Sunday, September 25, 2011
The Most Important Thing
The most important thing I've learned through this experience is to realize that children like Samuel aren't Autistic. They are children with Autism. This doesn't define who they are. It is just a small part of them. Whenever Samuel gets frustrated with his situation, I remind him of this and it calms him down. I am so very thankful for all the support my friends, family, and job have provided me with. I love my son just the way he is.
Finances
I try not to think about the financial impact this has had on our family. Starting Samuel in a private school with a full time aide was a huge mistake. Yes, he learned a lot, but I could have had the same help in the public schooling system for no money.
His Paces tutor is quite expensive as well. However, my husband and I agreed that we should do whatever it takes to get him the care and expertise he needs.
Another thing that has taken a toll was cutting gluten out of his diet. Studies have shown that kids who have no gluten in their diet are less likely to throw tantrums, get frustrated, etc. I must admit, I have seen a change. This diet is more expensive, as are most specialty diets. However, I know it's worth it.
Through all the days my husband and I have had to miss work because of outbursts and doctor's appointments, we are both very lucky that we have understanding bosses.
His Paces tutor is quite expensive as well. However, my husband and I agreed that we should do whatever it takes to get him the care and expertise he needs.
Another thing that has taken a toll was cutting gluten out of his diet. Studies have shown that kids who have no gluten in their diet are less likely to throw tantrums, get frustrated, etc. I must admit, I have seen a change. This diet is more expensive, as are most specialty diets. However, I know it's worth it.
Through all the days my husband and I have had to miss work because of outbursts and doctor's appointments, we are both very lucky that we have understanding bosses.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Assistance
Through doing a lot of research online and talking with many doctors, I became aware of many wonderful organizations that will assist me in raising a child with Autism.
Samuel started school in a private school. I paid for a one-on-one aide, as i knew he needed extra attention and help. However, after talking with other moms who are in a similar situation, I realized that public school was a better option and actually has a lot of helpful program and teachers/aides. He can get the help he needs there. His new IEP allows him to have a one-on-one aide and she is wonderful. She's really helping him get the work done he needs. Plus, I can tell she really cares for him and knows what she's doing.
Also, he has a tutor coming twice a week from PACE (Pacific Autism Center for Education). She comes twice a week to help with Samuel's socializing. She was trained specifically to help students like him, and it's been wonderful to see his progression through the months. It did take him a while to get used to her, but now that he has, we've seen a great deal of progress.
I've also joined a free group that meets every other week. Its a group of parents and we serve as a support system to each other. We talk about techniques and situations we've been in. They have been so helpful and a source for many of my findings.
Samuel started school in a private school. I paid for a one-on-one aide, as i knew he needed extra attention and help. However, after talking with other moms who are in a similar situation, I realized that public school was a better option and actually has a lot of helpful program and teachers/aides. He can get the help he needs there. His new IEP allows him to have a one-on-one aide and she is wonderful. She's really helping him get the work done he needs. Plus, I can tell she really cares for him and knows what she's doing.
Also, he has a tutor coming twice a week from PACE (Pacific Autism Center for Education). She comes twice a week to help with Samuel's socializing. She was trained specifically to help students like him, and it's been wonderful to see his progression through the months. It did take him a while to get used to her, but now that he has, we've seen a great deal of progress.
I've also joined a free group that meets every other week. Its a group of parents and we serve as a support system to each other. We talk about techniques and situations we've been in. They have been so helpful and a source for many of my findings.
Samuel's Development
Samuel is very unique. From an early age, we knew something was different about his development. It became very apparent when his socialization was much further behind that of his cousin, who is a month younger than him. It took him longer to talk and seemed like he understood less of what we were saying. When he was 3 and things continued to come slowly, we really began looking for answers. He was diagnosed with Autism shortly after his 4th birthday.
Since then, he appears to seem as though he's in his own world much of the time. He doesn't talk to anyone at school (so his teacher and aide say). Other students don't really talk to him either. He's not bugged by this. He likes things to be in routine, and sometimes gets frustrated if they aren't. I hope this will get better as time goes on. We have been trying really hard to have consistency throughout the days.
Since then, he appears to seem as though he's in his own world much of the time. He doesn't talk to anyone at school (so his teacher and aide say). Other students don't really talk to him either. He's not bugged by this. He likes things to be in routine, and sometimes gets frustrated if they aren't. I hope this will get better as time goes on. We have been trying really hard to have consistency throughout the days.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Parenting Samuel
Hello everyone,
I guess I should start by introducing myself. My name is Kelly, and I am the mother of a 7 year old boy named Samuel. Samuel always likes making things interesting. He loves having a consistent schedule, gets distracted very easily, and if things don't go his way, he sometimes throws temper tantrums. If you haven't already been able to guess, Samuel is one of many kids with Autism. He knows it doesn't define him. And I love him for it.
When I first found out that Samuel had Autism, he was 3. His development just didn't seem right. Of course, it was heartrbeaking for me to hear: No one ever wants to hear their son or daughter isn't "normal." However, the more research I do, the more I realize that children with Autism grow up to be adults with Autism. And along the way, they get stronger and take more steps. My hope is that one day, Samuel will be able to live a life where he is happy.
I guess I should start by introducing myself. My name is Kelly, and I am the mother of a 7 year old boy named Samuel. Samuel always likes making things interesting. He loves having a consistent schedule, gets distracted very easily, and if things don't go his way, he sometimes throws temper tantrums. If you haven't already been able to guess, Samuel is one of many kids with Autism. He knows it doesn't define him. And I love him for it.
When I first found out that Samuel had Autism, he was 3. His development just didn't seem right. Of course, it was heartrbeaking for me to hear: No one ever wants to hear their son or daughter isn't "normal." However, the more research I do, the more I realize that children with Autism grow up to be adults with Autism. And along the way, they get stronger and take more steps. My hope is that one day, Samuel will be able to live a life where he is happy.
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