In the meantime. Here are some pictures of Michael and I at the beach.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Conference Coming
Well, as you've probably noticed, I haven't post much lately. I've been pretty busy organizing an Autism Conference. So, after October 23rd- I'll be back to blogging!
In the meantime. Here are some pictures of Michael and I at the beach.
In the meantime. Here are some pictures of Michael and I at the beach.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
OT Report from 2004
This time I found an old OT report and wanted to post it. For those of you who didn't know Michael as a preschooler, this information may help you understand his progress.
DATE: August 6th, 2004
Chron. Age: 4 years, 11 months (this was his last eval at the preschool)
"Michael is a 4.11 yr old boy who continues to progress slowly towards his OT goals. Michael is frequently difficult to engage during treatment sessions, however he responds to vestibular and proprioceptive input. He demonstrates inconsistent eye contact with the therapist and decreased attention. According to the MEIDP, Michael exhibitors solid skills to the 28-31 month level with exception of an emerging skill to imitate paper folding. He demonstrates scattered skills to the 3 1/2-4 year level and few emerging skills in the 4-4 1/2 year level. Michael is able to cut scissors (32-35 mos.), build a three-cube bridge (3-3 1/2 yrs), and complete a simple puzzle (3 1/2-4 yrs). He is unable to copy a circle already drawn (32-35 mos.) and imitate drawing a cross (3-3 1/2 yrs)."
DATE: August 6th, 2004
Chron. Age: 4 years, 11 months (this was his last eval at the preschool)
"Michael is a 4.11 yr old boy who continues to progress slowly towards his OT goals. Michael is frequently difficult to engage during treatment sessions, however he responds to vestibular and proprioceptive input. He demonstrates inconsistent eye contact with the therapist and decreased attention. According to the MEIDP, Michael exhibitors solid skills to the 28-31 month level with exception of an emerging skill to imitate paper folding. He demonstrates scattered skills to the 3 1/2-4 year level and few emerging skills in the 4-4 1/2 year level. Michael is able to cut scissors (32-35 mos.), build a three-cube bridge (3-3 1/2 yrs), and complete a simple puzzle (3 1/2-4 yrs). He is unable to copy a circle already drawn (32-35 mos.) and imitate drawing a cross (3-3 1/2 yrs)."
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
2004 Eval
I found another old evaluation.
Date: August 13, 2004
Chron. Age: 4 yr 11 months
Some of the goals for the summer:
"use a spoon, use an open cup
indicate need to be changed, sit on toilet
point to pictures/objects/body parts
sort objects: sequence by size..."
Summary of Progress:
"Michael has maintained his skill level during the summer session. Michael can label and receptively identify over 100 pictures of common objects and 50 common objects. He is resistant to attempts at introducing a spoon and open cup. Michael will sit on the toilet during diaper changes and at times will indicate when his diaper is soiled. At times, Michael maintains eye contact with adults, but often prompting is needed. He is responsive to adult initiated play, but for a limited length of time (5-10 min)."
This is from his Speech Teacher:
"Michael's progress in speech this quarter has been inconsistent. At times, responses from him and overall awareness are right on target. At other times, Michael is very hard to re-direct from his own agenda. Prompts are still used to reduce echolalic responses and to increase overall awareness of adult/peers around him. Physical activity as well as songs have helped."
Date: August 13, 2004
Chron. Age: 4 yr 11 months
Some of the goals for the summer:
"use a spoon, use an open cup
indicate need to be changed, sit on toilet
point to pictures/objects/body parts
sort objects: sequence by size..."
Summary of Progress:
"Michael has maintained his skill level during the summer session. Michael can label and receptively identify over 100 pictures of common objects and 50 common objects. He is resistant to attempts at introducing a spoon and open cup. Michael will sit on the toilet during diaper changes and at times will indicate when his diaper is soiled. At times, Michael maintains eye contact with adults, but often prompting is needed. He is responsive to adult initiated play, but for a limited length of time (5-10 min)."
This is from his Speech Teacher:
"Michael's progress in speech this quarter has been inconsistent. At times, responses from him and overall awareness are right on target. At other times, Michael is very hard to re-direct from his own agenda. Prompts are still used to reduce echolalic responses and to increase overall awareness of adult/peers around him. Physical activity as well as songs have helped."
First Day of School
Michael had his first day of 3rd grade today. I stopped by to drop some meds to the nurse and caught Michael and his class walking down the hall. Michael was fine. He adjusts pretty well. I look forward to open house, so I can meet the other parents. We handed out party invites for Michael's Bowling party. I'm excited about it. I hope the kids from his class show up. More on the party later.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Old Functional Behavioral Assessment Report
I was cleaning my office and found this old functional behavioral assessment (FBA) report. Many people look at video of Michael and can't believe that he was dx with mild-moderate autism. So, I thought I would post this info from the report.
Date of Report: March 21, 2005
Age: 5 years, 6 months
Reason for Referral:
"The teacher had expressed concern regarding Michael's increase in behavioral problems since returning from the winter holiday vacation. Concern was expressed regarding Michael's perseverative verbalizations, screaming, and fake crying, as well as his lack of attending. It was reported that when screaming or fake crying, Michael appears to be agitated and tense. He may clench his lower jaws and fists. Once his behavior escalates, it is very difficult to redirect Michael back to work. It was also reported that Michael has been attempting to hug and climb on adults when he is agitated. There has also been an increase in his lining up manipulatives and chairs in the classroom."
I think part of the problem was that a new student joined the classroom in January of 2005. This student had many behaviors and Michael started imitating him. Plus, in Feb. and March- it's the end of winter and Michael spends a lot of time indoors. It's always a hard time of year. Also, back then I was working on the conference for the second year and spending a lot of time on it. Basically, he was bored.
But, it does show you a small window into what Michael was like in the past. As I find old reports, I will post them here.
Date of Report: March 21, 2005
Age: 5 years, 6 months
Reason for Referral:
"The teacher had expressed concern regarding Michael's increase in behavioral problems since returning from the winter holiday vacation. Concern was expressed regarding Michael's perseverative verbalizations, screaming, and fake crying, as well as his lack of attending. It was reported that when screaming or fake crying, Michael appears to be agitated and tense. He may clench his lower jaws and fists. Once his behavior escalates, it is very difficult to redirect Michael back to work. It was also reported that Michael has been attempting to hug and climb on adults when he is agitated. There has also been an increase in his lining up manipulatives and chairs in the classroom."
I think part of the problem was that a new student joined the classroom in January of 2005. This student had many behaviors and Michael started imitating him. Plus, in Feb. and March- it's the end of winter and Michael spends a lot of time indoors. It's always a hard time of year. Also, back then I was working on the conference for the second year and spending a lot of time on it. Basically, he was bored.
But, it does show you a small window into what Michael was like in the past. As I find old reports, I will post them here.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Vacation
The summer has been hard. Michael only went to school from 8am-11:30am. Last summer it was until 2:30pm. Also this summer he came home every afternoon wanting to do something- like go to the pool or park.
When Michael was around 2-3 yrs old he would just play home all day long. Lining up cars, watching Sesame Street. He was very happy. He never asked to go outside or play. He didn't want to play with other children. He just didn't care. He didn't even notice our 3 cats. Many parents with autistic children have to put special locks on their doors so their children won't escape. Michael only did that once, about 2 yrs ago when they first put the back door in.
