An Autism Christmas

I shared Christmas dinner with some of my family this year. I cooked and had to ask my visitors to try and refrain from cologne and not to bring any snacks or Christmas goodies since we can't have those types of things around. It was an odd feeling to have to ask. Everyone understood, but still felt like a task. Another mom on one of my boards shared this Autism Night Before Christmas and I'd like to share it with my friends and family. Sometimes us moms of ASD kids feel very alone in our own extended families. Suggestions from people who just don't understand, denials about the link of most families, toys that are given to ASD kids that sometimes aren't appropriate. Christmas is all very ODD!

We are embracing Holland the best we can! Please help us enjoy Holland!
(If you don't understand, ask!)

Here's the poem.

Autism Night Before Christmas
by Cindy Waeltermann

Twas the Night Before Christmas
And all through the house
The creatures were stirring
Yes, even the mouse

We tried melatonin
And gave a hot bath
But the holiday jitters
They always distract

The children were finally
All nestled in bed
When nightmares of terror
Ran through my OWN head

Did I get the right gift
The right color
And style
Would there be a tantrum
Or even, maybe, a smile?

Our relatives come
But they don't understand
The pleasure he gets
Just from flapping his hands.

"He needs discipline," they say
"Just a well-needed smack,
You must learn to parent..."
And on goes the attack

We smile and nod
Because we know deep inside
The argument is moot
Let them all take a side

We know what it's like
To live with the spectrum
The struggles and triumphs
Achievements, regressions...

But what they don't know
And what they don't see
Is the joy that we feel
Over simplicity

He said "hello"
He ate something green!
He told his first lie!
He did not cause a scene!

He peed on the potty
Who cares if he's ten,
He stopped saying the same thing
Again and again!

Others don't realize
Just how we can cope
How we bravely hang on
At the end of our rope

But what they don't see
Is the joy we can't hide
When our children with autism
Make the tiniest stride

We may look at others
Without the problems we face
With jealousy, hatred
Or even distaste,

But what they don't know
Nor sometimes do we
Is that children with autism
Bring simplicity.

We don't get excited
Over expensive thing
We jump for joy
With the progress work brings

Children with autism
Try hard every day
That they make us proud
More than words can say.

They work even harder
Than you or I
To achieve something small
To reach a star in the sky

So to those who don't get it
Or can't get a clue
Take a walk in my shoes
And I'll assure you

That even 10 minutes
Into the walk
You'll look at me
With respect, even shock.

You will realize
What it is I go through
And the next time you judge
I can assure you

That you won't say a thing
You'll be quiet and learn,
Like the years that I did
When the tables were turned...... .

'Tis the Season to be CRAZY!

Ok, not really! Just trudgin' along, making the best of things. Max has started both Occupational and Speech therapies. We interviewed a possible Habilitation provider last night. She's very nice, older, and is looking to be a part of a child's life. I don't think she expected Max tho. lol When someone hasn't met him and has only seen his paperwork, they are quite surprised to find a very active, chatter box little kid. Keep in mind, Max's paperwork goes something like this:

~~ Diagnosed at 10 months old with Cerebral Palsy, obtained OT and Developmental therapies until age two. At two, Max added speech therapy to his schedule and mom suspected Autism. At 2 years, 9 months Max started East Mesa Early Childhood Education Center for Speech (severely delayed). At age 3 years, 7 months, Max was diagnosed with PDD-Nos (Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified).~~

Everyone is expecting a child sitting in one place, staring off into space. LMAO! I love it when they don't get what they expect.

See the paperwork says nothing about starting biomedical treatments such as the GF/CF diet, or limiting preservatives, artificial colors and flavors; or adding vitamins and minerals to his diet. Now that Max is thriving in this environment, therapists and medicaid workers don't get what happened. I'm very proud of him! He's come a long way.

I may get really frustrated when I'm extremely tired (like lately), but ultimately he's my SNICKERDOODLE!

