Awards

The school year is over. Josh just finished 2nd grade. For a child with many challenges he did real well. Earned 2nd place in the math bee, 1st place in the spelling bee. He earned AB honor roll, Math award, and Spelling award. He has learned to zip and button.

Amethyst just finished 4th grade. She tried her hand at choir. While, she didn't enjoy it as much as she thought she would; I think it was a good experience for her. She won A honor roll and Math award.

Updated 2010

Wow. I have not been on here in ages. So, here is the scoop. Josh is now 7 almost 8 and in second grade. He is mainstreamed into a regular class with a full time aid. He makes A's and B's. He loves foreign languages, Candy Land, and Super Why. He is missing school due to snow days. He has also been diagnosed with ADHD and OCD on top of the pdd-nos probably Asperger's. He has spent one day in MIA (their version of in school suspension). We love his aid. She is the absolute best.
I wish our school system had a special class for higher functioning autism. He's to smart for resource but has difficulties in a regular class.
Amethyst is a great big sister soon to be 10. She loves her brother, but does get frustrated at times, when he insists that she plays his games with him.
My husband is a wonderful help. He gives me support and breaks. We are working on 12 yrs of marriage.
I currently work for Faces of Hope. A non-profit organization. We provide therapy to all special needs children. I love my job which is always changing.
www.facesofhopetn.com for more information.

My Dreams about Autism

I dream of a world of understanding towards families living with autism spectrum disorders. I dream of a church that doesn't hide these children and pretend that they don't exist.
I dream of people understanding when my child acts up because he is sick and can't tell me what's wrong.
I dream of a Charter School for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders weather on the low functioning side or high functioning side. Because we all know the regular public schools don't want to deal with our children.
They make charter and Magnet schools for the smart kids. Why not for my son, who is smart but has behavior issues because of his pdd-nos and behavior conduct disorder-nos.
I dream of a day-care center for children with autism. So, that I can go to work and provide financially for my family.
I dream of an after school program for my child with autism.
No one wants to deal with our children. We are alone in this fight. Only God is with us. Thankfully, God is bigger than this world.
I dream of a sitter for special needs children, so that I might go out once in awhile. I can only dream of taking a vacation without the children. I dream of having a night alone with my husband.
But, most of all dream of my son going to school without his rights being violated.
He did not choose to have autism. He was given autism. His autism has given me a purpose. I hope one day to fill the need of my children, my family, myself and others like me.

Faces of Hope

www.facesofhopetn.com

I worked half of yesterday.  We will soon be ready to open.  I can't wait.  I am still waiting for help.

Here is a converstation between my best friend and I.  

Her:  "What are they doing to help him?

Me:  "Nothing."

Her:  "Nothing?  How come?

Me:  "We are still waiting for help?

Her:  "Your still waiting for help?

Me:  "Yes.  We are on a two year waiting list for Vanderbuilt.  It's only been a year."

Her:  "That just isn't right."

Me:  "No.  It is not.  But, what can I do.  That is why I am so big on helping Faces of Hope.  That is why I am on the board for Faces of Hope."

The End

There are many others waiting for help and hope.  I hold on dearly to my family and their support with Joshua.

Fun with a box

One of the symptoms of autism is the arm flapping.  Joshua flaps his arms when he gets excited.  Can you belive he has surgery this morning?  He is a trooper.  He is a good boy.  I am proud of him.

Money and Special Needs child

The problem with having a special needs child is that everyone wants your money. They some how think you have thousands of dollars to spend on things your child needs. PECs about 50 to over a hundred dollars. Special assistant dog 8,000 dollars does not include shots and vet fees. Special needs bicycles 3,000 and up. Where am I supposed to get all this money. We can't work because there are no day cares for our children. Diets and biomedical treatments beyond my calculations. The bottom line only the rich can help there children. ABA thearpy to expensive and not coveeered by insurance.

18 P minus

18 p minus is a very rare chromozone disorder.  There is only a hundred and fifty known world wide.  We had no idea what this was until our son was diagnosed with it.  They were looking for other things.  If you google it, there will be 4 accurate results.  Up from two last year at the time he was diagnosed.