Meaghan wrote this for Language Arts Class...after I read it, I realized...MY JOB..
IT IS DONE...
A world without somebody is a missing puzzle piece, not a complete circle, a rose, without
petals. But, when everybody is here it's complete happiness. Some kind of difference would
be nice...but I know I want things to change. But, I don't know what.
I have the world at my fingertips and the world can change. Me, myself, can do something
beautiful and I did.
It took me months to figure this something out, and I got for that a pocketful of sunshine.
My plan was to put a smile on everyone's face to make their day worthwhile. My dream is
for everybody to pass it on. To give flowers...to give Love....to put a smile on their faces.
To give and to give until you cannot give any more. That is what I want.
Something unbelievable happened. My dream came true. I DID IT. I made a
difference in the world.
Not too bad from a 10 year old girl. I know through this, we have taught her well.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
WORLD AUTISM DAY....
The United Nations has decided to make April 2 World Autism Day...starting this year 2008. All day long we will see pieces on Autism. We will see families struggling for services and education. We will see Jenny McCarthy, yet again, telling us about her knowledge about Autism and "curing", "recovering", "almost curing" her son....maybe she will make up her mind this time. She will go head-to-head with prominent doctors about vaccines and Autism...now that will be worth watching.
We will see Larry King massacre the pronunciation of Autism...
We will see families with multiple children saying how difficult their lives are by having so many children with Autism. We will see meltdowns and temper tantrums. We will see tears flowing from the faces of parent's who envisioned a better future for their children.
What we won't see is children and adults with Autism actually thriving in our communities. You won't see that there are children getting better and thriving every day. You won't see promotions for amazing programs out there that are seeing results from Sensory Integration Therapies and Play Therapies.
You won't see children with Autism who can go to school, sit quietly and respectfully in a classroom, because they have been inclusioned since 5 years old. You won't see parent's who have worked hard with their children and not allowed inappropriate behaviors in public....
Instead, we are going to be subjected to the "gloom and doom" bias of Autism. The Autism that requires a parent to slap a tee shirt on their child and blame their Autism for their behaviors. It is much easier not to parent that way. We are going to get to see mothers and fathers crying about the child they were supposed to have, instead of the glory of the child who is sitting right in front of them.
I think I will celebrate WORLD AUTISM DAY in our home. I will remind my children to be on their best behaviors today...because the WORLD is watching them. I will let them know they are the most wonderful, amazing children in the WORLD and I am so very proud to be their Mother. I will make sure their day...WORLD AUTISM DAY...is celebrated with joy and happiness in our home. Heck, maybe I will even bake a cake for this occasion.
So, I better get started, it is already 6:30 am and WORLD AUTISM DAY has already begun....
UPDATE:
I found this amazing piece on CNN about a young man, living in the community....with Autism.
Thank you Dr. Gupta.
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2008/03/31/gupta.adult.autism.cnn
We will see Larry King massacre the pronunciation of Autism...
We will see families with multiple children saying how difficult their lives are by having so many children with Autism. We will see meltdowns and temper tantrums. We will see tears flowing from the faces of parent's who envisioned a better future for their children.
What we won't see is children and adults with Autism actually thriving in our communities. You won't see that there are children getting better and thriving every day. You won't see promotions for amazing programs out there that are seeing results from Sensory Integration Therapies and Play Therapies.
You won't see children with Autism who can go to school, sit quietly and respectfully in a classroom, because they have been inclusioned since 5 years old. You won't see parent's who have worked hard with their children and not allowed inappropriate behaviors in public....
Instead, we are going to be subjected to the "gloom and doom" bias of Autism. The Autism that requires a parent to slap a tee shirt on their child and blame their Autism for their behaviors. It is much easier not to parent that way. We are going to get to see mothers and fathers crying about the child they were supposed to have, instead of the glory of the child who is sitting right in front of them.
I think I will celebrate WORLD AUTISM DAY in our home. I will remind my children to be on their best behaviors today...because the WORLD is watching them. I will let them know they are the most wonderful, amazing children in the WORLD and I am so very proud to be their Mother. I will make sure their day...WORLD AUTISM DAY...is celebrated with joy and happiness in our home. Heck, maybe I will even bake a cake for this occasion.
So, I better get started, it is already 6:30 am and WORLD AUTISM DAY has already begun....
UPDATE:
I found this amazing piece on CNN about a young man, living in the community....with Autism.
Thank you Dr. Gupta.
http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2008/03/31/gupta.adult.autism.cnn
Friday, March 28, 2008
LESSONS LEARNED....
Today, as I was spending yet another day at the grocery store, spending another large amount of money on groceries, I had an amazing AHA! moment (I should be on OPRAH soon with this one).
An elderly, disabled gentleman was helping me out with my groceries...calling him a "bagboy" would be demeaning..he was so much more.
He told me he recognized me and wanted to know how the kids were...I told him they were doing great and thanks for asking. This gentleman then went on to tell me his life story and how he was institutionalized as a child until he was 18 years old. He then decided to go onto college. He earned a degree in social work in the 1960's. Because of his emotional issues, he has had a hard time holding on to a job. Now, he has been with this grocery store chain for 10 years...his longest job ever.
I went on to tell him about my aspirations and how I got to be where I am today....
I graduated college with a degree in Agriculture Education. I hated my degree and never, ever have used the degree. I then went to work with children and young adults with Autism at a residential treatment center. I loved that job, until I realized the focus was not on the children, but the money they brought in....I became disheartened.
Soon, I found myself in the hotel business...I loved that job also...I became quite good at my job and would still be doing that for my profession if not for giving birth to a beautiful little girl...who happened to need me.
I gave birth to 6 more children, 5 who happen to have Autism.....I never, ever gave a moments thought to why I gave birth to children with Special Needs. I always knew I had a reason to be on this planet...this must be the reason.
I went on to tell this lovely man, at the grocery store, that at that very moment I knew my purpose here on Earth....my purpose for being...my purpose that I have always wondered about.....
God has given me the responsibility that he decided I could handle......the responsibility to be the Mother to 6 of the most amazing children on this planet. The responsibility to make sure they succeed and be the best that they can be in this life. There is nothing more important of a job, on this Earth, that I can think of that I would want to do. I truly do thank God every day for giving me this responsiblity and promise that I will never let my children down.
Next time I see my new friend at the grocery store....I will let him know what our conversation has taught me. I will let him know what a difference he made in my life on this day.
An elderly, disabled gentleman was helping me out with my groceries...calling him a "bagboy" would be demeaning..he was so much more.
He told me he recognized me and wanted to know how the kids were...I told him they were doing great and thanks for asking. This gentleman then went on to tell me his life story and how he was institutionalized as a child until he was 18 years old. He then decided to go onto college. He earned a degree in social work in the 1960's. Because of his emotional issues, he has had a hard time holding on to a job. Now, he has been with this grocery store chain for 10 years...his longest job ever.
I went on to tell him about my aspirations and how I got to be where I am today....
I graduated college with a degree in Agriculture Education. I hated my degree and never, ever have used the degree. I then went to work with children and young adults with Autism at a residential treatment center. I loved that job, until I realized the focus was not on the children, but the money they brought in....I became disheartened.
Soon, I found myself in the hotel business...I loved that job also...I became quite good at my job and would still be doing that for my profession if not for giving birth to a beautiful little girl...who happened to need me.
I gave birth to 6 more children, 5 who happen to have Autism.....I never, ever gave a moments thought to why I gave birth to children with Special Needs. I always knew I had a reason to be on this planet...this must be the reason.
I went on to tell this lovely man, at the grocery store, that at that very moment I knew my purpose here on Earth....my purpose for being...my purpose that I have always wondered about.....
God has given me the responsibility that he decided I could handle......the responsibility to be the Mother to 6 of the most amazing children on this planet. The responsibility to make sure they succeed and be the best that they can be in this life. There is nothing more important of a job, on this Earth, that I can think of that I would want to do. I truly do thank God every day for giving me this responsiblity and promise that I will never let my children down.
Next time I see my new friend at the grocery store....I will let him know what our conversation has taught me. I will let him know what a difference he made in my life on this day.
Friday, March 21, 2008
GOD'S EARS....
Noah Connelly is a boxer with a tireless opponent: Autism. When he meets an exotic dancer named Alexia, the two will soon find that some of the hardest fights are not of the body, but of the heart.Cast:Michael WorthMargot FarleyJohn SaxonMitzi KaptureTim ThomersonKaren KimDirected by: Michael Worth
"GOD'S EARS" has been chosen to be shown at THE METHOD FILM FESTIVAL in Calabasas at 5:30 pm on Sunday March 30th.
“GODS EARS”
DEBUTS AT THE METHOD FILM FESTIVAL IN LOS ANGELES
ON SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH at 5:30 pm
I was recently caught of guard by a “little” movie that this
guy named Michael Worth wrote, directed and starred in called
“GOD’S EARS”. There wasn’t a huge crowd at the screening
But, it was a respectable amount of people. I personally was
blow away by the film and apparently I wasn’t the only one.
Also, several people who were there that night came up to Michael Worth afterwards to ask him who the actor was that played the lead! He was so convincing playing the part of an autistic person, they didn’t even recognize him!
Having grown up in “HOLLYWOOD” \and having gone through USC film school, I have seen a few films
in my day. Little did I know that this film would end up altering
my sensibilities, my pre-conceived notions and my heart for …
good.
This insightful moving piece of art is the delicate story about a
young boxer struggling with autism and his first real relationship
with an “unlikely” partner. It creatively draws attention to the
natural hunger that all of us crave, which is to bond with each
other regardless of our human “condition” or constraints.
Aesthetically stunning to watch, “GOD’S EARS” is deeply
poignant on many levels. It not only conjured up a brand new
feeling of heartfelt compassion in me but, it infused tolerance
and manifested a fresh perspective about acceptance of others.
As far as autism is concerned, who better to act out the
plight of autism awareness than a fighter? I can’t think of a
better way than using media to interject understanding about
human suffering into mainstream consciousness.
THIS FILM IS A MUST SEE AND ALL I CAN ABOUT THIS GUY IS…
MOVE OVER CLINT EASTWOOD!
TO ATTEND THE WORLD PREMIERE IN LOS ANGELES
GO TO www.brownpapertickets.com/event/31077
YOU CAN SEE THE TRAILER AT
WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/GODSEARS
OR
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/GODSEARS
DEBUTS AT THE METHOD FILM FESTIVAL IN LOS ANGELES
ON SUNDAY, MARCH 30TH at 5:30 pm
I was recently caught of guard by a “little” movie that this
guy named Michael Worth wrote, directed and starred in called
“GOD’S EARS”. There wasn’t a huge crowd at the screening
But, it was a respectable amount of people. I personally was
blow away by the film and apparently I wasn’t the only one.