It's so different now. Everything is different. Different but good. I break a smile when I write that. OK- honestly, I'm crying. I'm so lucky to have this kid. He is REALLY a good kid. Great kid actually.
We just went upstate for about a week. Just me and him and our new Honda CR-V. We were doing a dry-run for our summer trip next year. Everyone thinks I'm crazy, but Michael is really good in the car on long trips. Better than most adults actually. LOL. I also love driving, as long as there is no traffic.
I lived upstate a few times. 1987-1991 I attended Cortland State. Cortland is in the central southern tier- between Binghamton and Syracuse. It's about a 5-6 hr trip from my hometown.
I stayed in Buffalo two different times- for 2 months in 1990 while doing an internship for the Buffalo Bisons AAA Baseball team and for 7 months in 1992-1993 while working at Buffalo State at the NYPRIG Coordinator.
I also lived in Varick, NY. A town so small they don't have cable, internet or a post office. It's really pretty though and found between two of the finger lakes in Seneca County, kinda near Rochester and Syracuse, about 30 min north of Ithaca. It's about a 7 hr drive from my hometown. I was there for 6 months in '99 while pregnant with Michael.
OK. Enough for the history lesson. I've basically spent 5 years of my 38 years in Western New York. I wanted to show Michael where I went to college. He's actually talking about going to college after graduating high school. I also wanted to visit my college roommate Donna and her family. They were the ones who took me in when I was pregnant. Donna and Ken have 3 kids (ages 4, 7, & 10).
It was so great to see Michael with the kids. Except for 1 conflict with the 4 year old and a set of cars (no surprise) they got along great. They swam in the pool, played out in the backyard, participated in games of hide and seek, played board games, etc. Donna's cat even had kittens while we were there. Michael was slightly interested. A first for both of us.
We went to this awesome Children's Museum of Play in Rochester. Holy Cow- there was so much there to do. Michael had a great time.
They had this small stage, where kids could put on plays or sing or whatever. There was this one child, about 12 years old who was blind. He was on the stage singing his heart out. Donna and I noticed and I said "let's wait until he is done and clap". She happily agreed. Well, there was this blond kid, about 8 yrs old making fun of the blind child. He was poking him and making faces. I swear if there wasn't a wall right there, I would have knocked the kid on his ass- and I'm not a violent person. Donna and I got upset, as did another lady who was watching. We tried to grab the kid, but he wasn't listening. I looked for his mother, but couldn't find her. It was so horrible to watch this boy make fun of a child with a disability. That could be MY son one day. It probably has been my son before.
After he sang his song, Donna and I talked with the 12 year old. He was so smart and a delight to speak with. He was with his Aunt. She said that blond kid tried to bite her nephew too. OMG. We only caught the second half of the episode.
Anyway, the rest of the museum trip was great. But, I couldn't stop thinking about that blond kid. Argh!
For about 2 days, Michael and I went to Buffalo (about 2 1/2 hrs west of Donna's House). We went to a Bison game (lasted about 5 innings). The weather was so weird. It was very windy and these dark clouds kept moving over the stadium. Michael didn't like it. Minor league games are kinda boring anyway (nothing like the Yankee game we went to a few days before). Michael kept saying "Mommy, remember you worked here before?" I also showed him my old apartments.
The highlight of the Buffalo trip was Fantasy Island. It's this amusement park near Niagara Falls. It's actually right off the main highway- which of course Michael saw on the way to the Falls. So, as soon as we got to the Falls Michael wanted to turn around and leave. Oh, but first he wanted to walk across the bridge to Canada because he saw a Ferris Wheel across the river. Seriously. They have this bridge that people walk across. Michael is probably the only kid who ever wanted to go to another country for a Ferris Wheel ride.
So, after our 2 minutes at the Falls, we went to Fantasy Island. It was a nice place. First of all, they gave us the "handicap" discount and a pass to cut the line. That was a surprise (nothing on their website). I didn't use the pass for the first 2 hours. But, then we waited on this 1 ride for over 20 min. and Michael was getting very upset. Then he KNEW we had the pass and kept yelling "Mommy, let's use the special pass and cut the line" (people were probably thinking "autism my ass").
Michael will go on pretty much any ride. Me- well, let's just say I like to take pictures of people on rides. I had to go on the flume with Michael, which scared the crap out of me. I got so wet. It was about 70* that day- but just warm enough that it didn't bother me too much.
Before we left Buffalo, we met my friend (another mother) for lunch. Michael did great sitting at the Cheesecake Factory for almost 2 hours. On the ride back to Donna's we got the call that the first kitten was born. I might post the video on Youtube and link it here.
On the way home we stopped in Cortland and had lunch. I also showed Michael my old dorm. He knows 4 people who went to school there- so I was pointing things out to him. "there is where Mommy and Donna lived" "there is where the radio station was". I think he found it interesting that there was this school with adults in it. I got him a Cortland t-shirt at the school store. He was excited to go there. This summer they went to the school store a lot.
Michael kept saying "we need to go home and use the internet". While at Donna's we had no internet (that's why I'm doing the blog now). Michael likes to check the weather online. He was excited to leave and get back home.
The ride home was so pretty- going through the Catskills. I would read signs to Michael "Sullivan County", etc. He loved the NYS map I got. Many times he would open it up (all 3 ft of it) on the kitchen table and read the towns. I'm telling you, this kid is going to memorize all these facts. Currently one of his favorite things are the exits on the Long Island Expressway. I'm happy he finds all this stuff interesting while on the road. Gives him something to do.
Michael got so excited when we got home. He was singing for the last 15 minutes in the car. We were listening to They Might Be Giants. Then when we pulled up to the apartment he yells (and I mean yells) with joy "THEY PUT IN THE TREES AND BUSHES FOR MY BIRTHDAY!". His 8th birthday is this Monday. When he said it- it sounded so natural. Really, there were probably 5-6 times this trip where I said "he never said that before". I was really amazed at how he adjusted to things. As long as I give him the schedule and warning of any changes.
It was good practice for our cross country trip next year. I think Michael will be awesome. We just have to find amusement parks and children's museums all along the way.
Oh, I almost forgot (how could I?). We went to my old church on Sunday morning. It was so awesome. Michael sat through the whole service with only 1 outburst. They announced that it was Millie's 92nd birthday and Michael yelled "We need to go to Millie's birthday party today". Which was somewhat appropriate (and funny). Actually, her birthday party was the day before, which I later found out. But, it was so nice to visit my favorite church in the world with my favorite kid in the world. It was the perfect service- 5 women ran it and played music about every 10 minutes. People were clapping and singing and sometimes laughing- not boring at all. Michael hasn't been to church since he was about 3. Well, he did go to Christmas Mass with my sister's family a year or two ago, but that doesn't really count (it was a Catholic Church). LOL.
Anyway, it was a good trip. Michael had fun and it was great to see my old homes and my old friends. Part of me is starting to realize that the 80's and 90's are over and in the past. The memories of 2 feet of lake effect snow, baseball games every night and those beautiful rolling hills are great- but I'm back on Long Island. Even though it's not where I planned to be- it is where I am and where I need to be. I will always think of Buffalo, Cortland and Varick (and Virginia Beach) as my home.
