Thursday, July 9, 2009
NOVA
I caught part of NOVA, a PBS show and it was talking about finding a genetic link to autism. It was fascinating! They've actually found some potential genetic abnormalities that may lead to autism. How exciting! Check it out at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/0402/04.html
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The loneliest place on Earth
In the weeks and months after my son was diagnosed, it felt like we were stumbling in the dark. It’s odd because if he had a “regular” disease, the doctors would have given us treatment instructions, referrals to other doctors for help, follow up appointments, etc. With autism though, it’s not like that. They gave us a folder with articles in it to read and told us keep doing what we were doing. For 3 years, we’ve been stumbling through a maze of treatment options basically having to a doctor to our child. It’s extremely frustrating!!!
One thing the psychologist recommended was reading the works of Dr. Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D. If you have a child or are close to a child with autism, I can’t describe the hope his books gave me. Don’t expect inspiring messages, you won’t find that here. What you will read are examples and techniques that he has used that have shown remarkable results. This was the first place I started and I’d recommend it to you as well.
One thing the psychologist recommended was reading the works of Dr. Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D. If you have a child or are close to a child with autism, I can’t describe the hope his books gave me. Don’t expect inspiring messages, you won’t find that here. What you will read are examples and techniques that he has used that have shown remarkable results. This was the first place I started and I’d recommend it to you as well.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Why I'm doing this
A little over 3 years ago, I sat in our local Children's Hospital with my oldest son waiting to see the doctors. It was one of the scariest times in my life because I already knew what they were going to say - autism. Our son did not have many of the classic signs so I allowed myself the hope of some other diagnosis but in my heart I knew.
It's heart breaking knowing that your life is about the change forever, not only for you, but your child as well. It's even more heartbreaking feeling as if there's nothing you can do about it.
I sat there drinking my coffee waiting for our name to be called and my heart was screaming "God, anything but autism. I can handle so much just don't let it me that!" I was begging him to spare my son. And then I started to look around me and I saw children and families who were so much worse off than I was. There were children who were obviously in chemotherapy, some unable to walk, others with various IVs hooked up to them.
If you have ever sat in a local chidlren's hospital with a beautiful healthy child that you know will live to see next year, you realize that whatever diagnosis you are given will be fine.
I was given hope that day because I knew that no matter what, my son was going to be fine. I also left discouraged because I was told what my son's issues were and what needed to be done for him, but no one told me how to do it!
Through this blog, I hope that some of you will find the help that you need. Your child may not be "normal" but with love and help, they will hopefully lead a normal life. My prayer is that you find the help and hope that you're looking for here.
It's heart breaking knowing that your life is about the change forever, not only for you, but your child as well. It's even more heartbreaking feeling as if there's nothing you can do about it.
I sat there drinking my coffee waiting for our name to be called and my heart was screaming "God, anything but autism. I can handle so much just don't let it me that!" I was begging him to spare my son. And then I started to look around me and I saw children and families who were so much worse off than I was. There were children who were obviously in chemotherapy, some unable to walk, others with various IVs hooked up to them.
If you have ever sat in a local chidlren's hospital with a beautiful healthy child that you know will live to see next year, you realize that whatever diagnosis you are given will be fine.
I was given hope that day because I knew that no matter what, my son was going to be fine. I also left discouraged because I was told what my son's issues were and what needed to be done for him, but no one told me how to do it!
Through this blog, I hope that some of you will find the help that you need. Your child may not be "normal" but with love and help, they will hopefully lead a normal life. My prayer is that you find the help and hope that you're looking for here.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Welcome!
Just trying out this posting thing before I really get started. I'm really looking forward to blogging here and reading your responses!
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