Also, several people who were there that night came up to Michael Worth afterwards to ask him who the actor was that played the lead! He was so convincing playing the part of an autistic person, they didn’t even recognize him!
Having grown up in “HOLLYWOOD” \and having gone through USC film school, I have seen a few films
in my day. Little did I know that this film would end up altering
my sensibilities, my pre-conceived notions and my heart for …
good.
This insightful moving piece of art is the delicate story about a
young boxer struggling with autism and his first real relationship
with an “unlikely” partner. It creatively draws attention to the
natural hunger that all of us crave, which is to bond with each
other regardless of our human “condition” or constraints.
Aesthetically stunning to watch, “GOD’S EARS” is deeply
poignant on many levels. It not only conjured up a brand new
feeling of heartfelt compassion in me but, it infused tolerance
and manifested a fresh perspective about acceptance of others.
As far as autism is concerned, who better to act out the
plight of autism awareness than a fighter? I can’t think of a
better way than using media to interject understanding about
human suffering into mainstream consciousness.
THIS FILM IS A MUST SEE AND ALL I CAN ABOUT THIS GUY IS…
MOVE OVER CLINT EASTWOOD!
TO ATTEND THE WORLD PREMIERE IN LOS ANGELES
GO TO www.brownpapertickets.com/event/31077
YOU CAN SEE THE TRAILER AT
WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/GODSEARS
OR
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/GODSEARS
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
AUTISM 101...
Autism is big news lately. It is everywhere. I was watching VH1 classics yesterday, and lo and behold....Autism.
Autism is not new to me. I have been around someone with autism from the age of 11. There has always been someone with autism in my life at one time or another. From babysitting to working at a residential treatment center to giving birth to 5.
What is new to me is the fighting amongst the Autism communities.
First there is the biomedical vs. the Neurodiverse...
Second is the adults with autism vs the parent's of autistic children...
Third is the bickering between the different Autism associations;ie, CAN, NAAR, Autism Speaks, etc...
Autism to me is simple....it does not take a college course to understand.
Watching Caitlin, at a young age, seeing the tiny dust particles in the air and dancing around them....laughing at something so tiny that other's just never take the time to notice.
Watching Kiernan pour water from one cup to another, barely with a drop of water falling out. Seeing the joy this brings him.
Listening to Erin sing for 30 minutes in the shower in such a high tone without a care in the world...if we could all be that happy.
Watching Patrick with his wrestling figures during one of his make-believe matches. This from a boy whose playskills were nil just 2 years ago.
Handing Deirdre the phone after she receives a phone call from one of her many friends. Remembering last year how painfully anti-social she was, and now has become this carefree social butterfly.
My children with autism have all come so far, in such a short amount of time.
This happens, I believe, from Early Interventions such as Occupational Therapy, Play Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, etc.
This happens from inclusion with Neurotypical peers in regular education classrooms...I do not believe in segregating autistic children away from NT peers. Life is not segregated, why should school be?
We were approached by an Autism "Specialty" School in Austin when Caitlin was 3 years old. I was invited to come and observe a classroom they would like Caitlin to be enrolled in. I saw not only behaviors similar to Cady's, but new behaviors I did not want her to bring home.
Caitlin has been enrolled in regular education classes since she was 6 years old. Before that, she was the ONLY autistic child in her Early Childhood Classes.
Caitlin has flourished and learned so much from NT children. Her peers nurture and correct her in public if her behaviors are disturbing. Caitlin takes their cues well and alters her behavior when necessary.
I can take all of my children out in public without meltdowns. They know how to behave in public...when they were young, if they started to scream or misbehave in a public situation, we would leave the situation. We do not throw a tee-shirt on them as an excuse for them to misbehave. We do not hand out little business cards to explain their behaviors. We do not glare at people who look at our children strangely for noticing their stimming and humming. People are curious....
Autism is not focusing on why my children are different, but focusing on what makes them all unique and special individuals who have so much to offer now and in the future.
We are so very lucky have been given the opportunity to be the parent's of these children. I thank God every day for this opportunity. I hope they are as proud of us as we are of them.
Autism is not new to me. I have been around someone with autism from the age of 11. There has always been someone with autism in my life at one time or another. From babysitting to working at a residential treatment center to giving birth to 5.
What is new to me is the fighting amongst the Autism communities.
First there is the biomedical vs. the Neurodiverse...
Second is the adults with autism vs the parent's of autistic children...
Third is the bickering between the different Autism associations;ie, CAN, NAAR, Autism Speaks, etc...
Autism to me is simple....it does not take a college course to understand.
Watching Caitlin, at a young age, seeing the tiny dust particles in the air and dancing around them....laughing at something so tiny that other's just never take the time to notice.
Watching Kiernan pour water from one cup to another, barely with a drop of water falling out. Seeing the joy this brings him.
Listening to Erin sing for 30 minutes in the shower in such a high tone without a care in the world...if we could all be that happy.
Watching Patrick with his wrestling figures during one of his make-believe matches. This from a boy whose playskills were nil just 2 years ago.
Handing Deirdre the phone after she receives a phone call from one of her many friends. Remembering last year how painfully anti-social she was, and now has become this carefree social butterfly.
My children with autism have all come so far, in such a short amount of time.
This happens, I believe, from Early Interventions such as Occupational Therapy, Play Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, etc.
This happens from inclusion with Neurotypical peers in regular education classrooms...I do not believe in segregating autistic children away from NT peers. Life is not segregated, why should school be?
We were approached by an Autism "Specialty" School in Austin when Caitlin was 3 years old. I was invited to come and observe a classroom they would like Caitlin to be enrolled in. I saw not only behaviors similar to Cady's, but new behaviors I did not want her to bring home.
Caitlin has been enrolled in regular education classes since she was 6 years old. Before that, she was the ONLY autistic child in her Early Childhood Classes.
Caitlin has flourished and learned so much from NT children. Her peers nurture and correct her in public if her behaviors are disturbing. Caitlin takes their cues well and alters her behavior when necessary.
I can take all of my children out in public without meltdowns. They know how to behave in public...when they were young, if they started to scream or misbehave in a public situation, we would leave the situation. We do not throw a tee-shirt on them as an excuse for them to misbehave. We do not hand out little business cards to explain their behaviors. We do not glare at people who look at our children strangely for noticing their stimming and humming. People are curious....
Autism is not focusing on why my children are different, but focusing on what makes them all unique and special individuals who have so much to offer now and in the future.
We are so very lucky have been given the opportunity to be the parent's of these children. I thank God every day for this opportunity. I hope they are as proud of us as we are of them.
Monday, March 17, 2008
I'M ALREADY THERE....
In a perfect world, all people, including those with disabilities would be accepted by all people.
Today, as I was standing in line, with my children, at the San Antonio Zoo, a little girl walked by us and said, "Hi Kiernan....look Mama, Kiernan's here".
I asked the little girl how she knew Kiernan and she proudly said, "Kiernan is in my first grade class".
She then proceeded to ask Kiernan, "Kiernan, do you love the zoo"?
Of course, Kiernan did not answer...he is non-verbal. I don't think she notices he is non-verbal, I believe she thinks he is exactly like her.
Throughout the day, we would pass her and her family...the little girl would run up to Kiernan and say things like, "Kiernan, don't you just love the zoo"?, "Kiernan did you see the elephants"?, "Kiernan, how is your day going"?, etc.
I did not think about it until my ride home back to Austin. I have worked so hard to make sure my children were accepted by their peers and their community. Thanks to this beautiful little blonde-haired Angel...I AM ALREADY THERE.
Today, as I was standing in line, with my children, at the San Antonio Zoo, a little girl walked by us and said, "Hi Kiernan....look Mama, Kiernan's here".
I asked the little girl how she knew Kiernan and she proudly said, "Kiernan is in my first grade class".
She then proceeded to ask Kiernan, "Kiernan, do you love the zoo"?
Of course, Kiernan did not answer...he is non-verbal. I don't think she notices he is non-verbal, I believe she thinks he is exactly like her.
Throughout the day, we would pass her and her family...the little girl would run up to Kiernan and say things like, "Kiernan, don't you just love the zoo"?, "Kiernan did you see the elephants"?, "Kiernan, how is your day going"?, etc.
I did not think about it until my ride home back to Austin. I have worked so hard to make sure my children were accepted by their peers and their community. Thanks to this beautiful little blonde-haired Angel...I AM ALREADY THERE.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
THE SANITY OF AUTISM...
I have often been asked how we keep sane in our house with so many children, let alone so many children with Autism....
The only thing I can remember was after I had Deirdre, our second child, I was overwhelmed. I thought, "what was I thinking...2 children are hard". Now, keep in mind, Caitlin was just newly diagnosed with Autism and had all of the behaviors that come with Autism.
When I became pregnant with Erin, I thought man, this will be hard. But, after Erin was born, everything sort of fell into place. She fit into our family perfectly.
Erin was 6 months old when I found out we were pregnant with Meaghan....what the heck, I thought, Erin doesn't sleep anyways.
Meaghan was born and was perfect in every way...she did not fuss, cry or give us an ounce of trouble.
13 months later, we found out we were going to have Patrick...he had a 10% survival chance and I was put on bedrest. I prayed every night to let me carry this pregnancy to term. I still thank Go for giving me Patrick...he is the smartest little boy and loves his Mommy so much.
Patrick was 6 months old and I found out I was having twins...Yes...TWINS. After 2 months, the second twin was not progressing in the uterus and was eventually reabsorbed. So here came Kiernan.
I have never, ever regretted having our children. Even through all of the behavior issues, learning difficulties, therapies, doctors appointments and school meetings....these children were meant to be here...in THIS FAMILY.
We do not treat our children with Autism any different than we treat our child without Autism. We have never let Autism be an excuse for them to not succeed and behave. Our children are children first and foremost.
On any given day, you will find more than 6 children in our home...parent's trust us to watch their children and we are honored to have their children in our home. The parent's of these children have raised them to be non-judgemental and loving. We are honored to be their friends and have their children be our children's friends.
So, after a very long 9 days of Spring Break...school resumes tomorrow....
I will do a Happy Dance in the morning and then begin the task of cleaning all 7 bedrooms.
I love cleaning this house....it reminds me of the love in our community and why we are so blessed to have been given this house.
I have decided this week to remove myself from commenting on some message boards on 2 forums....I find the bickering and the hatefulness that goes on there disturbing in so many ways. I find there is a "pack" of parent's who survive by bleeding the life-blood out of parent's who do not think the way they do about Autism (hating it) and reject any possibility of addressing their children's positive sides with Autism.
