Journaling

One of these days, I will stop being lazy and get recent pictures up...but not today!

On this week:
This has been quite a yucky week for us.  When a stomach bug hits, it really takes a week to cycle through. It all started Monday morning and as of today we are still having lots of, hmmm...issues.  My main goal right now is to keep kids hydrated.  We are planning to go camping all weekend with my fam, but I haven't had a chance to even think about getting ready.  I only left the house today for the first time since Sunday.  So much to do+ rainy forecast + lingering sickness + bad pregnancy back for sleeping away from my adjustable bed= I have no idea how this will go.  I am sure there be plenty of memorable moments.

Hope.

On Special Education:
So the reason I finally left the house today was for Dallin's annual IEP (special education)  meeting.  This has been a very frustrating year for Dallin and for us.  Things have been way below our expectations and there have been many ups and downs.  Dallin really struggles in his current school setting.  (for record reasons: our main concerns have been struggling with reading, anxiety and stress over reading, and behavior issues) I have even at times questioned whether moving home was the best thing for him.  We have been considering other options for schooling next year.  So as I anticipated this meeting the last couple of weeks, I had a very bad attitude. I was feeling just done with the situation. This is so not my character but I was fighting the urge to go into the meeting and give them all the bird (Joke: please know that I would never do this to anyone).

This morning as I prayed for wisdom and insight for Dallin for this meeting, I actually felt very calm and peaceful. I had no idea what to expect.  I have had terrible IEPs and great ones. I just went into it knowing my concerns and keeping an open mind.  I went in with a smile on my face to all the familiar people that I have been working with for the last year and a half. The feeling in the room was very warm.  We got right to business and I was allowed to express my concerns right away.  The response was that we were all on exactly the same page! We were completely in sync.  The specialist had prepared a very well thought out list of current progress and issues, and goals for next year.  They had even prepared the most wonderful solutions and ideas tailored just for him for next year.  Things that I wouldn't have even thought of.  Things that sounded so right for him. I had total confirmation in my heart. A far cry from where I was before.

I have gone from not even wanting to send him back to this school to actually looking forward to it.  No one is more surprised than me.  I still have a concern or two, but knowing that these people really do know him, care about him and  are willing give him all the supports to ensure his success puts me at ease.  His reading teacher this year is going to be his teacher next year, so they know each other well already.  Every step and decision that we make for Dallin is no easy thing.  I feel like a blind person that needs to get from point A to point B.  I am feeling much relief today from a burden that has been very heavy.

Grateful.


On Motherhood:
Finally, I just have follow up thoughts on my motherhood post.  I have gained a lot of perspective and peace from all of my frustrations.  My new motto is: "Try your best and God will make up the difference." I read that in a parenting book and it just kinda glued to my heart.  The adversary is very good at convincing us that we aren't good enough and we become discouraged.   I knew that this was happening to me, but couldn't seem to pull out of it very easily.  Through lots of prayer and heartache, God has shown me my strengths and that I am not so bad after all.  I need to enjoy my talents I have been given and what I am good at.  I will always be working on things that I fall short on, but He will make up the difference. That's what the Savior's Atonement is for. 

Peace.

On Pregnancy:
I am slowing down more all the time now.  I am trying to be very careful with myself so that I can get through the next few weeks and not burn out.  I am purposely not taking on extra commitments.  I am a sturdy built capable girl, but for the first time, I am actually heeding the advice not to lift too much or overdo it.  I had severe bone separation pain in my pelvis throughout most of my second and third trimester in my last pregnancy.  So far I can feel that it is happening again, but I am trying to be careful not to make it worse.  I can tell when I have done something more than I should if I start to feel the pain so it is my compass.  Last time, I had to adapt how I moved, got up, rolled over in bed, got out of bed, etc.  So this time I have already adapted my movement in the same way so that I do not aggravate the situation.  So far it is working well and I am pretty pain free that way.  Perhaps it is inevitable, but I am doing better than last time so far.
 I am feeling more movement inside, but I still don't feel a lot because of the placement of the placenta.  So weird!