In 1989, I took a greyhound bus to CA by myself and met this lady at a youth hostel. I was scared and she said to me "home is where the heart is". I never REALLY understood that common phase until that very moment. Every time I visit one of these places, I feel like I'm home. I felt so lucky to be able to share it with Michael. I think he understands a lot of it too. At least I hope so.
Today we spent some time with my Mom who just finished chemo and radiation for Pancreatic Cancer. Life is way to short. I've been thinking a lot lately how things just happen and you have no control over them. Well, you do have control over your attitude. I feel like now I can't even complain about my son's autism. He's such a joy that any person who doesn't want to be with him or is ignorant enough to make fun of him- they are the one's missing out. They are the one's with the handicap. Just like that blond boy dancing in front of the blind boy singing his heart out. I really hope he learns some compassion in his life.
Thanks everyone for reading my blog and emailing me feedback. Thanks for listening, sometimes you are the only person I can talk to about this stuff :) Take care, Christine
PS- Michael's Dad failed his physical and won't be going to Iraq this fall (mission accomplished).
When Michael was around 2-3 yrs old he would just play home all day long. Lining up cars, watching Sesame Street. He was very happy. He never asked to go outside or play. He didn't want to play with other children. He just didn't care. He didn't even notice our 3 cats. Many parents with autistic children have to put special locks on their doors so their children won't escape. Michael only did that once, about 2 yrs ago when they first put the back door in.
It's so different now. Everything is different. Different but good. I break a smile when I write that. OK- honestly, I'm crying. I'm so lucky to have this kid. He is REALLY a good kid. Great kid actually.
We just went upstate for about a week. Just me and him and our new Honda CR-V. We were doing a dry-run for our summer trip next year. Everyone thinks I'm crazy, but Michael is really good in the car on long trips. Better than most adults actually. LOL. I also love driving, as long as there is no traffic. I lived upstate a few times. 1987-1991 I attended Cortland State. Cortland is in the central southern tier- between Binghamton and Syracuse. It's about a 5-6 hr trip from my hometown.
I stayed in Buffalo two different times- for 2 months in 1990 while doing an internship for the Buffalo Bisons AAA Baseball team and for 7 months in 1992-1993 while working at Buffalo State at the NYPRIG Coordinator.
I also lived in Varick, NY. A town so small they don't have cable, internet or a post office. It's really pretty though and found between two of the finger lakes in Seneca County, kinda near Rochester and Syracuse, about 30 min north of Ithaca. It's about a 7 hr drive from my hometown. I was there for 6 months in '99 while pregnant with Michael.
OK. Enough for the history lesson. I've basically spent 5 years of my 38 years in Western New York. I wanted to show Michael where I went to college. He's actually talking about going to college after graduating high school. I also wanted to visit my college roommate Donna and her family. They were the ones who took me in when I was pregnant. Donna and Ken have 3 kids (ages 4, 7, & 10).
It was so great to see Michael with the kids. Except for 1 conflict with the 4 year old and a set of cars (no surprise) they got along great. They swam in the pool, played out in the backyard, participated in games of hide and seek, played board games, etc. Donna's cat even had kittens while we were there. Michael was slightly interested. A first for both of us.
We went to this awesome Children's Museum of Play in Rochester. Holy Cow- there was so much there to do. Michael had a great time.
They had this small stage, where kids could put on plays or sing or whatever. There was this one child, about 12 years old who was blind. He was on the stage singing his heart out. Donna and I noticed and I said "let's wait until he is done and clap". She happily agreed. Well, there was this blond kid, about 8 yrs old making fun of the blind child. He was poking him and making faces. I swear if there wasn't a wall right there, I would have knocked the kid on his ass- and I'm not a violent person. Donna and I got upset, as did another lady who was watching. We tried to grab the kid, but he wasn't listening. I looked for his mother, but couldn't find her. It was so horrible to watch this boy make fun of a child with a disability. That could be MY son one day. It probably has been my son before.
After he sang his song, Donna and I talked with the 12 year old. He was so smart and a delight to speak with. He was with his Aunt. She said that blond kid tried to bite her nephew too. OMG. We only caught the second half of the episode.
Anyway, the rest of the museum trip was great. But, I couldn't stop thinking about that blond kid. Argh!
For about 2 days, Michael and I went to Buffalo (about 2 1/2 hrs west of Donna's House). We went to a Bison game (lasted about 5 innings). The weather was so weird. It was very windy and these dark clouds kept moving over the stadium. Michael didn't like it. Minor league games are kinda boring anyway (nothing like the Yankee game we went to a few days before). Michael kept saying "Mommy, remember you worked here before?" I also showed him my old apartments.
The highlight of the Buffalo trip was Fantasy Island. It's this amusement park near Niagara Falls. It's actually right off the main highway- which of course Michael saw on the way to the Falls. So, as soon as we got to the Falls Michael wanted to turn around and leave. Oh, but first he wanted to walk across the bridge to Canada because he saw a Ferris Wheel across the river. Seriously. They have this bridge that people walk across. Michael is probably the only kid who ever wanted to go to another country for a Ferris Wheel ride.So, after our 2 minutes at the Falls, we went to Fantasy Island. It was a nice place. First of all, they gave us the "handicap" discount and a pass to cut the line. That was a surprise (nothing on their website). I didn't use the pass for the first 2 hours. But, then we waited on this 1 ride for over 20 min. and Michael was getting very upset. Then he KNEW we had the pass and kept yelling "Mommy, let's use the special pass and cut the line" (people were probably thinking "autism my ass").
Michael will go on pretty much any ride. Me- well, let's just say I like to take pictures of people on rides. I had to go on the flume with Michael, which scared the crap out of me. I got so wet. It was about 70* that day- but just warm enough that it didn't bother me too much.
Before we left Buffalo, we met my friend (another mother) for lunch. Michael did great sitting at the Cheesecake Factory for almost 2 hours. On the ride back to Donna's we got the call that the first kitten was born. I might post the video on Youtube and link it here.
On the way home we stopped in Cortland and had lunch. I also showed Michael my old dorm. He knows 4 people who went to school there- so I was pointing things out to him. "there is where Mommy and Donna lived" "there is where the radio station was". I think he found it interesting that there was this school with adults in it. I got him a Cortland t-shirt at the school store. He was excited to go there. This summer they went to the school store a lot.
Michael kept saying "we need to go home and use the internet". While at Donna's we had no internet (that's why I'm doing the blog now). Michael likes to check the weather online. He was excited to leave and get back home.
The ride home was so pretty- going through the Catskills. I would read signs to Michael "Sullivan County", etc. He loved the NYS map I got. Many times he would open it up (all 3 ft of it) on the kitchen table and read the towns. I'm telling you, this kid is going to memorize all these facts. Currently one of his favorite things are the exits on the Long Island Expressway. I'm happy he finds all this stuff interesting while on the road. Gives him something to do.