Trust me, when they succeed and get rid of the "sane" side of Autism, or the accepting side of Autism, they will feed upon each other....you have been warned.
Right now, I need to keep the Sanity that is my home....I need to continue to spread positive awareness about Autism. I need to keep hope alive in parent's who are inundated with negatives about how their children's lives will be with Autism.....
I need to show them children with Autism are vital and important...they do not need to be "fixed" or "cured"...these children need to feel they are perfect in the eyes of the people they love so much.
How sad some do not....
The only thing I can remember was after I had Deirdre, our second child, I was overwhelmed. I thought, "what was I thinking...2 children are hard". Now, keep in mind, Caitlin was just newly diagnosed with Autism and had all of the behaviors that come with Autism.
When I became pregnant with Erin, I thought man, this will be hard. But, after Erin was born, everything sort of fell into place. She fit into our family perfectly.
Erin was 6 months old when I found out we were pregnant with Meaghan....what the heck, I thought, Erin doesn't sleep anyways.
Meaghan was born and was perfect in every way...she did not fuss, cry or give us an ounce of trouble.
13 months later, we found out we were going to have Patrick...he had a 10% survival chance and I was put on bedrest. I prayed every night to let me carry this pregnancy to term. I still thank Go for giving me Patrick...he is the smartest little boy and loves his Mommy so much.
Patrick was 6 months old and I found out I was having twins...Yes...TWINS. After 2 months, the second twin was not progressing in the uterus and was eventually reabsorbed. So here came Kiernan.
I have never, ever regretted having our children. Even through all of the behavior issues, learning difficulties, therapies, doctors appointments and school meetings....these children were meant to be here...in THIS FAMILY.
We do not treat our children with Autism any different than we treat our child without Autism. We have never let Autism be an excuse for them to not succeed and behave. Our children are children first and foremost.
On any given day, you will find more than 6 children in our home...parent's trust us to watch their children and we are honored to have their children in our home. The parent's of these children have raised them to be non-judgemental and loving. We are honored to be their friends and have their children be our children's friends.
So, after a very long 9 days of Spring Break...school resumes tomorrow....
I will do a Happy Dance in the morning and then begin the task of cleaning all 7 bedrooms.
I love cleaning this house....it reminds me of the love in our community and why we are so blessed to have been given this house.
I have decided this week to remove myself from commenting on some message boards on 2 forums....I find the bickering and the hatefulness that goes on there disturbing in so many ways. I find there is a "pack" of parent's who survive by bleeding the life-blood out of parent's who do not think the way they do about Autism (hating it) and reject any possibility of addressing their children's positive sides with Autism.
Trust me, when they succeed and get rid of the "sane" side of Autism, or the accepting side of Autism, they will feed upon each other....you have been warned.
Right now, I need to keep the Sanity that is my home....I need to continue to spread positive awareness about Autism. I need to keep hope alive in parent's who are inundated with negatives about how their children's lives will be with Autism.....
I need to show them children with Autism are vital and important...they do not need to be "fixed" or "cured"...these children need to feel they are perfect in the eyes of the people they love so much.
How sad some do not....
Saturday, March 15, 2008
STARTING NOW....
I have questioned my existence since I was a small girl. I was very much in a different place than most of my peers. I always knew there was a reason for everyone to be here, but never was quite sure of my place.
I was the middle child of a middle-class family. I have an older sister (we are estranged right now)...we won't always be, but she hurt me emotionally very much when I needed her the most) and a younger brother (whom is 9 years younger, so we are in very different places emotionally). My brother is a good person, just doing his own thing.
My father worked alot and then my mother, so we were responsible for alot of things, like keeping the house clean and making sure my brother ate lunch and dinner. We raised show cattle, so I spent alot of time with my heifers and my steers.
My mother was a former beauty queen and my father was a former football star. My sister is gorgeous with blonde hair and blue eyes and my brother is also blonde with blue eyes. Here I was dark brown hair and dark brown eyes....what happened there?
I was not happy with my looks growing up....I wanted to be fair haired badly.
I was thin, but not skinny. I started gaining weight during puberty and was made fun of for being chubby. About the age of 14, I started dieting. By 15, I was completely into anorexia. I was down to 72 pounds and on the verge of dying. My poor parent's did not know what to do..anorexia was not well-known at the time.
I was sent to a hospital and there I began therapies with a wonderful psychiatrists named Dr. Matthews. He was thoughtful and kind....he listened to me when others found it hard to listen.
He made me understand that the anorexia is not about the food, it is about the control of the food.
I became better and was sent home.....but, I still had conflicts about my existence. Why was I put on this Earth?
I went off to college at 17 years of age. I met new and exciting people. I was away from the small school I went to...Pflugerville, with my class of around 80 students...and into a much larger college..SWTSU...
I met lifelong friends there and majored in Agriculture Education...which, by the way, I have never used my degree for anything pertaining to Agriculture.
During college, I started working at the Brown School's or San Marcos Treatment Center...a residential facility for emotionally and mentally disturbed children and young adults.
My first dorm was a dorm with mentally challenged young women and women.....including my 1:1 who was and Autistic 16 year old female. I adored Kim....she was non-verbal and flapped and jumped. When she escaped out of our locked dorm, she ran naked down the hill straight to the convenience store...with staff running after her. She so reminds me of Caitlin and Kiernan.
I worked there for many years....I loved the job. I got burned out after about 5 years and decided to try another career path.
I started working for Sheraton Reservations and became a 1-800 reservations call taker. I quickly moved up to Support/Customer Service. Through that job, I went to New York City and interviewed for a job at The Sheraton Centre Hotel and Towers. I got the job and moved to NYC in June of 1987.
Through a co-worker, I met Patrick, my husband.
We fell in love very quickly and before you know it, I was pregnant with Caitlin.
My dad fell very ill with lung cancer and we moved back to Austin.....here, I decided nobody could care for Caitlin like I could, because she screamed all of the time as an infant and was beginning to show signs of Autism...it took many doctors to finally diagnose her at 2 1/2 years of age. So, I had a registered in-home daycare. I took care of other people's babies...and I was good at it.
I began to get a reputation for being a great daycare provider. I went to school on weekends to learn more about Early Childhood and to get my Second Helping certificate...that was hard work.
By the time I had Kiernan, I had to quit taking in other children. He was very hard to handle, and with 6 children, it was all I could do to get them to therapies and deal with everyday life.
There was not anything I did not think my children couldn't do because of the Autism. I expected the same things from them that I would expect from any child. I believe them to be children first and then children with Autism would come in second or third.
Our children are to get good grades, C's are not acceptable for our children. They are to be polite and courteous to everyone. They are to sit in a chair in school and sit quietly while the teacher is teaching....unfortunately, other children don't seem to have the same respect for the teacher's as they should.
When I am asked how our children are so wonderful in public, it is because we expect them to be. We would not allow anything but good behaviors.
When you walk into our home, you do not find chaos....you find children.
Last Saturday, there were 10 children in our home. I had 2 that were sleeping over and 2 that a friend of mine asked me to watch for a few hours. No one has second thoughts about letting their children play with our children. Our children are non-aggressive and loving. They share their toys and are happy when other children come over.
We are blessed with a happy home, for the most part. I am happy with how I look and how I feel about myself. I am 47 years old and have come to a point in my life where I do not "sweat the small stuff".
As I sit here, with Kiernan on my lap, giving me kisses and hugs...I know my reason for being here. I know that my purpose was to raise 6 of the most amazing children God has put on this Earth. I know my job is to continue to make sure they are accepted in Society and with that I must make sure Society is accepting of our children.
I don't think this will be as hard as other people think it will be....I think we are all ready for acceptance and the willingness to allow our children to be part of our communities. I know in our community it works well.
So, now that I know my purpose...I must do what I was put on this great, big, beautiful Earth to do....that is to raise my children with Autism and with that is to raise Awareness to everyone about Autism.
This starts NOW......get ready.
I was the middle child of a middle-class family. I have an older sister (we are estranged right now)...we won't always be, but she hurt me emotionally very much when I needed her the most) and a younger brother (whom is 9 years younger, so we are in very different places emotionally). My brother is a good person, just doing his own thing.
My father worked alot and then my mother, so we were responsible for alot of things, like keeping the house clean and making sure my brother ate lunch and dinner. We raised show cattle, so I spent alot of time with my heifers and my steers.
My mother was a former beauty queen and my father was a former football star. My sister is gorgeous with blonde hair and blue eyes and my brother is also blonde with blue eyes. Here I was dark brown hair and dark brown eyes....what happened there?
I was not happy with my looks growing up....I wanted to be fair haired badly.
I was thin, but not skinny. I started gaining weight during puberty and was made fun of for being chubby. About the age of 14, I started dieting. By 15, I was completely into anorexia. I was down to 72 pounds and on the verge of dying. My poor parent's did not know what to do..anorexia was not well-known at the time.
I was sent to a hospital and there I began therapies with a wonderful psychiatrists named Dr. Matthews. He was thoughtful and kind....he listened to me when others found it hard to listen.
He made me understand that the anorexia is not about the food, it is about the control of the food.
I became better and was sent home.....but, I still had conflicts about my existence. Why was I put on this Earth?
I went off to college at 17 years of age. I met new and exciting people. I was away from the small school I went to...Pflugerville, with my class of around 80 students...and into a much larger college..SWTSU...
I met lifelong friends there and majored in Agriculture Education...which, by the way, I have never used my degree for anything pertaining to Agriculture.
During college, I started working at the Brown School's or San Marcos Treatment Center...a residential facility for emotionally and mentally disturbed children and young adults.
My first dorm was a dorm with mentally challenged young women and women.....including my 1:1 who was and Autistic 16 year old female. I adored Kim....she was non-verbal and flapped and jumped. When she escaped out of our locked dorm, she ran naked down the hill straight to the convenience store...with staff running after her. She so reminds me of Caitlin and Kiernan.
I worked there for many years....I loved the job. I got burned out after about 5 years and decided to try another career path.
I started working for Sheraton Reservations and became a 1-800 reservations call taker. I quickly moved up to Support/Customer Service. Through that job, I went to New York City and interviewed for a job at The Sheraton Centre Hotel and Towers. I got the job and moved to NYC in June of 1987.
Through a co-worker, I met Patrick, my husband.
We fell in love very quickly and before you know it, I was pregnant with Caitlin.
My dad fell very ill with lung cancer and we moved back to Austin.....here, I decided nobody could care for Caitlin like I could, because she screamed all of the time as an infant and was beginning to show signs of Autism...it took many doctors to finally diagnose her at 2 1/2 years of age. So, I had a registered in-home daycare. I took care of other people's babies...and I was good at it.
