn't so bad after all. I see the struggles they face everyday and yet they are always happy and smiling. They have taught me to enjoy life and never take anything for granted. Life can be complicated but it shouldn't bring you down. There are obstacles but we all can overcome them. There are many people who face difficulties in their life but my children go through a lot and they never let it bring them down. I realized they live their life with joy. I have learned to see the world through their eyes and its wonderful. My kids don't complain about anything and that's how we all should be. We need to just enjoy life and embrace what is already in front us and let go of the past. This is a new beginning for my family and our future looks bright.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
10 Misconceptions About Autism
As a parent of a child with autism we face difficulties everyday. We make the best out of every moment and everyday. We do our best but need autism awareness and acceptance. In order to ensure acceptance we need understanding about autism. Here are 10 misconceptions people think about autism.
1. Children will outgrow the diagnosis of Autism.
2. Parents of a child with autism have "bad parenting" skills.
3. All children with Autism are the same.
4. A childs behavior is controllable.
5. Children with autism can learn like all other non disabled children.
6. There is nothing wrong with the child, they just need to be disciplined.
7. Parents of children with autism want sympathy.
8. God wouldn't give you a child with autism if he knew you couldn't handle it.
9. We need to teach our kids how to play well with other kids.
10. We need to teach our kids to share with other kids.
Here are 10 conceptions from an autism parent about other parents.
1. Why don't you ask me questions about my childs behavior? ( you will learn valuable information).
2. Why does your child misbehave?
3. Why don't you discipline your child better?
4. How do you feel when people stare at your child misbehaving?
5. Why is your child mean to other children?
6. Why can't you control your child?
7. Why do parents assume our children are misbehaving and when your child is misbehaving its ok?
8. What can autism parents do to get more awareness and understanding?
9. Why cant my child with autism play with your child who doesn't have autism?
10. Why do parents have to be so mean towards autism parents?
You see when you assume you don't get the whole picture. In order to understand and accept children with autism you have to be open about the situation and ask questions. A child shouldn't be labeled as a "bad child" because you don't know the situation. Less criticism and more Awareness, Acceptance and Understanding.
1. Children will outgrow the diagnosis of Autism.
2. Parents of a child with autism have "bad parenting" skills.
3. All children with Autism are the same.
4. A childs behavior is controllable.
5. Children with autism can learn like all other non disabled children.
6. There is nothing wrong with the child, they just need to be disciplined.
7. Parents of children with autism want sympathy.
8. God wouldn't give you a child with autism if he knew you couldn't handle it.
9. We need to teach our kids how to play well with other kids.
10. We need to teach our kids to share with other kids.
Here are 10 conceptions from an autism parent about other parents.
1. Why don't you ask me questions about my childs behavior? ( you will learn valuable information).
2. Why does your child misbehave?
3. Why don't you discipline your child better?
4. How do you feel when people stare at your child misbehaving?
5. Why is your child mean to other children?
6. Why can't you control your child?
7. Why do parents assume our children are misbehaving and when your child is misbehaving its ok?
8. What can autism parents do to get more awareness and understanding?
9. Why cant my child with autism play with your child who doesn't have autism?
10. Why do parents have to be so mean towards autism parents?
You see when you assume you don't get the whole picture. In order to understand and accept children with autism you have to be open about the situation and ask questions. A child shouldn't be labeled as a "bad child" because you don't know the situation. Less criticism and more Awareness, Acceptance and Understanding.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Raising Autism Awareness: Struggles And Accomplishments
In order to raise Autism Awareness I need to help people understand the everyday difficulties as well as the greatest accomplishments. When people hear Autism they immediately think its a bad thing. They always make nonsense comments like" Oh but they don't look like they have autism." Or they say "he/she will out grow it." So with that always being said I thought the right thing to do was to write a blog about what it is like to raise an autistic child so people can see its not a life sentence and that every child deserves understanding and acceptance.
When my daughter started Early Intervention at 27 months she was so behind her age level it was going to take a lot of intervention. She didn't know how to point, she was nonverbal and didn't understand any verbal commands. Its very difficult on a parent when they want their child to learn but they struggle. Most autistic kids cant do the same things like every other kid. There are sensory issues for a child with autism so that means most kids cant go places where there are loud noises or flashing lights. A day out for an autistic child is not just grab the coat and go. It has to be planned and we have to make sure we have snacks, and toys that comfort them to try to prevent a meltdown.
There are days of happiness, and joy. For us autistic parents the littlest accomplishments are ALWAYS the biggest accomplishments. We all are thrilled to see our kids progress and its the greatest feeling in the world. When we see our child point to something they want we are overwhelmed with happiness. When we see our child trying to be social with other kids we are overwhelmed with happiness. Our children are different yes, but never less. Our children can learn and will be a success it just might take them a little longer to understand.
