Summer's Ending...

This is the last week for my son's summer school. Each summer, since 2005 he has attended this program. There he receives OT, Speech and instruction to maintain the skills he learned the previous year. I can't say enough good about the program - they not only teach these children, but they make it as fun an experience as they can. The program is much like a modified summer camp, with swimming trips 4 days a week and several field trips all around the area. Each day he comes home, happy and bursting with stories about his day. Having fun, while learning, has been significant a factor in his continued development. He has two years left in elementary school, after that he will move on to middle school. I have little idea of what to expect - it truly is one day at a time...one foot in front of the other. However, I am hopeful, that school will continue to be a positive experience for him - that he will have many days of coming home with smiles and stories of how he spent his day.

Summer's Ending...

This is the last week for my son's summer school. Each summer, since 2005 he has attended this program. There he receives OT, Speech and instruction to maintain the skills he learned the previous year. I can't say enough good about the program - they not only teach these children, but they make it as fun an experience as they can. The program is much like a modified summer camp, with swimming trips 4 days a week and several field trips all around the area. Each day he comes home, happy and bursting with stories about his day. Having fun, while learning, has been significant a factor in his continued development. He has two years left in elementary school, after that he will move on to middle school. I have little idea of what to expect - it truly is one day at a time...one foot in front of the other. However, I am hopeful, that school will continue to be a positive experience for him - that he will have many days of coming home with smiles and stories of how he spent his day.

Like Mom, Like Dad...

With studies researching a possible genetic link to Autism Spectrum Disorders...I wonder at how many parents of such individuals, exhibit traits that fall within the spectrum? I'm not referring to individuals who have been clearly diagnosed as being somewhere on the spectrum...but those who have not. Can you see any traits in yourself? If so, what are they?

Like Mom, Like Dad...

With studies researching a possible genetic link to Autism Spectrum Disorders...I wonder at how many parents of such individuals, exhibit traits that fall within the spectrum? I'm not referring to individuals who have been clearly diagnosed as being somewhere on the spectrum...but those who have not. Can you see any traits in yourself? If so, what are they?

Trying My Patience

Since I am temporarily doing this "single parent" thing, while my husband is away for training via the Army...I am discovering new levels of patience, or trying to at least. Sometimes its over something as little as a request to do something - its easy to take for granted, the ability to perform a series of sequential steps...something we may do everyday without thinking. However, for my son, this can cause him to pause in confusion, or even stop midway through the task...wandering away, the request forgotten, the task incomplete. Patiently, I repeat my request or the instructions...but sometimes, after a number of repetitions...I find my patience dwindling and my stress levels rising. Not all children with Aspergers are unable to read body language or decipher complex emotional states. My son is quickly able to pick up on my frustration and in turn, becomes anxious...trying even harder to master the request. It is then, that I stop...take that deep breath, get a drink of water or simply stop and gather him up in a hug. We wait until we are both relaxed and together finish what we began.

Trying My Patience

Since I am temporarily doing this "single parent" thing, while my husband is away for training via the Army...I am discovering new levels of patience, or trying to at least. Sometimes its over something as little as a request to do something - its easy to take for granted, the ability to perform a series of sequential steps...something we may do everyday without thinking. However, for my son, this can cause him to pause in confusion, or even stop midway through the task...wandering away, the request forgotten, the task incomplete. Patiently, I repeat my request or the instructions...but sometimes, after a number of repetitions...I find my patience dwindling and my stress levels rising. Not all children with Aspergers are unable to read body language or decipher complex emotional states. My son is quickly able to pick up on my frustration and in turn, becomes anxious...trying even harder to master the request. It is then, that I stop...take that deep breath, get a drink of water or simply stop and gather him up in a hug. We wait until we are both relaxed and together finish what we began.

The Best Big Brother EVER

Once again, my son takes on the stereotypes of Autism. Tonight, the youngest is freaking out over bedtime...every other minute - with much snotty crying and wailing, she calls out for some new need in order to put off bedtime. The most recent was a beg for Daddy to give her yet another hug/kiss/cuddle. My son (the one with Aspergers), quietly pads down the hall and peeks into his little sisters room. Very quietly, I hear him say "I'll give you a hug and kiss goodnight. I'll cuddle you." My heart was about to burst...