I began to get a reputation for being a great daycare provider. I went to school on weekends to learn more about Early Childhood and to get my Second Helping certificate...that was hard work.
By the time I had Kiernan, I had to quit taking in other children. He was very hard to handle, and with 6 children, it was all I could do to get them to therapies and deal with everyday life.
There was not anything I did not think my children couldn't do because of the Autism. I expected the same things from them that I would expect from any child. I believe them to be children first and then children with Autism would come in second or third.
Our children are to get good grades, C's are not acceptable for our children. They are to be polite and courteous to everyone. They are to sit in a chair in school and sit quietly while the teacher is teaching....unfortunately, other children don't seem to have the same respect for the teacher's as they should.
When I am asked how our children are so wonderful in public, it is because we expect them to be. We would not allow anything but good behaviors.
When you walk into our home, you do not find chaos....you find children.
Last Saturday, there were 10 children in our home. I had 2 that were sleeping over and 2 that a friend of mine asked me to watch for a few hours. No one has second thoughts about letting their children play with our children. Our children are non-aggressive and loving. They share their toys and are happy when other children come over.
We are blessed with a happy home, for the most part. I am happy with how I look and how I feel about myself. I am 47 years old and have come to a point in my life where I do not "sweat the small stuff".
As I sit here, with Kiernan on my lap, giving me kisses and hugs...I know my reason for being here. I know that my purpose was to raise 6 of the most amazing children God has put on this Earth. I know my job is to continue to make sure they are accepted in Society and with that I must make sure Society is accepting of our children.
I don't think this will be as hard as other people think it will be....I think we are all ready for acceptance and the willingness to allow our children to be part of our communities. I know in our community it works well.
So, now that I know my purpose...I must do what I was put on this great, big, beautiful Earth to do....that is to raise my children with Autism and with that is to raise Awareness to everyone about Autism.
This starts NOW......get ready.
Monday, March 10, 2008
HOME...Where You Can Be A BEE...
I was grocery shopping, with Caitlin, a few years ago. She was not happy with the song selection on the intercom at the store. She started her buzzing noise and it got progressively louder.
I turned to her and gently said, "Caitlin, you are buzzing too loud".
Caitlin said, "You are not a bee"....
I said, "that is right, You are not a bee"...
Caitlin then turned to me and said, "You can be a bee at home"...
So, as I sit here typing, I hear my oldest daughter upstairs buzzing away -happily.
She is home...where she can be a BEE....
I turned to her and gently said, "Caitlin, you are buzzing too loud".
Caitlin said, "You are not a bee"....
I said, "that is right, You are not a bee"...
Caitlin then turned to me and said, "You can be a bee at home"...
So, as I sit here typing, I hear my oldest daughter upstairs buzzing away -happily.
She is home...where she can be a BEE....
Saturday, March 08, 2008
HERE WE GO AGAIN...
I have been living with a child with Autism for 17 years. I have been around for 17 years of "the next big thing" in Autism.
First, there was the B6 and Magnesium mixture that Dr. Rimland swore would make Caitlin speak after 2 to 6 week of taking it. Yes, we spent $32.00 a month on money we did not have to buy this formula, only to have it NOT WORK.
Second, we had the ABA that they swore would make Caitlin act more "normal"...again, BOGUS.
Third, we were on the list for the first round Secretin trials....I thank God we did not do that one.
Fourth, we were promised, by a famous doctor that if we put our children on a GFCF diet, they would be "cured" or "recovered".....I won't go there. They know who they are, and they know what they did.
Fifth, another "famous" doctor from California told us our children were not Autistic but had a Neurological Immune Deficiency...my friend swore this doctor would "cure" her son, and he promised me the same with my children...guess what, her child is still severe...
he never sold me on his bologna.
Sixth, chelation....I never even wanted to go near this one.....SUPER SCARY.
Seventh, B12 shots...
Eighth, Lupron...
Ninth,
Tenth,
Now, because parent' s have won a case from the Government citing that their child was damaged from the vaccines she received, every parent of an Autistic child is going to see whether or not their child has the same disorder as the child who won the case.
I wish all these parent's well. I wish their children more than that.
I am afraid now for what these children are going to have to endure for their parent's to
be okay with their Autism.
I hope this hysteria blows over quickly, for the children's sake.
First, there was the B6 and Magnesium mixture that Dr. Rimland swore would make Caitlin speak after 2 to 6 week of taking it. Yes, we spent $32.00 a month on money we did not have to buy this formula, only to have it NOT WORK.
Second, we had the ABA that they swore would make Caitlin act more "normal"...again, BOGUS.
Third, we were on the list for the first round Secretin trials....I thank God we did not do that one.
Fourth, we were promised, by a famous doctor that if we put our children on a GFCF diet, they would be "cured" or "recovered".....I won't go there. They know who they are, and they know what they did.
Fifth, another "famous" doctor from California told us our children were not Autistic but had a Neurological Immune Deficiency...my friend swore this doctor would "cure" her son, and he promised me the same with my children...guess what, her child is still severe...
he never sold me on his bologna.
Sixth, chelation....I never even wanted to go near this one.....SUPER SCARY.
Seventh, B12 shots...
Eighth, Lupron...
Ninth,
Tenth,
Now, because parent' s have won a case from the Government citing that their child was damaged from the vaccines she received, every parent of an Autistic child is going to see whether or not their child has the same disorder as the child who won the case.
I wish all these parent's well. I wish their children more than that.
I am afraid now for what these children are going to have to endure for their parent's to
be okay with their Autism.
I hope this hysteria blows over quickly, for the children's sake.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
MESSAGES WE SEND...
I watched a home-made video today of a little boy who is in a foreign country
receiving stem cells. His father asks him, "What are they doing to you"?
The little boy replies, "fixing me"...
The father says, "that's right".
So, this beautiful, verbal, little boy...who happens to be Autistic...is feeling "broken".
The messages sent to this child, who has been through many procedures to "fix" him is
that he is not complete.
We, as parent's, need to be very careful of the messages we send to our children.
Children are very smart and no matter what, we need them to know that they are
not broken, even with Autism.....
I feel very sad right now...sad for all of the children who have been made to believe
they are "broken" and need to be "fixed"....
receiving stem cells. His father asks him, "What are they doing to you"?
The little boy replies, "fixing me"...
The father says, "that's right".
So, this beautiful, verbal, little boy...who happens to be Autistic...is feeling "broken".
The messages sent to this child, who has been through many procedures to "fix" him is
that he is not complete.
We, as parent's, need to be very careful of the messages we send to our children.
Children are very smart and no matter what, we need them to know that they are
not broken, even with Autism.....
I feel very sad right now...sad for all of the children who have been made to believe
they are "broken" and need to be "fixed"....
Sunday, March 02, 2008
EMBRACING AUTISM...
When Caitlin was first diagnosed with Autism, way back in 1994, my first reaction was shock. As time went by, my shock turned to sadness. I don't know why I was sad, but I felt a loss for Caitlin.
After the sadness, I realized I needed to become more knowledgeable about Autism, so off to the downtown library we went. Every Saturday morning, after breakfast, a very pregnant me, Caitlin and Patrick went to the big library...they had a larger choice of books about Autism (which was slim pickings, by the way). I read every book there was to read on Autism....scared the heck out of me.
I remember after reading the Parent's Guide to Autism...I was thrilled. It gave step-by-step instructions on how to handle your emotions with Autism.
I was up to the loss part....
Next came anger. The book stated that it would be a good idea to call everyone you know with a "normal" child and let them know that you will be distancing yourself from them for a while. You did not need to hear all of the milestones their child was going through, while your child was struggling. OK, so I got mad. I thought I had to fight for everything. I thought it was okay for me to let Caitlin run wild in the doctors office, at the mall, at the grocery store.....all because she has Autism, I could let her behavior be horrible.....
Caitlin started Early Childhood at the age of 3. Her teacher was Mary Allen. She was perfect for Caitlin. Caitlin would try to pull her crap with Mary, and Mary would not have it. Mary DID NOT let Caitlin's autism be an excuse for her bad behavior. It was through Mary Allen that I learned that Caitlin did not have bad behavior, just because she had Autism.
Once I saw what Caitlin was capable of, my anger flew out the window. I learned how amazingly smart she was. She was reading, writing and communicating through sign language and PECS before she was 4 years old. This child's brain was enormous and just because she was non-verbal, she could communicate finally. That opened a huge door for Caitlin.
Caitlin was the role model for us to use with our subsequent children. She was the one who taught us that it is okay to embrace the Autism...not hate it. Once we let Caitlin "shine" and show us the true person she was meant to be, she became calmer.
We are always commented on the good behavior of our children, out in public...at home, they are siblings who argue and bicker. They are reminded to pick up their rooms and put their dishes in the dishwasher.
Caitlin and Kiernan are allowed to stim and allowed to be their "autistic" selves.
Deirdre is a true teen-ager with all the angst that includes. She is sure we are "stupid" and she will teach us to be smarter. She has her group of friends and loves the church and her church family.
Erin, Patrick and Meaghan always have friends over and on Saturday, I had 12 children in my home for a play date. Their friends are not on the spectrum, yet consider my children peers and never judge them for their differences. They help them when needed. My children have great friends.
I am NOT saying that you should not help your child with Autism, we work very hard with Speech, OT, PT, Play Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy and Massage Therapy. We want our children to be able to go out into society and have the skills they need to succeed. They are working very hard at this.
My final step, in learning to help my child(ren) with Autism was to learn to Embrace the Autism itself. My children were put here for me to be their mother for a reason. I have learned that they are each an individual first and I needed to learn how to nurture their individual needs.
God gave me these amazing children and with the children came Autism. I could "hate" the Autism, but in turn, I would not be the best mother I could be. Instead, I "embrace" the autism and with that I embrace the children that were meant to be.....SUPERB!
After the sadness, I realized I needed to become more knowledgeable about Autism, so off to the downtown library we went. Every Saturday morning, after breakfast, a very pregnant me, Caitlin and Patrick went to the big library...they had a larger choice of books about Autism (which was slim pickings, by the way). I read every book there was to read on Autism....scared the heck out of me.
I remember after reading the Parent's Guide to Autism...I was thrilled. It gave step-by-step instructions on how to handle your emotions with Autism.
I was up to the loss part....
Next came anger. The book stated that it would be a good idea to call everyone you know with a "normal" child and let them know that you will be distancing yourself from them for a while. You did not need to hear all of the milestones their child was going through, while your child was struggling. OK, so I got mad. I thought I had to fight for everything. I thought it was okay for me to let Caitlin run wild in the doctors office, at the mall, at the grocery store.....all because she has Autism, I could let her behavior be horrible.....