Michael got so excited when we got home. He was singing for the last 15 minutes in the car. We were listening to They Might Be Giants. Then when we pulled up to the apartment he yells (and I mean yells) with joy "THEY PUT IN THE TREES AND BUSHES FOR MY BIRTHDAY!". His 8th birthday is this Monday. When he said it- it sounded so natural. Really, there were probably 5-6 times this trip where I said "he never said that before". I was really amazed at how he adjusted to things. As long as I give him the schedule and warning of any changes.
It was good practice for our cross country trip next year. I think Michael will be awesome. We just have to find amusement parks and children's museums all along the way.
Oh, I almost forgot (how could I?). We went to my old church on Sunday morning. It was so awesome. Michael sat through the whole service with only 1 outburst. They announced that it was Millie's 92nd birthday and Michael yelled "We need to go to Millie's birthday party today". Which was somewhat appropriate (and funny). Actually, her birthday party was the day before, which I later found out. But, it was so nice to visit my favorite church in the world with my favorite kid in the world. It was the perfect service- 5 women ran it and played music about every 10 minutes. People were clapping and singing and sometimes laughing- not boring at all. Michael hasn't been to church since he was about 3. Well, he did go to Christmas Mass with my sister's family a year or two ago, but that doesn't really count (it was a Catholic Church). LOL.
Anyway, it was a good trip. Michael had fun and it was great to see my old homes and my old friends. Part of me is starting to realize that the 80's and 90's are over and in the past. The memories of 2 feet of lake effect snow, baseball games every night and those beautiful rolling hills are great- but I'm back on Long Island. Even though it's not where I planned to be- it is where I am and where I need to be. I will always think of Buffalo, Cortland and Varick (and Virginia Beach) as my home.In 1989, I took a greyhound bus to CA by myself and met this lady at a youth hostel. I was scared and she said to me "home is where the heart is". I never REALLY understood that common phase until that very moment. Every time I visit one of these places, I feel like I'm home. I felt so lucky to be able to share it with Michael. I think he understands a lot of it too. At least I hope so.
Today we spent some time with my Mom who just finished chemo and radiation for Pancreatic Cancer. Life is way to short. I've been thinking a lot lately how things just happen and you have no control over them. Well, you do have control over your attitude. I feel like now I can't even complain about my son's autism. He's such a joy that any person who doesn't want to be with him or is ignorant enough to make fun of him- they are the one's missing out. They are the one's with the handicap. Just like that blond boy dancing in front of the blind boy singing his heart out. I really hope he learns some compassion in his life.
Thanks everyone for reading my blog and emailing me feedback. Thanks for listening, sometimes you are the only person I can talk to about this stuff :) Take care, Christine
PS- Michael's Dad failed his physical and won't be going to Iraq this fall (mission accomplished).
Monday, August 13, 2007
Up, Up and Away- Kind Of
This weekend Michael and I went to the Balloon and Music Festival. He was pretty excited to go. There were carnival rides, monster trucks, music and of course hot air balloons. Well, the balloons never went up in the sky- which was a big disappointment. The thing is no one knew and we all sat there for an hour watching them fill up. At that point (8:00pm) Michael wanted out of there. I don't blame him. I was ready too. Then it took us 30 min to find the car in the parking lot-lol. Michael handled THAT very well- almost better than me. 
Usually when we go to a carnival we arrive just when the gates open. There are no lines. We weren't so lucky at the festival. At one point, there was a 20-30 wait for each ride. It was about 85* with no shade and people everywhere.
Here are some pictures of Michael and his mini-meltdown. Honestly, I didn't blame him. It was a difficult situation. After that we left the ride area and went and found some friends. Then we watched the balloons fill up.
When we first arrived, there were monster trucks and motorcycles doing tricks. Michael couldn't even care less. He made a b-line for the rides. Michael did play in the fire trucks. There was a cute moment when he jumped into a truck with another little boy and put on a hat.
Honestly, I don't think we'll go next year if they have it. There wasn't much for Michael other than carnival rides and we can just go to a local carnival for that. But, I was glad that we spent 6 hours there together. We have a lot planned for the next three weeks and then school starts up again (thank god). Tomorrow night- Yankee Game!!!!!!! 
1 Year Anniversary
I can't believe it's been a year since we started IV Chelation at Dr. Imam's office. Michael continues to do well. I would say 95% of the time we get the IV in his arm or hand on the first try. Michael sits well. The only thing that bothered him was the 4th bag would burn his arm alittle- so we backed down on it. This last week it didn't burn at all. The burning feeling is normal for this agent (phosphotidylcholine).
We got back both urine and blood tests for Michael last week. His urine toxic metal test showed that his level of aluminum is going down and his mercury is going up. Usually this is what you see. Mercury is a heavier metal and comes out after all of the other metals.
The blood work showed low Cholesterol (124), high B12 (we need to back off the powder) and low copper (I need to get a supplement for this). Michael has basically no saturated fats in his diet. The last two months he has tried some new foods. He eats 1 banana a day.
We got back both urine and blood tests for Michael last week. His urine toxic metal test showed that his level of aluminum is going down and his mercury is going up. Usually this is what you see. Mercury is a heavier metal and comes out after all of the other metals.
The blood work showed low Cholesterol (124), high B12 (we need to back off the powder) and low copper (I need to get a supplement for this). Michael has basically no saturated fats in his diet. The last two months he has tried some new foods. He eats 1 banana a day.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
I am a person
Michael actually woke me up this morning and said "I am a person. I want to cut my banana". Of course, I jumped out of bed before he could use the knife. But, it was weird to hear him say "I am a person". He's saying so many new things all the time I lose track. I wish I was on Big Brother or some show like that- where they videotape your every move.
Last night Michael and I went to see They Might Be Giants. If you've been reading our blog, last November we went to Brooklyn to see them- which was Michael's first official concert. There were about 150 people in a bar. Oh, don't worry. It was a kids show in the middle of the afternoon. TMBG started in the 80's. The two lead singers, John and John are now in the 40's and have kids, so they came out with a couple of Kid's albums. They really are fun and goofy. I used to play them at my college radio station starting in 1987, so bringing Michael to concerts means so much on many different levels.
The show last night was at the Planting Fields Arboretum Park in Oyster Bay (on the North shore of Long Island). I got tickets for the 7th row, which were really good. But, after the first song, the band invited everyone to come up to the front because there were a lot of empty seats (people just don't appreciate great talent around here-lol). So, we moved up to the 4th row. Michael was so cute. I told him a few times he could get up and dance. He does this "irish jig" thing, which the teenagers behind us found amusing.
Then after about 3 or 4 songs, the band asked people to rush the stage (gotta luv them) and we literally were standing right in the front. It was awesome. At the November concert, we were upfront also. Last week at John Mayer we were like 5 miles from the stage-so I really appreciate being close at TMBG concerts. Also, we weren't supposed to take pictures or video, so I felt a little weird taking photos. Of course, I had to. But, I kept feeling like the one singer was going to say something. I was like 10 feet away from him and he could totally see me with a camera. I did bring my small 4.0 mp Sony camera that I bought like 5 years ago and not one of my larger cameras. I don't think anyone cared about the camera. I'm just used to taking pictures whenever I want.