I didn't handle our sickness as well as the others in our house this week.  I think because of pregnancy related reflux/heartburn, once I started throwing up, I couldn't stop.  I had far more episodes than anyone else.  This is one of my least favorite human experiences. I was so glad when it was over. 

I am out of the chubby phase now and definitely looking pregnant.  This makes me a little more self conscious when I go out with "ALL" my kids.  I wonder what it looks like to see a frazzled mommy with 5 kids under 8 AND a big belly.  

Wow.

Dallin, as a 7 year old

I haven't written about how Dallin is doing for quite a while.  Mostly because he is doing fine.  School is going really well this year. He does not have ANY extra help at all this year. His teacher loves him and has a special bond with him.  At parent teacher conferences, after we were done, she said, " I probably shouldn't say this, but I was telling someone today that heaven forbid anything should ever happen to you guys, (tearing up a bit) I would just want to take him home and keep him."  She is so good with him, a big part of why his is successful at school.

Yesterday there was no school because of the snow.  Dallin asked if he could go to work with daddy.  So Peter took him to a few house calls.  At the first house, there was a boy his age.  They played the whole time and Dallin even got a hot dog for lunch out of the deal.  Dallin had a blast and was really well behaved the whole time.

As they went to the second house Dallin started to head for the front door.  Peter stopped him and explained that he was not to go into someones house unless he is invited.  If he is invited in, he should take his shoes off and behave responsibly.  A nice old lady did invite him in, and Dallin did great.  She got out a basket of toys for him and he played nicely while they chatted.  As they were leaving she told Peter was a nice young man Dallin is.  She thoroughly enjoyed his company. 

At the third house, there was an older man and his mother.  They invited Dallin in and he just sat down with them and visited for over an hour.  He told them all about space, and skiing, and building a playhouse.  They gave him some chocolate and had a great time with him.  After, they went on and on about how smart and mature Dallin is.  The man even told Peter that after meeting a guy like Dallin, he doesn't worry so much about our country's future. 

If they only knew.  If they knew, I wonder if they would even believe it.  I can barely believe it.  They only met Dallin briefly.  They don't even have the slightest idea of how amazing and special he is.  I guess what brings me to pause and reflect is that I was reading some really old blog entries today.  I was amazed at what I was reading, like I was reading it for the first time. I had truly forgotten many of those frustrating days. It brings back emotions and gratitude for where we are now, of who Dallin has become.  Life is not easy now either, but that is because of the number of kids we have, not dealing with a disability.

I haven't had Dallin evaluated since he was 3, but I will say that without a doubt in my heart that Dallin does not have autism.  So you may wonder, if he had it then and does not now, does that mean that he never really had it?  No it does not.  When we chose which path to take with Dallin so long ago (but not really), we chose a therapy that is research proven to help children overcome autism.  More and more research proves that it is possible, that it happens.  Not for every child, but a percentage can actually overcome.

Dallin has overcome.

Dallin knows that when he was little he needed help to learn.  He does not know what autism is or associate with that label.  As he gets older and has questions, I will answer him matter of fact.  I don't see any point in telling him anything but that he is an amazing person and adored by his parents for now.

I am describing Dallin as a perfect angel.  Trust me, he is a 7 year old boy, and acts like it.  He has little issues that come out once in a while still too.  I am just pausing for a moment to think of these things that bring me to appreciate what a gift he is.  Just a moment of being incredibly fulfilled by this sweet boy.

Dallin is just a typical boy who loves to play in the dirt, work with his hands, learn, tease his siblings, be outside and avoid chores.  Dallin has a sense of innocence that continues to endear all of those who know him. His joy and excitement about life makes everything more vivid, more enjoyable, and for me, more grateful. 

Trust

On answers to prayer:  Sometimes they are subtle and sometimes they are undeniable. 

The last few weeks, Peter and I have been trying to make a decision regarding Dallin's schooling for next year.  Just like always, each time we need to make a decision for his future it is very painfully difficult.  I want what is best for him, but since I can't see the future, I feel like making big decisions is nearly impossible.  Yet they must be made.  And like I always tell myself, if I don't stand up and do it, no one will.  I am his advocate, its my responsibility and so I am strengthened. 