Caitlin started Early Childhood at the age of 3. Her teacher was Mary Allen. She was perfect for Caitlin. Caitlin would try to pull her crap with Mary, and Mary would not have it. Mary DID NOT let Caitlin's autism be an excuse for her bad behavior. It was through Mary Allen that I learned that Caitlin did not have bad behavior, just because she had Autism.
Once I saw what Caitlin was capable of, my anger flew out the window. I learned how amazingly smart she was. She was reading, writing and communicating through sign language and PECS before she was 4 years old. This child's brain was enormous and just because she was non-verbal, she could communicate finally. That opened a huge door for Caitlin.
Caitlin was the role model for us to use with our subsequent children. She was the one who taught us that it is okay to embrace the Autism...not hate it. Once we let Caitlin "shine" and show us the true person she was meant to be, she became calmer.
We are always commented on the good behavior of our children, out in public...at home, they are siblings who argue and bicker. They are reminded to pick up their rooms and put their dishes in the dishwasher.
Caitlin and Kiernan are allowed to stim and allowed to be their "autistic" selves.
Deirdre is a true teen-ager with all the angst that includes. She is sure we are "stupid" and she will teach us to be smarter. She has her group of friends and loves the church and her church family.
Erin, Patrick and Meaghan always have friends over and on Saturday, I had 12 children in my home for a play date. Their friends are not on the spectrum, yet consider my children peers and never judge them for their differences. They help them when needed. My children have great friends.
I am NOT saying that you should not help your child with Autism, we work very hard with Speech, OT, PT, Play Therapy, Sensory Integration Therapy, Recreational Therapy, Music Therapy and Massage Therapy. We want our children to be able to go out into society and have the skills they need to succeed. They are working very hard at this.
My final step, in learning to help my child(ren) with Autism was to learn to Embrace the Autism itself. My children were put here for me to be their mother for a reason. I have learned that they are each an individual first and I needed to learn how to nurture their individual needs.
God gave me these amazing children and with the children came Autism. I could "hate" the Autism, but in turn, I would not be the best mother I could be. Instead, I "embrace" the autism and with that I embrace the children that were meant to be.....SUPERB!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
A HELPING HAND...
Caitlin, our 17 year old, and myself were sitting in the dentist's office on Tuesday
morning. Caitlin was waiting patiently to have her teeth cleaned and one filling.
I had my notepad and was taking notes about all of my children's improvements
and also, what they need to improve on.
Caitlin was reading my notes and she suddenly blurts out..."I HAVE AUTISM".
I said, "yes, you do".
She shook her head up and down.
I asked her if she was okay with that...??
She said, "yes".
When Caitlin transitioned from Early Intervention to Elementary School and
an Early Childhood program, we had no idea what to ask for or even what to
do. Alot of educators had no idea what to do with an Autistic child in 1994, much
less the parent's.
Our first ARD (Admission, Review and Dismissal) was an eye-opener in what
we could ask for and/or what we could get the school system to agree with in the
education of our amazingly gifted daughter.
Fortunately for us and Caitlin, it did not take them very long to figure out that
just because she was not verbal, she was smarter than most of the people in
these ARD's...which they quickly agreed.
As Caitlin grew up and progressed, the more ARD's we had to attend. Now,
we attend up to 12 ARD's a year.
This year we have a transition ARD for our 5th grader going into Middle School.
That one will be a piece of cake.
On Friday, I was approached by a mother of a child who will also be transitioning
into the same Middle School as Erin.....this mother seems nervous about her son
attending Middle School. It is quite a shocker to go to the Middle School...so intimidating
because it is so much bigger.
Summitt Elementary, where our children are in the 5th grade, is a nurturing and loving
environment. Sometimes, Middle School is not.
Fortunately, I love the Middle School our children attend. The faculty and staff saw
the greatness in both of my older children who have attended there. They speak
highly of our children.
I asked this mother, who is not so sure of her transition ARD, if she would like me
to attend with her. She said, "are you sure"? "aren't you very busy"?
Never too busy to help another parent...isn't that what it is all about?
Is it not our duty as parent's with children with autism to reach out and help those
parent's who come after us....????
To support and help them?
My friends are sometimes amazed that I will hand out my phone number and email address
to people who approach me in public. People who just want someone to help them or just
to listen to them about their child with Autism.
I must get 10 to 20 calls a week from parent's who have a child with Autism and just
want someone to listen who has been there.
There is alot of anger out in the world of Autism.
Parent's angry that they have a child with Autism.
Parent's angry at other parent's for trivial things such as diet and
other interventions.
Parent's angry at their spouses for not "helping" enough.
Parent's angry at their friends for not understanding the complications
there are to raising a child with Autism.
I stepped away from the anger a while ago....it was not a good place
to be. I stopped being angry at the Autism and decided to focus on
the good that my children possess....man, do they possess alot of good.
I am often asked, "how do you do it"?
My answer, "I just do".
My children did not ask to be born. I chose to have every one of these
wonderful people. It is my job, as their mother, to make sure they succeed
and are accepted in this world.
I am very lucky, they are great kids.
I have been far more blessed to be in their presence and I know other's feel
the same when they meet my children.
morning. Caitlin was waiting patiently to have her teeth cleaned and one filling.
I had my notepad and was taking notes about all of my children's improvements
and also, what they need to improve on.
Caitlin was reading my notes and she suddenly blurts out..."I HAVE AUTISM".
I said, "yes, you do".
She shook her head up and down.
I asked her if she was okay with that...??
She said, "yes".
When Caitlin transitioned from Early Intervention to Elementary School and
an Early Childhood program, we had no idea what to ask for or even what to
do. Alot of educators had no idea what to do with an Autistic child in 1994, much
less the parent's.
Our first ARD (Admission, Review and Dismissal) was an eye-opener in what
we could ask for and/or what we could get the school system to agree with in the
education of our amazingly gifted daughter.
Fortunately for us and Caitlin, it did not take them very long to figure out that
just because she was not verbal, she was smarter than most of the people in
these ARD's...which they quickly agreed.
As Caitlin grew up and progressed, the more ARD's we had to attend. Now,
we attend up to 12 ARD's a year.
This year we have a transition ARD for our 5th grader going into Middle School.
That one will be a piece of cake.
On Friday, I was approached by a mother of a child who will also be transitioning
into the same Middle School as Erin.....this mother seems nervous about her son
attending Middle School. It is quite a shocker to go to the Middle School...so intimidating
because it is so much bigger.
Summitt Elementary, where our children are in the 5th grade, is a nurturing and loving
environment. Sometimes, Middle School is not.
Fortunately, I love the Middle School our children attend. The faculty and staff saw
the greatness in both of my older children who have attended there. They speak
highly of our children.
I asked this mother, who is not so sure of her transition ARD, if she would like me
to attend with her. She said, "are you sure"? "aren't you very busy"?
Never too busy to help another parent...isn't that what it is all about?
Is it not our duty as parent's with children with autism to reach out and help those
parent's who come after us....????
To support and help them?
My friends are sometimes amazed that I will hand out my phone number and email address
to people who approach me in public. People who just want someone to help them or just
to listen to them about their child with Autism.
I must get 10 to 20 calls a week from parent's who have a child with Autism and just
want someone to listen who has been there.
There is alot of anger out in the world of Autism.
Parent's angry that they have a child with Autism.
Parent's angry at other parent's for trivial things such as diet and
other interventions.
Parent's angry at their spouses for not "helping" enough.
Parent's angry at their friends for not understanding the complications
there are to raising a child with Autism.
I stepped away from the anger a while ago....it was not a good place
to be. I stopped being angry at the Autism and decided to focus on
the good that my children possess....man, do they possess alot of good.
I am often asked, "how do you do it"?
My answer, "I just do".
My children did not ask to be born. I chose to have every one of these
wonderful people. It is my job, as their mother, to make sure they succeed
and are accepted in this world.
I am very lucky, they are great kids.
I have been far more blessed to be in their presence and I know other's feel
the same when they meet my children.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
TRUSERA
I am so excited, I am almost speechless......ALMOST!
I have been invited to be a featured blogger on a new website.
It is http://www.trusera.com/.
Autism Diva was instrumental in getting me involved with this up-and-coming
company out of Seattle, WA. Thanks Diva....these people are amazing and
the blogs on this website are inspiring beyond words. The blogs you find are
written by persons who are positively writing about their trials and triumphs
with all kinds of diseases and disorders. You will be uplifted by the spirits of these
bloggers.
Please check out the site....if you want to join...let me know. I will send you
out an invite.
SUBJECT: Help Create Community for Autism
Come pioneer a new and better way for people to communicate online within the autism spectrum community. Become a charter member of Trusera, a free invitation-only network that's connecting people seeking real-world health information to others who've "been there."
Right now invitations are available only to a select group of people to join and share their valuable experience-driven knowledge on Trusera. It’d be great if you would join, too.
Come inspire others and help create a credible, relevant online resource for the autism spectrum community. Join Trusera now.
I have been invited to be a featured blogger on a new website.
It is http://www.trusera.com/.
Autism Diva was instrumental in getting me involved with this up-and-coming
company out of Seattle, WA. Thanks Diva....these people are amazing and
the blogs on this website are inspiring beyond words. The blogs you find are
written by persons who are positively writing about their trials and triumphs
with all kinds of diseases and disorders. You will be uplifted by the spirits of these
bloggers.
Please check out the site....if you want to join...let me know. I will send you
out an invite.
SUBJECT: Help Create Community for Autism
Come pioneer a new and better way for people to communicate online within the autism spectrum community. Become a charter member of Trusera, a free invitation-only network that's connecting people seeking real-world health information to others who've "been there."
Right now invitations are available only to a select group of people to join and share their valuable experience-driven knowledge on Trusera. It’d be great if you would join, too.
Come inspire others and help create a credible, relevant online resource for the autism spectrum community. Join Trusera now.
Monday, February 18, 2008
LOVING JIM CARREY....
Okay, so I said some not so nice things about Jenny McCarthy. I felt the wording she
used to describe Autism were not what I would call "appropriate".
I know, I know...I have alot to learn sometimes about letting people have
their own feelings. It took me many years to be comfortable with Autism. We
worked very hard with our children, trying to figure out the best way to make
them happy, healthy, and just to be the best they could be.
Today, on Oprah, Oprah asked Jim Carrey how Evan was (Jenny McCarthy's son and
Jim Carrey's signifigant other)....at the end of the
conversation, Jim Carrey told Oprah he believed Autistic children are "here for
a reason"!
How very true that is.
I know why my children with Autism are here....they are here to teach me
unconditional love, patience, and kindness. They are teaching me to be non-
judgemental.