Michael was fine with the noise. I think one thing he really likes is the lighting show- I guess it's kind of a stim. But, he's pretty well behaved. I like how excited he gets about going. We also listen to the band on the way to the concert. That's a tradition. My sister and I used to do that when we went to Jones Beach as teenagers. I remember sitting in traffic after a Sting concert blasting his music in the parking lot and singing at the top of the lungs.
Anyway, after the concert Michael got his picture taken with the guitar player. The two main singers didn't come back on stage and Michael didn't want to wait anymore to see. I just asked him some questions:
christine: "what did you see at the TMBG concert"
michael: "A tent"
christine: "Did you have fun?"
michael:"yes"
christine: "do you want to see They Might Be Giants again?"
michael: "next year"
I told him we would see them every year. They usually play somewhere in the NYC area once a year- they are from Brooklyn.
Oh, I almost forgot. There was this great moment, which I didn't get a photo of, but one of the guitar players came down stage and let the kids play the guitar. Michael stuck his arm right out there a played a few notes. It was awesome. He blended in so beautifully last night. I'm just so grateful there is a band like TMBG. Music that we both love! I don't think I could sit thru a Barney show.
One more thing- 2 nights ago Michael and I went to see Underdog, the movie. Michael sat great, which was surprising because the movie wasn't THAT exciting. I was tempted to take him to see Borne3 :)
Last night Michael and I went to see They Might Be Giants. If you've been reading our blog, last November we went to Brooklyn to see them- which was Michael's first official concert. There were about 150 people in a bar. Oh, don't worry. It was a kids show in the middle of the afternoon. TMBG started in the 80's. The two lead singers, John and John are now in the 40's and have kids, so they came out with a couple of Kid's albums. They really are fun and goofy. I used to play them at my college radio station starting in 1987, so bringing Michael to concerts means so much on many different levels.
The show last night was at the Planting Fields Arboretum Park in Oyster Bay (on the North shore of Long Island). I got tickets for the 7th row, which were really good. But, after the first song, the band invited everyone to come up to the front because there were a lot of empty seats (people just don't appreciate great talent around here-lol). So, we moved up to the 4th row. Michael was so cute. I told him a few times he could get up and dance. He does this "irish jig" thing, which the teenagers behind us found amusing.
Then after about 3 or 4 songs, the band asked people to rush the stage (gotta luv them) and we literally were standing right in the front. It was awesome. At the November concert, we were upfront also. Last week at John Mayer we were like 5 miles from the stage-so I really appreciate being close at TMBG concerts. Also, we weren't supposed to take pictures or video, so I felt a little weird taking photos. Of course, I had to. But, I kept feeling like the one singer was going to say something. I was like 10 feet away from him and he could totally see me with a camera. I did bring my small 4.0 mp Sony camera that I bought like 5 years ago and not one of my larger cameras. I don't think anyone cared about the camera. I'm just used to taking pictures whenever I want.
Michael was fine with the noise. I think one thing he really likes is the lighting show- I guess it's kind of a stim. But, he's pretty well behaved. I like how excited he gets about going. We also listen to the band on the way to the concert. That's a tradition. My sister and I used to do that when we went to Jones Beach as teenagers. I remember sitting in traffic after a Sting concert blasting his music in the parking lot and singing at the top of the lungs.
Anyway, after the concert Michael got his picture taken with the guitar player. The two main singers didn't come back on stage and Michael didn't want to wait anymore to see. I just asked him some questions:christine: "what did you see at the TMBG concert"
michael: "A tent"
christine: "Did you have fun?"
michael:"yes"
christine: "do you want to see They Might Be Giants again?"
michael: "next year"
I told him we would see them every year. They usually play somewhere in the NYC area once a year- they are from Brooklyn.
Oh, I almost forgot. There was this great moment, which I didn't get a photo of, but one of the guitar players came down stage and let the kids play the guitar. Michael stuck his arm right out there a played a few notes. It was awesome. He blended in so beautifully last night. I'm just so grateful there is a band like TMBG. Music that we both love! I don't think I could sit thru a Barney show.
One more thing- 2 nights ago Michael and I went to see Underdog, the movie. Michael sat great, which was surprising because the movie wasn't THAT exciting. I was tempted to take him to see Borne3 :)
Monday, July 30, 2007
July 2007 Video
Here is another video from last Saturday. I was surprised that Michael talked about eating new foods. He's really showing interest in foods around our home. I better start being careful. I also want to pick up some gluten free bagels (if I can find them). Michael also talked about eating his Birthday Cake. He NEVER wanted that before. I want him eating new foods- but I don't want those foods to be "junk". At least we added bananas, apples, celery and carrots this month.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Happy Birthday- Cha Cha Cha
Michael wanted to make a YouTube video today. Here he is reading a book about birthdays and singing happy birthday.
He shocked me when he said he was going to be 17 in 2016. I know he was born in 1999 and all he has to do is subtract 1 from the year- but it's pretty cool that he can do that. I think when I asked him what year I will be 50- he had enough. LOL.
I'll post some more clips tomorrow. You'll be able to see how much he has improved. Yesterday chelation went well, but he's starting to get antsy at the end- so we are going to cut back a little. He continues to sit well, looks forward to going and his use of language improves daily.
Thanks for reading our blog!!!! -Christine
Friday, July 27, 2007
Waiting on the World to Change
Last night was the big night. Michael and I went to see John Mayer at Nassau Coliseum. It's about 45 min. from where we live on Long Island. I bought the tickets months ago. Michael woke up Thursday saying "today we're going to see John Mayer". It was so cute.
The concert started at 7pm, so we got there just around 6:30pm. We found our seats, but Michael didn't want to leave them. He was saying "we have to save our seats". I tried to explain to him that they have numbers on them and no one was going to sit in them.
I got Michael a concert shirt and we put it over the shirt he was wearing because it was pretty cold there. Here is a picture of the two of us. Thanks to the guy sitting infront of us who took the picture.At 7pm the concert started with some band I never saw before. I still don't know their name, but they're from England. Michael was ok with the noise- which was a problem in the past. He thought the lights were interesting and liked watching the people walk in- we were sitting on the aisle.
7:45pm Ben Fold performs with 2 other guys. Ben was pretty cool, very good on stage. He was playing piano and at one point took his shoes off- gotta love that. Michael actually fell asleep at this point. I was praying he would wake up for John Mayer.9:15pm FINALLY John Mayer comes out. The crowd goes wild. Michael slowly starts to wake up, looks around... is this a dream? LOL John's 2nd or 3rd song was "Waiting on the World to Change", which is Michael's favorite song of his. We got up and danced a little. When John sang "Why Georgia Why" I started to cry. It's kind of a road trip song and made me think of a few different things. First, I first heard the song was a few years ago and I thought about how much my life has changed since then. I also thought about my college friend in Georgia who is going through "cancer recovery" (Hi Cathie). We are going to visit her in a couple of weeks. And I thought of my mom, who also has cancer. Here are the lyrics:
WHY GEORGIA?I am driving up 85 in the kind of morning that lasts all afternoon,
I’m just stuck inside the gloom.
Four more exits to my apartment but I am tempted to keep the car in drive,
And leave it all behind.
Coz I wonder sometimes about the outcome of a still, verdictless life,
Am I living it right? Am I living it right? Am I living it right?
why, why Georgia, why?
I rent a room and I fill the spaces with wood in places to make it feel like home,
But all I feel’s alone.