Yesterday was our meeting day at the school and Peter and I had prayerfully made a decision, but I was so full of doubts, which would not be good for standing up for Dallin.  All morning I had been worrying about these doubts and praying about it.  Then someones name came into my head.  It was like something inside me saying "You need to talk to this person."  This person is a friend from our ward who has 4 teenage children, but I had never talked to her about this situation and had no idea why in the world it would be helpful.  So, I just tried to put it out of my mind.  I couldn't seem to stop thinking about it though. 

Peter had stayed home from work for a couple of hours while we tried to work through our decision.  Just before he left we knelt together in prayer and pleaded with the Lord to know without a doubt that this was a good decision and if it was not, that we would both have a stupor of thought about it.  After that we both felt a little better and as Peter was about to leave, I told him that I really had this feeling that I need to talk to this lady in our ward.  He said, "Well, we made our decision so I think we are good."  I agreed. 

So this is where my testimony of Divine intervention grows.  Not even 30 minutes later, this person called ME!  When I answered the phone and she said "Hi Pricilla, this is _______."  It almost didn't seem real.  I have heard stories like this lots of times, but never had it happen in my life.  She was calling about a baby shower for a girl that we know, but I was like, "Um, are your really calling me right now?"  She was confused and I told her she had been on my mind all morning.  I said, "I think I need to talk to you."  She said she had been wanting to call me all week, but lost my number and had just found it this morning. 

Because of the feelings I was having, I knew that whatever she had to say, I was to listen.  I asked her a little bit about her past experience with her kids and without pause, like she didn't even have to think about her answer, told me about a decision from her past that related to what we were working on with Dallin.  It totally confirmed our decision.  My doubts were gone, and besides all the shaking from what just happened, I was at total peace.  Then I was able to go to our meeting with complete confidence, and was not shaken a bit by those who tried to sway the decision.

It sure seems like every step is guided with our precious little boy.  Thinking back through all the times that things have happened to help us get Dallin where he needs to be leaves me humbled and in awe...
 






I know Heavenly Father has all the answers and Peter and I are just the instruments that those answers need to come through.  It is a great responsibility as it is for every parent of every child.   I believe that every person who has come into Dallin's life was meant to be there and that the amazing timing and chain of events that we have seen time after time have always, in hindsight, been miracles to me.  I will say that I have no idea how this decision will affect the rest of his life, but I trust in the Lord, because He does know.

Eager to Learn

Dallin is in a major question asking phase! I can't believe this is the same kid I knew 3 years ago, it is mind boggling. I am finding that I have to remind myself to be grateful (so very grateful indeed when I reflect on it) that he CAN ask me 5000 questions a day. Any answer given only leads to more questions, he wants to understand how everything in this world works and why. I admire his passion for life and never want him to lose the joy he finds in it. Those wheels never stop turning. I really love to learn and want to instill a respect and love for the unlimited opportunities to learn that we have in this country in my children. I mean all of it, secularly and spiritually in our religion. Watching Dallin soaking things up like a human sponge is amazing and I feel so much joy in that.

Yesterday as I walked him to school he told me that he loved going to school, so he can learn! That was music to my ears. That tells me that he is finally adjusted to his new school atmosphere and is ready to learn and be happy there. He has been trying so hard to adjust to the new people, structure, schedule, classroom etc. Now it feels routine to him so he is beginning to flourish again.

Tonight I took Dallin and Eden to see their first play. Aunt Lucy(who was the cutest munchkin in all of Munchkin Land!) was in her middle school performance of "The Wizard of Oz". Dallin sat next to his Grandpa and asked questions the whole time as he watched and tried to understand the characters. It was so much that his talking was becoming a distraction to those around us and I had to ask him to be quieter. It feels a bit counter-intuitive because language is a gift that prayed for him to have for so long.

On the way home he went on and on with his questions about any topic at hand. I was tiring of it a little and kind of started to tune it out, when he caught me off guard:

Dallin: What does that blue sign mean with the upside down jelly fish?
Me: What? I don't know what your are talking about.
Dallin: Right there, what does that mean?
Me: (looking around at the signs and passing surroundings) What are you talking about? I don't see any jelly fish.
Dallin: There! (pointing at the in dash system lights)
Me:(I finally notice that my bright lights were on and so the little picture was lit up in the dashboard. It is a half circle shape with 3 lines coming up out of it.) Oh! That does look like an upside down jellyfish!