Here's a pic of this FINE looking couple who were spotted this past Saturday at the Carollo Christmas Party. (Oh, I mean the Carollo HOLIDAY Party!) Must be PC you know.

Dios esté con usted,

Gina

Ok ~ Here!

I have a lot to say, no time to say it and this pretty much sums it up.

Therapy has begun across the board, work is WAY busy, Christmas shopping, lots of church services, spiritual happenings, cooking, Christmas parties and hotel stays.

Tell me why again we are all sick? UGH!

Will blog more later. . .

Mister Millian - What a kid he is!

Mister Millian wanted to write his name on his cup insert. We have these no spill sippy cups that our speech therapist HATES! But keeps my carpet from being ruined. Anyway, I went to go help him today and he said "I can do it". So I let him do it.

He proceeded with "Mmmm, for Max; circle with a line on it, that's a "A" mommy; X; that spells Max".

I jumped, I squeeled, I kissed him all over! I was so proud of him. And he told me with words, every step of the way.

Good job Mister Millian! Mommy loves you!

So for those mom's out there that get discouraged . . . pay attention, pay close attention cuz when you least expect it; between wiping up the jar you dropped cuz you were in a hurry, toasting pancakes and cooking eggs, you may just miss your miracle.

Holland is grand!

God be with you,
Gina

Autism ~ PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified) ~ Asperger's ~ ADHD

All of these are "Autism Spectrum Disorders".

Those of you who have ADD or ADHD and think it's all in your head, think again.

Go to http://www.autism.com/ and read ~ ALOT!

When I talk to people about how I'm treating my family and I use words like "Gluten Free/Casein Free" or "Biomedical Treatments" or even simple terms like "vaccines". OMG, there is some glazing over going on.

People, Hellloooooo! This is my statement for the week:
"Reality IS NOT what you think it is" ~Gina

We are not treating Autism. We are treating vaccine injuries. These kids are physically sick and can get better. This isn't "curing" our kids. This is "Recovering" our kids.

Here's a list provided in the "Summary of Biomedical Treatments for Autism"
By James B. Adams, Ph.D. :

Treatment Order:
We have listed the various treatments in approximate order of what is typically recommended, but every child is different, and initial assessment by a physician may suggest a different order. Also, some physicians have their own preferences as to order of treatment. The key point to remember is to observe the effect of each treatment on your child, both behaviorally and through testing where possible.

This Summary includes the following sections:
• Improve Diet
• Food Allergies
• GFCF Diet
• Vitamin/Mineral Supplements
• High-Dose Vitamin B6 and Magnesium
• Essential Fatty Acids
• Gut Treatments
o Antifungals
o Probiotics
o Digestive Enzymes
• Amino Acids
• Melatonin
• Thyroid Supplements
• Sulfation
• Glutathione
• Chelation
• Immune System Regulation

Note: This summary is not intended as individual medical advice, and people should consult their physician for how to best treat their individual child. Autism is a spectrum disorder, and a treatment that helps one child may not help others.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND CHRONIC DISEASES CAN GET BETTER WITH removing preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors from your diet. Regardless of the gf/cf diet.

PLEASE ~ PRAY FOR DOMINIC

Dios esté con usted,
Gina

WHAT? No more Lipstick Jungle? What will I do with no Kirby?

Ok, I have plenty of important things to blog about. 1. We have a household visitor who has appeared. 2. Autism Research Institute and common vocabulary words; and now this. OMG!

I was having a just average "office" conversation with Susan when she says something about Lipstick Jungle being cancelled. I turn and give her the "omg jaw drop" look. "NAH AH!" "Yes" she says. I'm still in denial so I googled.

Ok, there is a petition that can be signed. Even if you don't watch this show, will you please sign the petition for ME! ;o) I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SHOW! I don't care what day it is on or even what time. I have DVR that takes care of all those details. I just hit the "List" button and see what's next for me to peruse!

Click this link and sign the petition ~ PLEASE! I promise I will blog later about Nos. 1 and 2 above. ;o)

http://www.petitiononline.com/lsj777/petition.html