It might be a quarter-life crisis, or just the stirring in my soul, either way...
I wonder sometimes about the outcome of a still, verdictless life,
Am I living it right? Am I living it right? Am I living it right?
why, why Georgia, why?
So what, so I’ve got a smile on,
It’s hiding the quiet superstitions in my head.
Don’t believe me, don’t believe me when I say I’ve got it down.
Everybody is just a stranger, but that’s the danger in going my own way,
I guess it’s a price I have to pay.
Still "everything happens for a reason" is no reason not to ask myself,
If I'm living it right.
Am I living it right? Am I living it right? why, why Georgia, why?
Oh ya, and I was just sooooo happy to be at a John Mayer concert with my favorite person in the world. He sat and watched the rest of the concert and didn't fall back asleep. He didn't freak out about the noise. Here is a short videoclip of Michael towards the end of the concert.
We lasted until the end. Michael actually stayed up until we got home around 12:30am. He missed in the bus in the morning and had a little meltdown- but got it together and made it to school around 9am.
He only goes for about 2 1/2 hours a day. Next weekend we're going to see They Might Be Giants again. I'm very grateful that we can go to concerts now and I'm glad Michael had fun. When I was a kid, the first concert I went to was Andy Gibb- at Nassau Coliseum... John Mayer is a lot cooler. So, I guess I can say Michael has it better than me.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
It's the Little Things
When people ask me if I think the chelation is working I say "yes". Then I find myself listing about 20 different things. Little things that I've noticed. Or maybe things that other people have noticed and said to me.
This weekend we had dinner at my parents and my cousins were there. Gracie, who is also my Godmother said "Michael is like a different kid". She sees him about once a month.
I do feel like he's a different kid. We went to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch the other day and Michael sat through the whole meal. There wasn't this big fight to get him to sit quietly. He even asked to go to the bathroom himself.
Another person mentioned that he's the happiest kid with autism they know. That is the 4th person this month. I have to admit- he is pretty happy and fun to be around.
I got tickets to see They Might Be Giants again in a few weeks. We saw them back in November and had an awesome time- it was a dream come true. Next week we're going to see John Mayer at Nassau Coliseum (where the Islanders play). It will be our first BIG, BIG concert. This time I'm bringing my camera to take pictures. Last summer I went to see John at Jones Beach and was afraid to bring a camera. Everyone had one in the audience. Between digital cameras and cell phones- I guess they can't stop people anymore.
Oh, and I got tickets to a Yankee game this August. It will be our second game, but first night game. I remember seeing Yankee Stadium as a child and the lights made it seem like heaven. I can't believe they are destroying the stadium in 2 years. It should be a landmark and museum. Breaks my heart. Anyway, I'm excited to go again.
Well, more big news. We're getting a new car. It's an SUV actually. My plan is to drive across the country next summer for two months- WITH MICHAEL. Can you believe it? I think we'll have an awesome time- visiting friends & family- seeing great landmarks like the Grand Canyon. It's something that I always wanted to do and with my mom very sick- I just made a decision to DO IT. Michael and I are calling it our "road trip". I'm sure I'll be blogging and taking pictures the whole time to share the experience with everyone. Stay tuned.
This is my Sentra. Check out the bumper stickers: "demand vaccines without mercury" and "autism is reversible". I had to scrape the stickers off last week because I'm getting rid of the car. Kinda sad- but it served us well. Oh and I don't want to hear any negative Hillary comments :)Well, the building it done. Pretty much. The garbage around the building hasn't been picked up- big surprise. But the major work is done. Three weeks of banging and trucks backing up at 7am. Argh. At least the building looks better. I don't have a picture with all the pretty bushes infront- but here is one after the siding was finished.
Once again, thanks for reading my blog. I can't believe it's been almost a year since we starting the IV Chelation. Michael is doing so well. We also started Nystatin last week and no bad side effects. It's to fight the yeast. I'll have to get him tested again to see if it's working.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Only Child?
Today Michael went and did laundry with me. I usually don't take him. Today he was pretty good. He was actually playing with a 1 1/2 year old girl. They were laughing and joking around. The baby's mom came up to me and said "does your son have a younger brother or sister?" "No, why?". She said "because he plays so well with my daughter".
Wow. Never got that reaction before. I was so proud of Michael. I also changed the schedule today and he didn't get upset at all.
This morning was open house at summer school. I saw Michael in OT with 2 other special needs kids and in his summer school class. He did very well. The class had about 10 kids (9 boys and 1 girl). They all had some type of disability. One kid had Downs. Most of them talked. But, I wouldn't say they are a talkative group. One kid saw me and asked "are you Michael's mom?" The teacher said the two of them played together in the after school program. It's called SAIL. It's like a social skills thing.
The landscapers came today and put in a million bushes and a few trees in front of the building today. It was cute. Michael touches his chest and says "They are putting in bushes for ME". They look great and the building doesn't look like a dump anymore. FINALLY!
Wow. Never got that reaction before. I was so proud of Michael. I also changed the schedule today and he didn't get upset at all.
This morning was open house at summer school. I saw Michael in OT with 2 other special needs kids and in his summer school class. He did very well. The class had about 10 kids (9 boys and 1 girl). They all had some type of disability. One kid had Downs. Most of them talked. But, I wouldn't say they are a talkative group. One kid saw me and asked "are you Michael's mom?" The teacher said the two of them played together in the after school program. It's called SAIL. It's like a social skills thing.
The landscapers came today and put in a million bushes and a few trees in front of the building today. It was cute. Michael touches his chest and says "They are putting in bushes for ME". They look great and the building doesn't look like a dump anymore. FINALLY!
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Construction
It seems like a lot of things are under construction at the moment.
First, our apartment building. They came and tore up all of the trees and bushes, pulled off all the siding, put in new windows and then put up new siding. Michael found this whole process puzzling. Strange men around, banging at 7am, garbage everywhere...
He couldn't even play in the backyard because of all of the nails and broken glass. It's been about 10 days so far. I can't wait until they are finished. Michael tells the men (who don't speak English) to "clean up the mess". Gotta love it.
Next, Me. I've started on a new healthy path (we're not calling it a diet). But, I bought a Vitamix blender to make smoothies. I got a ton of organic fruits and veggies. Best part if Michael's helps me. I cut up everything and he puts it in the blender. Then I let him power it up. He won't drink the juice, but I got him to eat bananas, carrots, lettuce & celery. He used to eat bananas when he was like 1 or 2 years old. This is a pretty big deal. He gagged on the celery, but didn't throw up. In the past he couldn't eat these foods- he wouldn't even touch them. I'm excited. We keep telling him "we're eating new foods". I think it helps that we are both eating new foods. Michael even gets upset when I don't make a plate of new foods for him while making a smoothie. My goal is for him to drink the smoothies in the near future.
And lastly, Michael. We got his tests results back a few weeks ago and he has yeast and bacteria problems. Many children with autism have gut problems like these. We added some yeast and bacteria fighters to his supplements. Olive Leaf, Grapefruit Seed Extract and Monolaurin. If these don't work, we'll going to try a prescription that is stronger. But, I'll like to try the natural stuff first.