I had an aha! moment today.
I went to a MySpace page of another mother with an Autistic child. This beautiful
mother and I don't always see eye-to-eye, but man, I like her alot. She is young
and doing what we all should be doing...the best we know how to do.
Her quote on her MySpace is "Be kinder than necessary, you never know what someone else is going through"....
I lost my footing a few times in the past month....I let someone put me somewhere I
did not want to be. Shame on me for letting this person take control of my emotions, if
not for just a fleeting moment.
That will not happen again on my blog.
My blog is my place to share my feelings about my family...it will be that way from
now on.
Thank you to all who have defended me....I will remember that.
Thanks to those who have corrected me...I will take into consideration all comments.
My family has been so blessed in the past few years. We have been given opportunities
that we never could have afforded. I must remember that my children need a happy,
healthy mother. They have a reason to be here, and I am happy to be there for them.
used to describe Autism were not what I would call "appropriate".
I know, I know...I have alot to learn sometimes about letting people have
their own feelings. It took me many years to be comfortable with Autism. We
worked very hard with our children, trying to figure out the best way to make
them happy, healthy, and just to be the best they could be.
Today, on Oprah, Oprah asked Jim Carrey how Evan was (Jenny McCarthy's son and
Jim Carrey's signifigant other)....at the end of the
conversation, Jim Carrey told Oprah he believed Autistic children are "here for
a reason"!
How very true that is.
I know why my children with Autism are here....they are here to teach me
unconditional love, patience, and kindness. They are teaching me to be non-
judgemental.
I had an aha! moment today.
I went to a MySpace page of another mother with an Autistic child. This beautiful
mother and I don't always see eye-to-eye, but man, I like her alot. She is young
and doing what we all should be doing...the best we know how to do.
Her quote on her MySpace is "Be kinder than necessary, you never know what someone else is going through"....
I lost my footing a few times in the past month....I let someone put me somewhere I
did not want to be. Shame on me for letting this person take control of my emotions, if
not for just a fleeting moment.
That will not happen again on my blog.
My blog is my place to share my feelings about my family...it will be that way from
now on.
Thank you to all who have defended me....I will remember that.
Thanks to those who have corrected me...I will take into consideration all comments.
My family has been so blessed in the past few years. We have been given opportunities
that we never could have afforded. I must remember that my children need a happy,
healthy mother. They have a reason to be here, and I am happy to be there for them.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A GREATER CALLING...
Ever since I was a little girl, I always knew that I was going to be involved
in something bigger than myself.
As I was approaching 30, I was pregnant and unaware of what sort of mother
I was going to be. I have a great mother and she was always there as I was growing
up. My dad was a wonderful father and I always knew that I was loved. That I
knew was going to be passed on to my children.
As Caitlin grew, and we faced new challenges with her Autism, I never questioned
the reason for her existence. I just knew I had to be her warrior and her savior when
it came to getting her the services she deserved. We did not have to fight often, and
when we did, we came out ahead.
Our family continued to grow and with that came additional challenges. My husband
and myself never questioned why the children were Autistic, in fact, Autism was not
a big "issue" in our home. What we focused on was the fact that we had children to raise.
We took our children to restaurants, grocery stores, concerts, parks, Chuck E. Cheese,
bowling, skating, etc. We expected our children to behave in public. We were complemented
on our children's behaviors. We expected and still expect our children to behave.
Autism is not an excuse for bad behaviors. It is an excuse not to parent.
Today, I brought 2 of the kids to school late. We had dentist appointments. I was checking
in our office at school and the office administrator said to me, "I saw you on the news the other
night"..."you really do speak eloquently". I said, "Well, it is about time somebody noticed that".
She then told me that she believed that I will go far. She told me that I have a spark about
me that people listen to....she had me speechless.....which is hard to do.
I have spent the last year speaking at state conferences, local conferences, Autism workshops and I was even the MC at the Teacher Talent Show at school. I plan on continuing my
speaking engagements and telling the story of my family. There are many parent's out there
that are stumped on how to raise their children with Autism.
When asked, "how do you do it"?
I have one answer, "I never thought about it". I knew that I have given birth and these
children did not ask to be here. But, it is my responsibility to make sure that they do the
very best they can while I am here. I am to make sure they are treated the same when I
am no longer here.
I made a promise to each of my children when they were born that they could be whatever
they wanted to be. Instead of listening to people telling me what they cannot do, I taught the
children to show everyone what they could do.
Now, we have children in 10th grade honor roll, 8th grade honor roll, and 5th grade honor roll.
We have children who can sit quietly and behave in situations where it was once impossible for
them to accomplish this task. Through much hard work and effort on their parts, their teacher's
parts and parenting skills my husband and I have learned through the years, our children have
become role models in their community and their schools.
2008 has already proven to be a very busy year for us. I have been asked to be involved in alot
of new endeavors. Some I can talk about, some I cannot. I am excited and thrilled to be
involved in the Autism Community. I am honored beyond words that I can help promote
Autism in a positive light and we will begin our journey to take Autism away from the "gloom
and doom" category.
I will continue to blog here and I have been asked to take part of a new website:
www.trusera.com. I will have a blog there also about raising children with Autism. I am
excited beyond words.
Thanks to Diva for recommending me....I really do appreciate that.
in something bigger than myself.
As I was approaching 30, I was pregnant and unaware of what sort of mother
I was going to be. I have a great mother and she was always there as I was growing
up. My dad was a wonderful father and I always knew that I was loved. That I
knew was going to be passed on to my children.
As Caitlin grew, and we faced new challenges with her Autism, I never questioned
the reason for her existence. I just knew I had to be her warrior and her savior when
it came to getting her the services she deserved. We did not have to fight often, and
when we did, we came out ahead.
Our family continued to grow and with that came additional challenges. My husband
and myself never questioned why the children were Autistic, in fact, Autism was not
a big "issue" in our home. What we focused on was the fact that we had children to raise.
We took our children to restaurants, grocery stores, concerts, parks, Chuck E. Cheese,
bowling, skating, etc. We expected our children to behave in public. We were complemented
on our children's behaviors. We expected and still expect our children to behave.
Autism is not an excuse for bad behaviors. It is an excuse not to parent.
Today, I brought 2 of the kids to school late. We had dentist appointments. I was checking
in our office at school and the office administrator said to me, "I saw you on the news the other
night"..."you really do speak eloquently". I said, "Well, it is about time somebody noticed that".
She then told me that she believed that I will go far. She told me that I have a spark about
me that people listen to....she had me speechless.....which is hard to do.
I have spent the last year speaking at state conferences, local conferences, Autism workshops and I was even the MC at the Teacher Talent Show at school. I plan on continuing my
speaking engagements and telling the story of my family. There are many parent's out there
that are stumped on how to raise their children with Autism.
When asked, "how do you do it"?
I have one answer, "I never thought about it". I knew that I have given birth and these
children did not ask to be here. But, it is my responsibility to make sure that they do the
very best they can while I am here. I am to make sure they are treated the same when I
am no longer here.
I made a promise to each of my children when they were born that they could be whatever
they wanted to be. Instead of listening to people telling me what they cannot do, I taught the
children to show everyone what they could do.
Now, we have children in 10th grade honor roll, 8th grade honor roll, and 5th grade honor roll.
We have children who can sit quietly and behave in situations where it was once impossible for
them to accomplish this task. Through much hard work and effort on their parts, their teacher's
parts and parenting skills my husband and I have learned through the years, our children have
become role models in their community and their schools.
2008 has already proven to be a very busy year for us. I have been asked to be involved in alot
of new endeavors. Some I can talk about, some I cannot. I am excited and thrilled to be
involved in the Autism Community. I am honored beyond words that I can help promote
Autism in a positive light and we will begin our journey to take Autism away from the "gloom
and doom" category.
I will continue to blog here and I have been asked to take part of a new website:
www.trusera.com. I will have a blog there also about raising children with Autism. I am
excited beyond words.
Thanks to Diva for recommending me....I really do appreciate that.
Monday, February 11, 2008
WHAT MATTERS MOST....
Today, I spent 3 hours with a lovely reporter and cameraman at my house. Our show aired on ABC almost 1 year ago this week.
We talked about the changes that have come about since we received our home. We talked about how the kids have adjusted to the new home...wonderfully, by the way.
We talked about how this has literally changed our lives.
You have no idea, I said.
I went into detail about all of the outpouring of love and support we received since we received this home. All of the people who approach me and my husband in grocery stores, restaurants and malls to tell us how we "deserved" this home....we don't think that at all, by the way.
I also spoke about the way we are so grateful to the thousands of people and volunteers who gave up a week before Christmas to help our family get the best gift ever.
We have acquired many new friends through the Extreme Makeover journey. This past week, I was ridiculed, slurred, and called horrible names by people who have no idea who I am or anything about us. People who do not like me tried to make me feel as miserable as they are...TRIED TO....
But, it did not work.
I am proud to say that after 47 years of life, I have never been more secure or assure of myself. I am sorry that bothers some, but it is the truth. All I have to do is look around at my children and know that all of our hard work has paid off.
You see, even though these Anonymouses think that we do nothing for our children, they are dead wrong. We work very hard to make sure they are strong and have great character. That is important in this world.
We also make sure that our children have a network of people around them that love them and respect them.
I am so lucky to have the same people around me that have been in my life for many years. I have the pure luck of having friends from elementary school still in my life. Some of these people are like sisters to me (hello Vicki)....
I am very lucky to have the people who educate my children to love them like their own ( hello Mary).
I am lucky to have family members who are there for me when I need them.
People who know our family know that we are good people. They know we get by with alot of love and a whole lot more humor. They know that we adore our children and our children are loved and well cared for...anyone else out there in "cyberville" who does not know us personally and base their assumptions on what they see on television or read in a newspaper are sorely misguided in their ideas of what our family is really like.
I have spoken at a few conferences and have traveled out-of-state to meet with parent's with children with Autism. I have met many children and young adults with Autism....my heart holds a special place for every one of them.
I work at Sensory Integration Workshops with parent's, children, educators and families who are in some way connected with Autism. This has filled my life with much joy.
So, each night, as I tuck each of my children to bed, I know that they are being cared for and loved the best they can be. I know these children have been put on this Earth for a reason and I will make sure they can achieve all that they are meant to achieve.
They are my life. They are the reason I was put on this Earth and really,
That is WHAT MATTERS MOST.
http://www.kvue.com/video/local-index.html?nvid=216934
We talked about the changes that have come about since we received our home. We talked about how the kids have adjusted to the new home...wonderfully, by the way.
We talked about how this has literally changed our lives.
You have no idea, I said.