We proceeded to talk about what we use the brights for and when all the way home(15 minutes). I wouldn't think that you could talk about the bright lights of your car for so long, but apparently there is alot to be said about them.

Life with a First Grader

I was not as nervous for Dallin to go to first grade as I was for Kindergarten. He has come so far and he really had a great summer with his home programs so I was just excited to see how high he can fly. I love his confidence, Dallin really thinks he is good at everything and knows he is a good boy and wants to live up to that. For example, time outs were SO last year. He is a big first grader now so he is determined not to have any of those at school this year. It is great, he hasn't had even one! On Tuesday I went into the class to observe and see how he is doing. This was his 7th day of school. I was surprised that his aid wasn't there, but apparently she was taking some vacation time. I was so blown away with what I saw there. For two hours I watched him as he stayed focused, paid attention, raised his hand to speak and gave lots of answers. He was working so hard and taking everything so seriously all without any help from an aid! Okay, I knew it would be good, but honestly this was really what I was hoping for by the end of first grade.

His teacher is so great too. She is firm but very sweet. Mostly I love all the positive reinforcement that she gives the students after correcting them. Dallin thrives on that and as good as his Kindergarten teacher was, I really didn't see that there. Kids really believe you when you tell them how awesome they are and they will want to live up to that.

I stayed for recess to see how he is doing socially and was very happy to see him playing tether ball with another student. Dallin loved how he has 3 recesses now at the big kid playground. At recess I talked with his teacher and she said that she can't really see much of a difference at all between Dallin and the rest of the class. She said she read his file, but she is just not seeing the same kid. I think that says a lot for him but also for her, she is great. I guess his aid was gone the whole week and as far as I know, he did okay without her. I wasn't there, but I didn't hear anything from school and he told me he still hasn't had any time outs.

Last year I was a bundle of nerves every day when Dallin went to school. If he had a good day his teacher would give him a stamp on his hand and I would just feel so sad for him every time he didn't get one. We had to use external motivation for things he would get if he got a stamp. Let me tell you that being creative with fresh ideas to keep him motivated was not easy. I would go in every week to visit and even though I was proud of how far he had come, he did stick out, had a hard time paying attention and had behavior problems. But at least he was functioning in a regular ed. class, right? This year is so different already, all of that is 100% gone!!! I know I am always saying how great he is doing, but really, every time I think it couldn't get any better it does!!! I am getting many hints from people at his school that he needs to be re-evaluated!!! (I know I am using way to many exclamations, but that doesn't even begin to portray my excitement). Dallin will be up for re-evaluation in the spring, in case you were wondering. I don't really ever use the term autism when I talk about him in the present though. It almost seems like the last 6 years were just a dream that didn't really happen, but they really did. This little boy has put in thousands of hours of work to get to where he is. Early Intervention works!!! Dallin is such a wonderful miracle. I must change my thinking that it can't get any better. I now see that there is no limit for how far he or any of my children can go(more exclamations)!

The Oregonian is Speaking My Language

My sister sent this article to me. She said it was on the front page of the Oregonian Newspaper yesterday. This is a great study. It really hits home for me and my assurance that we are doing exactly what we should be doing with Dallin. There is hope of recovery for many many kids out there if they get the right therapies. Dallin's therapists can't believe that he is the same child that they met 18 months ago. I hope that studies like this will eventually readily bring much needed therapy to the autism community everywhere. I heard of a family that just moved here from Honolulu to get help for their child. I guess being a short 10 hours away from home is not much comparted to them. Anyway, check this out:

Researcher suggests children can recover from autism
by The Associated Press
Sunday May 10, 2009, 4:26 AM
CHICAGO -- Leo Lytel was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. But by age 9 he had overcome the disorder. His progress is part of a growing body of research that suggests at least 10 percent of children with autism can "recover" from it -- most of them after undergoing years of intensive behavioral therapy. Skeptics question the phenomenon, but University of Connecticut psychology professor Deborah Fein is among those convinced it's real.
She presented research this week at an autism conference in Chicago that included 20 children who, according to rigorous analysis, got a correct diagnosis but years later were no longer considered autistic. Among them was Leo, a boy in Washington, D.C., who once made no eye contact, who echoed words said to him and often spun around in circles -- all classic autism symptoms. Now he is an articulate, social third-grader. His mother, Jayne Lytel, says his teachers call Leo a leader. The study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, involves children ages 9 to 18. Autism researcher Geraldine Dawson, chief science officer of the advocacy group Autism Speaks, called Fein's research a breakthrough. "Even though a number of us out in the clinical field have seen kids who appear to recover," it has never been documented as thoroughly as Fein's work, Dawson said. "We're at a very early stage in terms of understanding" the phenomenon, Dawson said. Previous studies have suggested between 3 percent and 25 percent of autistic kids recover. Fein says her studies have shown the range is 10 percent to 20 percent. But even after lots of therapy -- often carefully designed educational and social activities with rewards -- most autistic children remain autistic. Recovery is "not a realistic expectation for the majority of kids," but parents should know it can happen, Fein said. Doubters say "either they really weren't autistic to begin with ... or they're still socially odd and obsessive, but they don't exactly meet criteria" for autism, she said. Fein said the children in her study "really were" autistic and now they're "really not." University of Michigan autism expert Catherine Lord said she also has seen autistic patients who recover. Most had parents who spent long hours working with them on behavior improvement. But, Lord added, "I don't think we can predict who this will happen for." And she does not think it's possible to make it happen. The children in Fein's study, which is ongoing, were diagnosed by an autism specialist before age 5 but no longer meet diagnostic criteria for autism. The initial diagnoses were verified through early medical records. Because the phenomenon is so rare, Fein is still seeking children to help bolster evidence on what traits formerly autistic kids may have in common. Her team is also comparing these children with autistic and non-autistic kids. So far, the "recovered" kids "are turning out very normal" on neuropsychological exams and verbal and nonverbal tests, she said. The researchers are also doing imaging tests to see if the recovered kids' brains look more like those of autistic or nonautistic children. Autistic children's brains tend to be slightly larger than normal. Imaging scans also are being done to examine brain function in formerly autistic kids. Researchers want to know if their "normal" behavior is a result of "normal" brain activity, or if their brains process information in a non-typical way to compensate for any deficits. Results from those tests are still being analyzed. Most of the formerly autistic kids got long-term behavior treatment soon after diagnosis, in some cases for 30 or 40 hours weekly. Many also have above-average IQs and had been diagnosed with relatively mild cases of autism. At age 2, many were within the normal range for motor development, able to walk, climb and hold a pencil. Significant improvement suggesting recovery was evident by around age 7 in most cases, Fein said. None of the children has shown any sign of relapse. But nearly three-fourths of the formerly autistic kids have had other disorders, including attention-deficit problems, tics and phobias; eight still are affected. Jayne Lytel says Leo sometimes still gets upset easily but is much more flexible than before.
-- The Associated Press

IEP and Good in the Same Sentence

Yesterday we had Dallin's annual IEP meeting to discuss his special educational needs with the school district. Once again there were about 10 people there on the team, which is never ceases to amaze me. This was the first time that everyone was on the same page about what those needs are. He is doing amazingly well in Kindergarten and will continue on to first grade! His resource lady said that he has more than made up for the regression in the first 2 months of school in the autism class. Moving to regular ed. was perfect for him, not easy, but it gave him so much room to grow. His ability to progress blows everyone away. He has a wonderful teacher and a great in class aid that have really been the key to his success there.



So they have hand picked who his teacher will be next year so that is very comforting. Also his aid may get to stay with him, unless she moves out of state which is a possibility. If that happens he will be assigned someone else. That is a little scary because you never know what you are going to get.



My biggest concern at the meeting was his 10 week summer break and regression. The school district offered to give him an additional 3 hours of in home ABA 4 days a week to work on academics for all 10 weeks! Holy cow, that was more than I had hoped for. I was blown away. The idea is that it is the same amount of time he has school now so he will be able to keep the same schedule that he has. I plan to send a letter to the other parents in his class and invite them to bring their kids over any time so that Dallin can have some peers around during the summer. Right now he has his best friend from church over for program once a week and it has been amazing for him. I am hoping to have a couple more kids once a week as well to join him.