The hardest part has been Michael's stims. He's been stimming a lot lately. He's also been rubbing his mouth, like he is nervous. Extra stimming is a sign of yeast problems. So, it makes sense.
Michael also started summer school on Monday. He goes for about 3 hrs a day. I'm not sure exactly what class he is in, but he's not in the autism class anymore. I need to go to the school this week and check out the situation. He was definitely happy to get back to school.
Oh, another thing we changed is Michael's diet. We cut out french fries, cereal (corn), orange juice and rice milk. That is about half his diet. We added Pear Juice. I'm also working on the whole "new foods" project too. LOL. We haven't had this much change since he was 3 and we had him start eating meat and took out gluten/casein & soy.
With all of this going on, Michael is still doing well- talking more everyday. Michael got the best compliment this past week. Three different people said Michael was the "happiest kid with autism" they had ever seen. He dressed himself today- even picked out his own clothes and they matched (kinda). I think if we can get the yeast & bacteria under control, which will result in less stimming- we'll be right on track. Wish us luck.
First, our apartment building. They came and tore up all of the trees and bushes, pulled off all the siding, put in new windows and then put up new siding. Michael found this whole process puzzling. Strange men around, banging at 7am, garbage everywhere...
He couldn't even play in the backyard because of all of the nails and broken glass. It's been about 10 days so far. I can't wait until they are finished. Michael tells the men (who don't speak English) to "clean up the mess". Gotta love it.Next, Me. I've started on a new healthy path (we're not calling it a diet). But, I bought a Vitamix blender to make smoothies. I got a ton of organic fruits and veggies. Best part if Michael's helps me. I cut up everything and he puts it in the blender. Then I let him power it up. He won't drink the juice, but I got him to eat bananas, carrots, lettuce & celery. He used to eat bananas when he was like 1 or 2 years old. This is a pretty big deal. He gagged on the celery, but didn't throw up. In the past he couldn't eat these foods- he wouldn't even touch them. I'm excited. We keep telling him "we're eating new foods". I think it helps that we are both eating new foods. Michael even gets upset when I don't make a plate of new foods for him while making a smoothie. My goal is for him to drink the smoothies in the near future.
And lastly, Michael. We got his tests results back a few weeks ago and he has yeast and bacteria problems. Many children with autism have gut problems like these. We added some yeast and bacteria fighters to his supplements. Olive Leaf, Grapefruit Seed Extract and Monolaurin. If these don't work, we'll going to try a prescription that is stronger. But, I'll like to try the natural stuff first.
The hardest part has been Michael's stims. He's been stimming a lot lately. He's also been rubbing his mouth, like he is nervous. Extra stimming is a sign of yeast problems. So, it makes sense.
Michael also started summer school on Monday. He goes for about 3 hrs a day. I'm not sure exactly what class he is in, but he's not in the autism class anymore. I need to go to the school this week and check out the situation. He was definitely happy to get back to school.
Oh, another thing we changed is Michael's diet. We cut out french fries, cereal (corn), orange juice and rice milk. That is about half his diet. We added Pear Juice. I'm also working on the whole "new foods" project too. LOL. We haven't had this much change since he was 3 and we had him start eating meat and took out gluten/casein & soy.
With all of this going on, Michael is still doing well- talking more everyday. Michael got the best compliment this past week. Three different people said Michael was the "happiest kid with autism" they had ever seen. He dressed himself today- even picked out his own clothes and they matched (kinda). I think if we can get the yeast & bacteria under control, which will result in less stimming- we'll be right on track. Wish us luck.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Praying for Clear Skies
Saturday Michael wanted to go to the carnival across the street. We only have to drive by it once. He knows what days it's open by reading the signs. We thought Saturday afternoon or evening would be good because Michael's Dad was in town for the weekend. Well, it pretty much rained ALL day Saturday. Michael got very upset. I made the mistake of letting him see the weather report on the computer. It showed showers all week. He kept saying how he was never going because it was going to rain everyday. I'm writing down new schedules, explaining to him plan "b", etc.. doing everything I can to distract him. The only thing that worked was to yell at the cats "Kirby, you cannot go on the Ferris Wheel". Michael thought that was funny.
Anyway, Sunday comes and we are praying for clear skies. Right around 5:30pm when we arrived, the skies opened up. It was beautiful. We also met friends there- so Michael had 2 other boys to go on rides with. One has autism, the other Aspergers (which is like autism but with typical speech).
We were there for over 2 hours. Michael had so much fun- so did we (the parents). The boys were great and playing so well together. Most kids with autism like carnivals because they like to spin around. They also like the speed- it's like it feeds something in their brain. All I know is Michael loves rides, has no sense of fear and the best thing to do is get a pay-one-price wristband- because he doesn't know how to stop.
I'm so happy we can find places that are local. So many people have to take trips to Disney to entertain their kids. All Michael needs is $15 :)
Field Trip
There is this place called the Long Island Game Farm. I remember going as a child and getting chased by deer and goats. It's grown alittle bit in the last 30 years. They have a giraffe, lions, monkeys, etc. It's like a very small zoo. The 1st graders from Michael's school went last week for a field trip. I went along with some other parents. We had 8 adults and 6 kids. LOL. Michael did great (as usual).
They have a merry-go-round too. I don't know why on earth there are no seatbelts or straps on the horses- but that's another story. I felt so lucky to have that day with Michael and his classmates. He was reading the signs. On the way out Michael yells "goodbye Long Island Game Farm started in 1972". He also got to take the big bus home. I've never seen him on one before- he takes a mini-bus to school.
We have Michael's CSE tomorrow where we will decide on what classroom he will be in during the summer and fall. I'm sure it will go well. This summer was not what I expected, with my mom getting sick, so I'll just take whatever they want. Part of me want to buy an SUV and just drive across the country with him.... maybe next summer.
Field Day
Well, I missed the first half of Field Day because i was looking up cancer stuff online. I heard Michael was looking for me. Never heard that before. I made the second half and took some pictures and video. Michael did great. I mentioned in the other post how he fell asleep during chelation. Well, that night he had a fevor. Next day- woke up fine. hummmmm? Don't know what that was about. He rarely gets a temperature- maybe once or twice a year. 
Oh, btw- we added a new ingredient to Michael's chelation. phosphadityl choline. I've noticed Michael's speech has improved since we started it. I mean, his language is constantly improving, but the last few weeks I've seen a jump in his skills. No side effects- again. Well, one day he couldn't poop, but we just added more Epson Salt to his bath water.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Back from Chicago
I got back from the Autism Conference in Chicago on Sunday. I met a lot of new people, make some contacts, picked up alittle information. But many of us who have attended this conference in the past found it hard to learn something new this year. I did decide to do a test to check for viruses and yeast. I met a Dad whose child is recovered from anti-virals and nasal MB12 spray. Anyway, it was a long weekend- lots of information, not much sleep and was more of a "working vacation". I was glad to get home and see Michael on Monday.
I went to pick up Michael from my parents that morning and my mom was headed to the hospital. I didn't think it was serious- but then everyone was talking cancer. Pancreatic cancer- the worst type. Ugh. I know this is an autism and chelation blog- but my mom getting sick really affects our lives. My sister and I have been trying to figure out where to send her. There are so many different hospitals and doctors. This reminds me of the early days of autism- looking up things on the internet. I have to say though, so many "online friends" have been helpful- sending me names and phone numbers. Or just general encouragement. It's so important to reach out to people online- be it autism or cancer. I love reading message boards. Real people talking about their experiences. I learn so much from them.