I went into detail about all of the outpouring of love and support we received since we received this home. All of the people who approach me and my husband in grocery stores, restaurants and malls to tell us how we "deserved" this home....we don't think that at all, by the way.
I also spoke about the way we are so grateful to the thousands of people and volunteers who gave up a week before Christmas to help our family get the best gift ever.
We have acquired many new friends through the Extreme Makeover journey. This past week, I was ridiculed, slurred, and called horrible names by people who have no idea who I am or anything about us. People who do not like me tried to make me feel as miserable as they are...TRIED TO....
But, it did not work.
I am proud to say that after 47 years of life, I have never been more secure or assure of myself. I am sorry that bothers some, but it is the truth. All I have to do is look around at my children and know that all of our hard work has paid off.
You see, even though these Anonymouses think that we do nothing for our children, they are dead wrong. We work very hard to make sure they are strong and have great character. That is important in this world.
We also make sure that our children have a network of people around them that love them and respect them.
I am so lucky to have the same people around me that have been in my life for many years. I have the pure luck of having friends from elementary school still in my life. Some of these people are like sisters to me (hello Vicki)....
I am very lucky to have the people who educate my children to love them like their own ( hello Mary).
I am lucky to have family members who are there for me when I need them.
People who know our family know that we are good people. They know we get by with alot of love and a whole lot more humor. They know that we adore our children and our children are loved and well cared for...anyone else out there in "cyberville" who does not know us personally and base their assumptions on what they see on television or read in a newspaper are sorely misguided in their ideas of what our family is really like.
I have spoken at a few conferences and have traveled out-of-state to meet with parent's with children with Autism. I have met many children and young adults with Autism....my heart holds a special place for every one of them.
I work at Sensory Integration Workshops with parent's, children, educators and families who are in some way connected with Autism. This has filled my life with much joy.
So, each night, as I tuck each of my children to bed, I know that they are being cared for and loved the best they can be. I know these children have been put on this Earth for a reason and I will make sure they can achieve all that they are meant to achieve.
They are my life. They are the reason I was put on this Earth and really,
That is WHAT MATTERS MOST.
http://www.kvue.com/video/local-index.html?nvid=216934
Saturday, February 09, 2008
DUMB MEET DUMBER...
This is what I found in the comments on another blog site....
You can guess the blog, I won't promote it...
Dumb, meet Dumber..
dgdavis said...
Hi John,I just wanted to thank you for sticking up for me on the "Surviving my crazy Lies, oops I mean Life blog. Someone sent me a PM and I have to say it was quite funny! What was really humorous was that Elizabeth N. Kirby AKA Roo2/Winnie would post an address there that she thinks is mine.Only she forgets that I'm not hiding from anyone. I don't have a reason to conceal who I am. All she had to do was ask if she wanted to know. It's 713 Kendall Dr. Vestavia Hills, AL 53226! Maybe I could've saved her some searching time. Hahaha!I'm so glad to see that Jeanette is ignoring me. If she wouldn't lie so much maybe someone could believe what she says. I feel sorry for her kids having a "role model" that is such a liar. tsk tsk... And Amy with all her mommy guilt, how many husbands has she had now? 5 kids and I think they all have different fathers? Oh well, maybe they'll all take their own unsolicited advice and get some help,maybe they have a liars anonymous or something similar. But they can't be very "anonymous" with all the public lying they do. All I asked was to be left alone but for some reason (moth to a flame?) they keep revealing more foolishness with every "conversation" we have. Guess that must be why they are all friends, they share that masochistic I'm a bad girl, spank mething in common. Hahaha! Thanks again John and have a good weekend!
dgdavis said...
Well John, it appears I didn't need your
support on that ugly blog after all. It seems Jeanette is getting the spanking she needed from all her "admiring fan club." LOL!Talk about a glutton for punishment. Do you think it's too late for me to get her autograph? Oh darn! And Liz Kirby, (I'm sure she's no relation to David, just one of life's odd coincidences) sadly has Jeanette beat in the "pathetic" department. If she's so "worried" about protecting her internet identity and her son, (and other 2 children) it would be very wise of her to put a lid on her intractable obsession and leave well enough alone. I won't hesitate to reveal all the information I have about her kids if she insists on persisting with this sickness of hers. It would've been so easy to just leave me alone like I asked. Maybe a call to her husband Russell would be in order at the University of AL Birmingham. He's probably not busy with all that meaningless "research" going on. Yes, we all know the "intellectually superior" type with he self-impressing CV. Yawn. "Things" must be very boring for you, we can see why you need some extra excitement. But as difficult as it may be for you, it really is possible to live your life without being such a termagant and all the "drama." It is a small world after all. Pooh Pooh. I'll thank you in advance for doing a "spell check" for me. Hahaha!And you can consider yourself "warned."
Sat Feb 09, 11:48:00 AM EST
Foresam said...
Diane,I didn't know Jeanette was planning to kill two of her kids. It doesn't sound like she's celebrating the joy of autism like a true ND nitwit.
Sat Feb 09, 01:36:00 PM EST
dgdavis said...
Yes John, Just look at this comment from Jeanette's blog:"Patrick is helping me when he gets home from work and I cannot wait for school to startnext week....I need a nap.I have nursed 5 children from the brink of death during Christmas break...okay, that isan exaggeration...just bronchitis...Boo hoo, she can't wait for school to start? Mom of the year, eh? That's right lady, just pawn your kids off on everyone else. I don't think I know anyone else who has a 40 hours per week personal aid for their child. Caitlin has one though. And instead of counting her blessings, she's complaining. And what does she mean she "needs a nap?" What's that? Is there any other parent out there who has the luxury of taking a nap? I guess we should submit her name for sainthood right?And I see someone's been busy tattling to the FA at AS. The FA must be very sick of you by now Liz.And Amy, it's not really my concern that you can't keep a man happy. But don't project your anger onto me as if I have anything to do with it.But I'd be happy to slap you a few times, I'm sure you miss that. Maybe you could get along with a piece of rubber with two big balls on the end of it. What's that called? A dildo, I think or at least a vibrator. You seem to have an odd preoccupation with how much people weigh. Maybe a workout might help you, if you don't have a man around, a treadmill works wonders for releasing natural endorphins and you may be able to finally throw all that medication away you need to get through the day. An eliptical machine is also worth every penny. But no matter how big my butt is sweetie, it'll never be bigger than your mouth.
Sat Feb 09, 03:53:00 PM EST
Anonymous said...
Mom26 threatened to kill two of her kids? Scary! This from the woman who condemns anyone and everyone for doing any sort intervention and thinks she is the "perfect parent!" Being most of her kids don't even sound like they are on the spectrum you've really got to wonder about this woman.
Sat Feb 09, 06:32:00 PM EST
Anonymous said...
And poor Jeanette needs a nap. Don't we all! She's nothing but a lazy ass. Gets a free house and services for all of her kids (even the ones who don't sound autistic at all) is still complaining.
Sat Feb 09, 06:41:00 PM EST
Anonymous said...
Mom26 claims on her blog that she was at an Autism Workshop all day helping other parents. I can only imagine what her version of "help" is. She is probably telling parents that biomedical and intensive ABA are horrible and cruel and they should just accept their kids and they will grow up just fine. It is truly frightening that a person like this is out giving advice to parents who are new to autsim.
Sat Feb 09, 07:46:00 PM EST
Anonymous said...
Oh yes, John, mom26's threat to take out 2 of her kids & sterilize a third one was printed in the paper in Austin Tx.She wanted to prevent her daughter from producing any offspring, (they might be autistic) while she went on & had 6 of her own.If anyone needed to be sterilized, it's that stupid bitch. She got an Anon. reply to her blog regarding calling the authorities for her threats to her kids, (not to mention she gets really aggressive in her posts & that fury's gotts go somewhere) and she got all wadded up & started with "you aren't as anon. as you might think.....you're making threats.......blah...blah...""I love me life...as long as school's in session." What a fuckin' twat.
Sat Feb 09, 08:05:00 PM EST
What lovely talk from a mother of 2....no wonder she is so friggin mean.
Diane, I really do feel so sorry for you.
I hope you find the happiness you so are looking for in your life.
What have you done for Autism lately???
Oh, that's right, NOTHING.
Diane, be very careful who you sell your soul to.
You can guess the blog, I won't promote it...
Dumb, meet Dumber..
dgdavis said...
Hi John,I just wanted to thank you for sticking up for me on the "Surviving my crazy Lies, oops I mean Life blog. Someone sent me a PM and I have to say it was quite funny! What was really humorous was that Elizabeth N. Kirby AKA Roo2/Winnie would post an address there that she thinks is mine.Only she forgets that I'm not hiding from anyone. I don't have a reason to conceal who I am. All she had to do was ask if she wanted to know. It's 713 Kendall Dr. Vestavia Hills, AL 53226! Maybe I could've saved her some searching time. Hahaha!I'm so glad to see that Jeanette is ignoring me. If she wouldn't lie so much maybe someone could believe what she says. I feel sorry for her kids having a "role model" that is such a liar. tsk tsk... And Amy with all her mommy guilt, how many husbands has she had now? 5 kids and I think they all have different fathers? Oh well, maybe they'll all take their own unsolicited advice and get some help,maybe they have a liars anonymous or something similar. But they can't be very "anonymous" with all the public lying they do. All I asked was to be left alone but for some reason (moth to a flame?) they keep revealing more foolishness with every "conversation" we have. Guess that must be why they are all friends, they share that masochistic I'm a bad girl, spank mething in common. Hahaha! Thanks again John and have a good weekend!
dgdavis said...
Well John, it appears I didn't need your
support on that ugly blog after all. It seems Jeanette is getting the spanking she needed from all her "admiring fan club." LOL!Talk about a glutton for punishment. Do you think it's too late for me to get her autograph? Oh darn! And Liz Kirby, (I'm sure she's no relation to David, just one of life's odd coincidences) sadly has Jeanette beat in the "pathetic" department. If she's so "worried" about protecting her internet identity and her son, (and other 2 children) it would be very wise of her to put a lid on her intractable obsession and leave well enough alone. I won't hesitate to reveal all the information I have about her kids if she insists on persisting with this sickness of hers. It would've been so easy to just leave me alone like I asked. Maybe a call to her husband Russell would be in order at the University of AL Birmingham. He's probably not busy with all that meaningless "research" going on. Yes, we all know the "intellectually superior" type with he self-impressing CV. Yawn. "Things" must be very boring for you, we can see why you need some extra excitement. But as difficult as it may be for you, it really is possible to live your life without being such a termagant and all the "drama." It is a small world after all. Pooh Pooh. I'll thank you in advance for doing a "spell check" for me. Hahaha!And you can consider yourself "warned."