He will also still have his afternoon ABA therapy where they continue to work on his life skills. That may begin to fade from 3 hours to 2 hours a day soon.



I am just so happy with how things turned out. I know the district has been making major cut backs so I was prepared for the worst. Until now, I have always hated these meetings and practically hyperventilate each time as I prepare to go in for a fight. I didn't even have to say very much this time. What a relief and a blessing! Just another confirmation that moving here was the right thing for us. My faith is constantly stengthened by these experiences. On a side note, it looks like the buyer for the house we are in is an invester, so we are thinking we won't have to move! Not for sure on that though.



After the meeting I went to visit Dallin with his class. The kids were lined up outside the class ready to go in and the teacher asked them if they had a nice Easter. Dallin said he did. Then he said "It means Jesus came alive again". Then he said to the kid next to him "Jesus is VERY special". Wow, I wasn't too sure that my kids got much past all the candy and egg hunts. That warms my heart.

Dollar Store Fun

I love getting excited about little things, it makes life fun. I got some dollar store finds that I really liked and I am practicing with pictures all the time now so here you go.
I love to mark up books with pen and highlights so here is a simple pen with highlighter on the end. I was pleasantly suprised that I really liked how the pen writes too. 10 for a buck isn't bad either. I would have used these to death in my college days. I just think it is so smart!

These pancake molds were 3 for a dollar. They are the perfect size for little ones and my kids were wild for them. The kids thought I was a totally cool Mom for making these :)

Comic Strip

This a comic strip that a lady writes about her life so sometimes she writes about her experiences with her autistic son. I found this to be funny, but only because I have lived stuff like this.

Autistic Singer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vZ3irRb2bc&NR=1

I just love stories like this. What a little sweetheart.

Autism Book

I try to always stay possitive, but every once in a while I find that I get a little autism depressed. These are times when I am so tired and frustrated and I feel that no one in the world understands what life is like. One evening I was having such a hard time I spent a long time at the bookstore looking for some kind of comfort in the autism section and left empty handed. Then I finally found this book on Amazon. Its full of short stories that are uplifting and hopeful and I find that when I am feeling down it really does give me a cup of comfort. I am happy to say that I have not needed it much at all lately because things have been going so well with my little Dallin. Still, I am so glad to have it when I am having those "moments".

World Autism Day

Yesterday was world autism day. This whole month is Autism Awareness Month. For this reason, yesterday CNN ran autism specials on various topics all day. My most favorite program was Larry King Live on the immunization controversy. I hope that everyone, especially moms will watch this 10 minute clip: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2008/04/02/lkl.autism.long.cnn

I wish the whole program was available to watch, it was very very interesting when they brought a panel of doctors in.

I have been asked what I think about this topic many many times and I do believe that there is a link between the vaccine schedule and triggering autism. I also believe that there are other environmental triggers. My younger son Tanner is not vaccinated at this point. He will be 2 in June and I am planning to start him on a very slow schedule soon. If you could walk in my shoes in the last 4 years, this would not seem extreme measures by any means. I believe that the demand by mothers to regulate a safer vaccine schedule recommendation from the CDC is on the brink and that if we take a stand now, our babies in the future will have a much greater chance of defeating this epidemic. My family is a real living example of how autism can affect and turn your world upside down. Please believe through this mothers tears and heartache that this could happen to you.

I am so optimistic for the future of children and autism. There is so much research developing and this country is beginning to open its eyes to the reality of the extreme rise from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 150. That is 1 in 94 boys by the way. I really do believe that my children's children will face a much different world in the prevention and treatment of autism. Please go to http://www.generationrescue.org/ to view what is considered a safe vaccine schedule.