Anyway, Michael continues to do great and I'm so incredibly thankful for that- especially with my mom sick. I was crying the other morning and Michael told me to "take the sad face off" or "sad off my face". I don't remember. A lot is a blur this week. But, he did say something like that. He also said "no sad face, like Michael" and smiled. I wish that smile could cure my mom's cancer.
We went to chelation and Michael did great. He actually fell asleep and took a nap. He had field day today and was very tired. I'll upload the photo later- it's pretty funny.
Well, basically life really sucks for my family right now- and will probably get worse. I wonder how all of this will effect Michael. He doesn't really understand death. What 7 year old does? But, I'm going to talk to the school psych. to find out what I should say to Michael. My parents have been so supportive of Michael's road to recovery. If you are reading this, please pray for my mom and my family. We are still waiting to do a biopsy and know everything for sure. Thanks for listening :)
I went to pick up Michael from my parents that morning and my mom was headed to the hospital. I didn't think it was serious- but then everyone was talking cancer. Pancreatic cancer- the worst type. Ugh. I know this is an autism and chelation blog- but my mom getting sick really affects our lives. My sister and I have been trying to figure out where to send her. There are so many different hospitals and doctors. This reminds me of the early days of autism- looking up things on the internet. I have to say though, so many "online friends" have been helpful- sending me names and phone numbers. Or just general encouragement. It's so important to reach out to people online- be it autism or cancer. I love reading message boards. Real people talking about their experiences. I learn so much from them.
Anyway, Michael continues to do great and I'm so incredibly thankful for that- especially with my mom sick. I was crying the other morning and Michael told me to "take the sad face off" or "sad off my face". I don't remember. A lot is a blur this week. But, he did say something like that. He also said "no sad face, like Michael" and smiled. I wish that smile could cure my mom's cancer.
We went to chelation and Michael did great. He actually fell asleep and took a nap. He had field day today and was very tired. I'll upload the photo later- it's pretty funny.
Well, basically life really sucks for my family right now- and will probably get worse. I wonder how all of this will effect Michael. He doesn't really understand death. What 7 year old does? But, I'm going to talk to the school psych. to find out what I should say to Michael. My parents have been so supportive of Michael's road to recovery. If you are reading this, please pray for my mom and my family. We are still waiting to do a biopsy and know everything for sure. Thanks for listening :)
Thursday, May 24, 2007
All 4's!
The school has this system. Everyday he gets a number 1-5. 1 is horrible behavior, 5 is "couldn't be better". Michael actually gets 3 numbers a day: Behavior, Academic & Social. Lately, he has been getting a lot of 3's with some 1's & 2's. We had some problems last month where he was making fun of other kids or getting other kids in trouble. His speech & occupational therapists are supposed to give him numbers too after every session.
I've gotten into this habit of opening Michael's backpack when he gets home and checking the numbers. If they are good, I make a BIG deal out of it. Sometimes we use the numbers as a reason to go to the gym or the park.
Well, this week Michael got all 4's. He hasn't done that in months. On Monday his teacher wrote "Amazing today! Great Behavior". She also said how he went to the other building (the school is actually 2 buildings- an old and a new) and did wonderfully with a class of typical kids. That's very exciting to hear since he'll be in that school next year.
The best comment he got was from his speech therapist:
"Such a great week!! I am so proud of Michael. We had a fire drill today, so speech was 10 min. late to start and R & B (the two typical kids who join him in speech once a week) had computer lab, so they couldn't come. I spoke to Michael about it, and asked him what we should do and he INDEPENDENTLY said "It's OK. We can do something else". His sentences have been fantastic and his grammar/syntax continue to improve. Way to go Michael!"
OK. Maybe his good behavior has something to do with the fact that he's planning on going to Adventureland on Friday (amusement park). He loves rides- things I wouldn't even go on. But, it's a great motivator.
Also- I'm going to Chicago for a couple of days for the Autism One Conference. I explained to Michael when he's leaving and coming back and that he can call me on my cell phone if he wants to talk. On Monday Michael was talking to himself and me going to Chicago and he said "I will miss you". Shocked, I asked him "will Michael miss Mommy or Mommy miss Michael"?
(sometimes he says a question because he wants YOU to ask HIM- like "do you want juice?")
He said "Michael is going to miss Mommy". WOW. He has never said those words in his life. I've gone away about 4-5 times where the trip was 3-7 days long. He rarely cared that I was gone or showed a reaction when I returned. How bittersweet it is to know that now he will be sad when I leave.
Another thing I noticed this week. He's been playing in the backyard where there is a tennis court. A lot of the neighborhood kids play there- riding their bikes, throwing balls around, etc. Michael has been asking to play there after school. I watch him from our deck. He's interacting, following the kids, sometimes talking to them. He's still not communicating on a typical level- but he is trying. And it's nice to see him play with a group of kids, since he is an only child.
I've gotten into this habit of opening Michael's backpack when he gets home and checking the numbers. If they are good, I make a BIG deal out of it. Sometimes we use the numbers as a reason to go to the gym or the park.
Well, this week Michael got all 4's. He hasn't done that in months. On Monday his teacher wrote "Amazing today! Great Behavior". She also said how he went to the other building (the school is actually 2 buildings- an old and a new) and did wonderfully with a class of typical kids. That's very exciting to hear since he'll be in that school next year.
The best comment he got was from his speech therapist:
"Such a great week!! I am so proud of Michael. We had a fire drill today, so speech was 10 min. late to start and R & B (the two typical kids who join him in speech once a week) had computer lab, so they couldn't come. I spoke to Michael about it, and asked him what we should do and he INDEPENDENTLY said "It's OK. We can do something else". His sentences have been fantastic and his grammar/syntax continue to improve. Way to go Michael!"
OK. Maybe his good behavior has something to do with the fact that he's planning on going to Adventureland on Friday (amusement park). He loves rides- things I wouldn't even go on. But, it's a great motivator.
Also- I'm going to Chicago for a couple of days for the Autism One Conference. I explained to Michael when he's leaving and coming back and that he can call me on my cell phone if he wants to talk. On Monday Michael was talking to himself and me going to Chicago and he said "I will miss you". Shocked, I asked him "will Michael miss Mommy or Mommy miss Michael"?
(sometimes he says a question because he wants YOU to ask HIM- like "do you want juice?")
He said "Michael is going to miss Mommy". WOW. He has never said those words in his life. I've gone away about 4-5 times where the trip was 3-7 days long. He rarely cared that I was gone or showed a reaction when I returned. How bittersweet it is to know that now he will be sad when I leave.
Another thing I noticed this week. He's been playing in the backyard where there is a tennis court. A lot of the neighborhood kids play there- riding their bikes, throwing balls around, etc. Michael has been asking to play there after school. I watch him from our deck. He's interacting, following the kids, sometimes talking to them. He's still not communicating on a typical level- but he is trying. And it's nice to see him play with a group of kids, since he is an only child.
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