Sat Feb 09, 11:48:00 AM EST
Foresam said...
Diane,I didn't know Jeanette was planning to kill two of her kids. It doesn't sound like she's celebrating the joy of autism like a true ND nitwit.
Sat Feb 09, 01:36:00 PM EST
dgdavis said...
Yes John, Just look at this comment from Jeanette's blog:"Patrick is helping me when he gets home from work and I cannot wait for school to startnext week....I need a nap.I have nursed 5 children from the brink of death during Christmas break...okay, that isan exaggeration...just bronchitis...Boo hoo, she can't wait for school to start? Mom of the year, eh? That's right lady, just pawn your kids off on everyone else. I don't think I know anyone else who has a 40 hours per week personal aid for their child. Caitlin has one though. And instead of counting her blessings, she's complaining. And what does she mean she "needs a nap?" What's that? Is there any other parent out there who has the luxury of taking a nap? I guess we should submit her name for sainthood right?And I see someone's been busy tattling to the FA at AS. The FA must be very sick of you by now Liz.And Amy, it's not really my concern that you can't keep a man happy. But don't project your anger onto me as if I have anything to do with it.But I'd be happy to slap you a few times, I'm sure you miss that. Maybe you could get along with a piece of rubber with two big balls on the end of it. What's that called? A dildo, I think or at least a vibrator. You seem to have an odd preoccupation with how much people weigh. Maybe a workout might help you, if you don't have a man around, a treadmill works wonders for releasing natural endorphins and you may be able to finally throw all that medication away you need to get through the day. An eliptical machine is also worth every penny. But no matter how big my butt is sweetie, it'll never be bigger than your mouth.
Sat Feb 09, 03:53:00 PM EST
Anonymous said...
Mom26 threatened to kill two of her kids? Scary! This from the woman who condemns anyone and everyone for doing any sort intervention and thinks she is the "perfect parent!" Being most of her kids don't even sound like they are on the spectrum you've really got to wonder about this woman.
Sat Feb 09, 06:32:00 PM EST
Anonymous said...
And poor Jeanette needs a nap. Don't we all! She's nothing but a lazy ass. Gets a free house and services for all of her kids (even the ones who don't sound autistic at all) is still complaining.
Sat Feb 09, 06:41:00 PM EST
Anonymous said...
Mom26 claims on her blog that she was at an Autism Workshop all day helping other parents. I can only imagine what her version of "help" is. She is probably telling parents that biomedical and intensive ABA are horrible and cruel and they should just accept their kids and they will grow up just fine. It is truly frightening that a person like this is out giving advice to parents who are new to autsim.
Sat Feb 09, 07:46:00 PM EST
Anonymous said...
Oh yes, John, mom26's threat to take out 2 of her kids & sterilize a third one was printed in the paper in Austin Tx.She wanted to prevent her daughter from producing any offspring, (they might be autistic) while she went on & had 6 of her own.If anyone needed to be sterilized, it's that stupid bitch. She got an Anon. reply to her blog regarding calling the authorities for her threats to her kids, (not to mention she gets really aggressive in her posts & that fury's gotts go somewhere) and she got all wadded up & started with "you aren't as anon. as you might think.....you're making threats.......blah...blah...""I love me life...as long as school's in session." What a fuckin' twat.
Sat Feb 09, 08:05:00 PM EST
What lovely talk from a mother of 2....no wonder she is so friggin mean.
Diane, I really do feel so sorry for you.
I hope you find the happiness you so are looking for in your life.
What have you done for Autism lately???
Oh, that's right, NOTHING.
Diane, be very careful who you sell your soul to.
Friday, February 08, 2008
BIRTHDAY WISHES....
Our oldest daughter, Caitlin, is 17 years old today.
My wish for Caitlin is that she continues to grow and mature into the
talented, amazing young woman she is destined to be. My wish is that
Caitlin will be the artist she so inspires to be.
Caitlin has told me of her desires to be a professional artist. We are
trying hard to get her dreams to become a reality. She has consistently
taken art classes at school and dreams of attending college, one day, to
pursue this dream.
17 years ago, when I gave birth to Caitlin, she filled a huge void in my life
that I never knew was there....I was filled with emotions that I never knew
were possible.
Caitlin taught me unconditional love, patience, caring, and most of all...Caitlin
taught me how to fight. Fight for her rights as a smart and talented individual.
She taught me to let people know just because she has Autism that she could
function in society both through the schools and through the community.
Caitlin showed everyone who ever doubted her that she could behave in school,
could eat in restaurants, could ride a bus, could attend concerts and field trips, could
sit in a movie theatre....all without a hitch.
Caitlin was the first child with Autism to attend Summitt Elementary. She was
their "test subject" I have been told. Because of Caitlin, other children with Autism
can now attend this elementary school.
As I sat in her annual meeting yesterday at High School (can you believe ?)....the
teacher's thanked me and my husband. They thanked us for our unwaivering ability
to insist that Caitlin attend regular ed classes. These teacher's were sceptical at first.
Yet, when Caitlin showed them "model" behaviors and wonderful grades, they all
said, "I wish all of our student's were like Caitlin".
Caitlin taught us how to parent. We are so grateful for that.
I responded back to the teacher's that Caitlin would not be anywhere near what
she is today without the many educators that have taught her and loved her. We
are thankful to them for giving her the opportunity to thrive.
No "pity parties" for Caitlin....just a big Birthday party for the remarkable young
17 year old she has become.
Happy Birthday Caitlin....
My wish for Caitlin is that she continues to grow and mature into the
talented, amazing young woman she is destined to be. My wish is that
Caitlin will be the artist she so inspires to be.
Caitlin has told me of her desires to be a professional artist. We are
trying hard to get her dreams to become a reality. She has consistently
taken art classes at school and dreams of attending college, one day, to
pursue this dream.
17 years ago, when I gave birth to Caitlin, she filled a huge void in my life
that I never knew was there....I was filled with emotions that I never knew
were possible.
Caitlin taught me unconditional love, patience, caring, and most of all...Caitlin
taught me how to fight. Fight for her rights as a smart and talented individual.
She taught me to let people know just because she has Autism that she could
function in society both through the schools and through the community.
Caitlin showed everyone who ever doubted her that she could behave in school,
could eat in restaurants, could ride a bus, could attend concerts and field trips, could
sit in a movie theatre....all without a hitch.
Caitlin was the first child with Autism to attend Summitt Elementary. She was
their "test subject" I have been told. Because of Caitlin, other children with Autism
can now attend this elementary school.
As I sat in her annual meeting yesterday at High School (can you believe ?)....the
teacher's thanked me and my husband. They thanked us for our unwaivering ability
to insist that Caitlin attend regular ed classes. These teacher's were sceptical at first.
Yet, when Caitlin showed them "model" behaviors and wonderful grades, they all
said, "I wish all of our student's were like Caitlin".
Caitlin taught us how to parent. We are so grateful for that.
I responded back to the teacher's that Caitlin would not be anywhere near what
she is today without the many educators that have taught her and loved her. We
are thankful to them for giving her the opportunity to thrive.
No "pity parties" for Caitlin....just a big Birthday party for the remarkable young
17 year old she has become.
Happy Birthday Caitlin....
Monday, February 04, 2008
FLAMING IDIOT....
Flaming is the hostile and insulting interaction between Internet users. Flaming usually occurs in the social context of a discussion board, Internet Relay Chat (IRC) or even through e-mail. An Internet user typically generates a flame response to other posts or users posting on a site, and such a response is usually not constructive, does not clarify a discussion, and does not persuade others. Sometimes, flamers attempt to assert their authority, or establish a position of superiority over other users. Other times, a flamer is simply an individual who believes he or she carries the only valid opinion. This leads him or her to personally attack those who disagree. Occasionally, flamers wish to upset and offend other members of the forum, in which case they can be called "trolls". Most often however, flames are angry or insulting messages transmitted by people who have strong feelings about a subject.
I am being "harassed" online by a FLAMING IDIOT....
I will not reveal the place this is happening or the pathetic being doing this.
I just want to make a point.
When you go on a message board, it is generally to gather or reveal information.
That is all I ever wanted to do when I post on Autism Message Forum Boards...any
of them.
As of recently, a person, who is obviously unhappy with her menial little life has
chosen to harass me by provoking flame wars on a particular message board on
a well-known website.
I have chosen my blog to step up and say that I have chosen not to address this
person on that board, because frankly, I am BORED with this person.
I wish she will get the help she so desperately needs. First and foremost, for
her children...next, for her family, and last for herself.
I also hope she finds a dictionary...it is spelled DEFINITELY....see no A....
When I chose to go public with my amazing family, I was warned about being ridiculed
and having my family put into positions of being made fun of.
We chose to go forward in an effort to show families with children with Autism that
it is not all "GLOOM AND DOOM", but can be a very positive experience for every person
that is involved with your children.
We have had death threats, our mailbox blown up, hateful letters, hateful phone calls
and emails.
But all of this was worth the thousands of well-wishes and love sent to us from people
whom we have never met and never will.
No one can shut me up or shut me out. I just WILL NOT take a part of something that
reminds me of dealing with a "childhood bully".....GROW UP ALREADY....
Get up away from your computer. Go outside and get some fresh air...
Better yet...GET A THERAPIST!!!!!
I am being "harassed" online by a FLAMING IDIOT....
I will not reveal the place this is happening or the pathetic being doing this.
I just want to make a point.
When you go on a message board, it is generally to gather or reveal information.
That is all I ever wanted to do when I post on Autism Message Forum Boards...any
of them.
As of recently, a person, who is obviously unhappy with her menial little life has
chosen to harass me by provoking flame wars on a particular message board on
a well-known website.
I have chosen my blog to step up and say that I have chosen not to address this
person on that board, because frankly, I am BORED with this person.
I wish she will get the help she so desperately needs. First and foremost, for
her children...next, for her family, and last for herself.
I also hope she finds a dictionary...it is spelled DEFINITELY....see no A....
When I chose to go public with my amazing family, I was warned about being ridiculed
and having my family put into positions of being made fun of.
We chose to go forward in an effort to show families with children with Autism that
it is not all "GLOOM AND DOOM", but can be a very positive experience for every person
that is involved with your children.
We have had death threats, our mailbox blown up, hateful letters, hateful phone calls
and emails.
But all of this was worth the thousands of well-wishes and love sent to us from people
whom we have never met and never will.
No one can shut me up or shut me out. I just WILL NOT take a part of something that
reminds me of dealing with a "childhood bully".....GROW UP ALREADY....
Get up away from your computer. Go outside and get some fresh air...
Better yet...GET A THERAPIST!!!!!
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