A link to the Chicago Tribune's year long series of articles on questionable Autism treatments.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/chi-autism-storygallery,0,6581479.storygallery
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
First Solo Trip Away From Home
My son is in the Boy Scouts. This coming Sunday, he will be leaving with his pack for a weeks stay in a state park, just over three hours away. This is his first ever trip away from home (other than an overnight at a friend's house). Neither my husband or I will be joining him. My husband will be away for a two week National Guard drill, so that leaves me the solo parent at home, with our other two children.
The adults in the group are aware that he has Aspergers. The kids, some understand and don't think twice about it. Others politely ignore him. Only one, purposely tries to bother him. We've made them all aware of what Asperger's means when it comes to our son and what to keep an eye out for (mostly his wandering attention span).
I know that he and the other boys will be kept busy from the time they wake up till the time they go to sleep with various activities and events. I know that the older Scouts will be acting as mentors to the younger - so there will be additional eyes watching over my son and the other boys. But still, I'm his Mom and I worry:
About bears, bullying and how vigilant the lifeguards are.
Will the other boys include him?
Will anyone be mean to him?
Will he remember to use his bug spray?
Will he lose his flashlight?
Will he behave?
But most of all, will he have fun?
The adults in the group are aware that he has Aspergers. The kids, some understand and don't think twice about it. Others politely ignore him. Only one, purposely tries to bother him. We've made them all aware of what Asperger's means when it comes to our son and what to keep an eye out for (mostly his wandering attention span).
I know that he and the other boys will be kept busy from the time they wake up till the time they go to sleep with various activities and events. I know that the older Scouts will be acting as mentors to the younger - so there will be additional eyes watching over my son and the other boys. But still, I'm his Mom and I worry:
About bears, bullying and how vigilant the lifeguards are.
Will the other boys include him?
Will anyone be mean to him?
Will he remember to use his bug spray?
Will he lose his flashlight?
Will he behave?
But most of all, will he have fun?
Why Do I Ignore Writing?
I have another blog, where I talk about my attempts at doing my first triathlon. I've been pretty consistent about posting updates on my progress so far. So why do I struggle with this one? Why can't I seem to write about a topic that is so close to my heart? Or maybe that's the reason?
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Endings, Beginnings and Recollections
My son's final days of elementary school are here. Homework is dwindling (THANK YOU), fun end of the year activities have started and somehow - I've found myself nominated as PTA secretary for the next two years. This Friday, I have a meeting regarding his IEP and transition to middle school.
What a long, rewarding and sometimes frustrating journey these past seven years have been. He began early intervention, just a month shy of his 4th birthday and only about 8 months after his diagnosis of Autism/PDD-NOS. I can still recall this wee little boy, in his favorite baseball cap, climbing the steps up into the bus.
What a long, rewarding and sometimes frustrating journey these past seven years have been. He began early intervention, just a month shy of his 4th birthday and only about 8 months after his diagnosis of Autism/PDD-NOS. I can still recall this wee little boy, in his favorite baseball cap, climbing the steps up into the bus.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Things I Saw Today and A Thank You
My kids all swim at the same time/same day. I was chatting with a friend and each time Jonah came to my end of the pool, he stopped, waved and said "Hi Mom!!" It's amazing to feel so loved.
Earlier this same day I walked over to school to drop off some lunch money for him. He was actually in line for lunch at that moment, so I tapped him on the shoulder to give him the check. As I turn to go he says "Wait Mom, can I give you a kiss??" Instead of teasing, his classmates in earshot all went "Awwww!!!" One hand, face unseen, reached out to ruffle his hair. I wanted to grab that kid and hug him.
How lucky am I to have such an amazing kid? Between the teachers and the the Y Kids staff/Swim staff at the YMCA, he's made amazing progress in every area of his life. The Y Kids staff in particular...thank you each and every day, for the wonderful work you do. You truly make an impact. You, as much as any of his school teachers, have been instrumental in the progress he has made. It does not go unnoticed, or unappreciated.
Thank you, so very very much.
Earlier this same day I walked over to school to drop off some lunch money for him. He was actually in line for lunch at that moment, so I tapped him on the shoulder to give him the check. As I turn to go he says "Wait Mom, can I give you a kiss??" Instead of teasing, his classmates in earshot all went "Awwww!!!" One hand, face unseen, reached out to ruffle his hair. I wanted to grab that kid and hug him.
How lucky am I to have such an amazing kid? Between the teachers and the the Y Kids staff/Swim staff at the YMCA, he's made amazing progress in every area of his life. The Y Kids staff in particular...thank you each and every day, for the wonderful work you do. You truly make an impact. You, as much as any of his school teachers, have been instrumental in the progress he has made. It does not go unnoticed, or unappreciated.
Thank you, so very very much.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Why "Spock?"
Because I saw a t-shirt that read "Spock is not a Vulcan. He is an Autist with pointy ears."
I loved that. Any Star Trek geek worth their salt, knows of Spock and his internal struggles with his Human and Vulcan side. Which is his true nature? Which does he deny? Ultimately, in the most recent Star Trek movie, we get a suggestion that Spock is attempting to make peace with both sides and harness the strengths of each.
Being Vulcan is not being emotionless, neither is being Autistic. What it symbolizes, is the struggle to navigate a world you don't quite fit into but are a part of.
Lastly, as I've said before...I'll take the humorous over the sadness. I would rather laugh, than to cry - to have hope over despair.
So...live long and prosper.
I loved that. Any Star Trek geek worth their salt, knows of Spock and his internal struggles with his Human and Vulcan side. Which is his true nature? Which does he deny? Ultimately, in the most recent Star Trek movie, we get a suggestion that Spock is attempting to make peace with both sides and harness the strengths of each.
Being Vulcan is not being emotionless, neither is being Autistic. What it symbolizes, is the struggle to navigate a world you don't quite fit into but are a part of.
Lastly, as I've said before...I'll take the humorous over the sadness. I would rather laugh, than to cry - to have hope over despair.
So...live long and prosper.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)