I remember having Dallin injected with up to 4 shots at a time as a baby, many of which were combinations of different immunizations. I also remember him having adverse reactions each time. I cannot say that I am positive that this triggered his autism, but I can say that in hind site there is absolutely no way that I would allow this to be done to him if I could go back and do it again. Despite what pediatricians tell you, this is your choice. I have been told by a pediatrician that there is no link, that there is no longer mercury in vaccines. I now know that this was a lie and it was time to find a new doctor. This doctor, aware of my sons autism, then injected him with 3 vaccines which were not even necessary for his schedule at the time. This is a very close minded view and there has now even been a family awarded compensation by the federal government because their child's autism was triggered by immunizations. http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/03/06/vaccines.autism/index.html#cnnSTCVideoThat this is a good start even though there is still no statement admitting the link. I think the compensation speaks for itself.

I hope that I can be an example to all that autism is a real and it can affect anyone. I share my opinions because I hope that those who read this will at least take the time to think about vaccines before you follow such an aggressive schedule. I just don't want anyone to be uneducated like I was as a new mother. Just research the facts and decide what is best for you and your child. I live with a broken heart every day and I do not wish my experiences on anyone. I don't want any of you to have to wonder if your child will be able to go to college, serve a mission, get married and have all the success that life offers. Please feel free to share this message with anyone that may be interested in this information.

Pricilla

Larry King Live

Larry King Live will be doing a show about autism tonight for those who may be interested. He will have Holly Robinson Pete who has an autistic son and the basketball player kid that has autism. Just FYI.

Family with 6 Autistic Kids

I have known about this family for a while because they are in my LDS Autism Yahoo group, but they have really gotten some publicity lately. Last week they were in People Magazine with a huge picture layout and today I found them on a link on the Yahoo main page. Here is a news clip with Diane Sawyer from Good Morning America this morning:

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=6330992

This is their website which he runs a business with to make extra money:
http://www.autismbites.com/

I hope that this publicity somehow gets them the funding that they need to get lots and lots of help for their kids. They don't have nearly enough. I know he struggles keeping a job because the demands of home are so high and they are renting a tiny little house. I look at them and think my challenges seem so small. Coverage like this really helps raise awareness which I think is very important so that some day we can have more answers about the mystery of autism.

I got this from my LDS Autism Yahoo Group

"Welcome To Holland"

When you're going to have a baby, it's like you're planning a trip to Italy. You are all excited. You get a whole bunch of guidebooks and you learn a few phrases in Italian so you can get around. When it comes time, you pack your bags and head for the airport---for Italy.Only when you land, the stewardess says, "Welcome to Holland."You look at one another in disbelief and shock and say, "Holland? What are you talking about? I signed up for Italy!"But they explain there's been a change of plans and you've landed in Holland, where you must stay. "But I don't want to stay. I don't know anything about Holland!"

But you do stay. You go out and buy some new guidebooks. You learn some new phrases and you meet people you never knew existed. The important thing is that you are not in a filthy, plague-infested slum. You are simply in a different place than you had planned. It's slower paced than Italy, and less flashy, but after you've been there a while and you have a chance to catch your breath, you begin to discover that Holland has windmills, it even has tulips.

Holland is beautiful.But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy. They are all bragging about what a good time they had there. For the rest of your life you will say, "Yes, that's where I was going. That is what I had planned."The pain of that will never, ever go away.You have to accept that pain because the loss of that dream, the loss of that plan is a very, very significant loss.

But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you will never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland.

Louder Than Words

I read this book last week and wanted to give my little book report. Jenny McCarthy is an actress who has a little boy with autism. This is just a book about her journey. Not everything she went through is the same as me but I found so much in common with her and what it is like to be a mother with these challenges. For some reason it was really nice to relate to her. I didn't like how she used bad language, but other than that I found it well written and very descriptive. Anyway, I enjoyed it and thought it was funny how she kept bringing up the missionaries. I guess when her son was having seizures all the time she called them and asked them to come and bless her son. They did and then they kept coming back to try to teach her the discussions. In the end she did take the first discussion and admired their great faith, but that was it. It was a good read and only took 4 or 5 hours to get through.

Oprah

I loved the show Oprah did on autism today. I found myself tearing up a lot as Jenny McCarthy described what it is like to go through this journey. I can relate to her 100%. Not the husband part though, I am very blessed with how involved Peter is. Its kinda late to see it now, but I hope some of you saw it.