So this blog is to let people know that an autistic child or any child with a disability are special, intelligent, beautiful, unique, awesome and most of all loving. In order to understand, questions have to be asked instead of assuming. I'm sure I am not the only parent who wouldn't be happy to have someone ask me questions about autism. The more questions and understanding of autism will help us raise awareness.
When my daughter started Early Intervention at 27 months she was so behind her age level it was going to take a lot of intervention. She didn't know how to point, she was nonverbal and didn't understand any verbal commands. Its very difficult on a parent when they want their child to learn but they struggle. Most autistic kids cant do the same things like every other kid. There are sensory issues for a child with autism so that means most kids cant go places where there are loud noises or flashing lights. A day out for an autistic child is not just grab the coat and go. It has to be planned and we have to make sure we have snacks, and toys that comfort them to try to prevent a meltdown.
There are days of happiness, and joy. For us autistic parents the littlest accomplishments are ALWAYS the biggest accomplishments. We all are thrilled to see our kids progress and its the greatest feeling in the world. When we see our child point to something they want we are overwhelmed with happiness. When we see our child trying to be social with other kids we are overwhelmed with happiness. Our children are different yes, but never less. Our children can learn and will be a success it just might take them a little longer to understand.
So this blog is to let people know that an autistic child or any child with a disability are special, intelligent, beautiful, unique, awesome and most of all loving. In order to understand, questions have to be asked instead of assuming. I'm sure I am not the only parent who wouldn't be happy to have someone ask me questions about autism. The more questions and understanding of autism will help us raise awareness.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
My Thoughts On The New Study: 1 In 50
I am happy the media has shed light on autism. The study is great news to hear because now doctors will dx children even with milder symptoms. There still are many questions that need answers. Does this mean that families with an autistic child will get more resources and services? Will there be a study on what causes autism? Will there be a study to find out the simililarities and differences each family has?
I mean come on, if the rate keeps rising I would beleive it is not genetic. A persons genes do not change that fast. How about doing a study on the lowest rates in a particular area and find out what their lifestyle is and compare it to the lifestyle of families who live in a high rate area? How about looking at what all families have in common?
Meaning we all get our children vaccinated. The vaccines change over time, the vaccines we received when we were younger are not the same dosage our children get. Our second, third etc. born didnt receive the same vaccines as our first born. What about hormones in the food? We need food to survive. If we are not vegetarians we buy foods that have hormones in them. A study should be done on families that grow their own food with no hormones and see what the autism rate is if any, and compare.
How about the enviroment maybe an area with high pollution is the cause? Do a study on that and see what the results are. Something is happening and in my opinion I dont think its genetic. How will it be explained if the rate continues to grow at a rapid pace? The studies like these need to be done in order to rule out what its not.
So lets try ruling out what its not and maybe we can find out what is. I dont want a cure for my daughters autism she is perfect the way she is, but it would be nice to know what causes autism and finally have some answers. If we know what causes autism maybe it could be prevented for future families. These are the questions that will stay in my head for a long time before I can have some releif. I'm sure we are all on the same page and want to know why this is happening. Hopefully there will be a breakthrough on studies and we will soon get anwers. Stay strong and remember have HOPE, you are not alone.
I mean come on, if the rate keeps rising I would beleive it is not genetic. A persons genes do not change that fast. How about doing a study on the lowest rates in a particular area and find out what their lifestyle is and compare it to the lifestyle of families who live in a high rate area? How about looking at what all families have in common?
Meaning we all get our children vaccinated. The vaccines change over time, the vaccines we received when we were younger are not the same dosage our children get. Our second, third etc. born didnt receive the same vaccines as our first born. What about hormones in the food? We need food to survive. If we are not vegetarians we buy foods that have hormones in them. A study should be done on families that grow their own food with no hormones and see what the autism rate is if any, and compare.
How about the enviroment maybe an area with high pollution is the cause? Do a study on that and see what the results are. Something is happening and in my opinion I dont think its genetic. How will it be explained if the rate continues to grow at a rapid pace? The studies like these need to be done in order to rule out what its not.
So lets try ruling out what its not and maybe we can find out what is. I dont want a cure for my daughters autism she is perfect the way she is, but it would be nice to know what causes autism and finally have some answers. If we know what causes autism maybe it could be prevented for future families. These are the questions that will stay in my head for a long time before I can have some releif. I'm sure we are all on the same page and want to know why this is happening. Hopefully there will be a breakthrough on studies and we will soon get anwers. Stay strong and remember have HOPE, you are not alone.
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