I am thankful..........

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks. While I am not thankful for autism, I am thankful for....
1. Dr. Mantovanni who diagnosed all 3 boys and took time to answer all our questions.
2. Beth- she was Nate's preschool teacher, ran Nick's home ABA, was Nick's preschool teacher, and ran Noah's home ABA. We always deferred to Beth, she knows her stuff.
3. Diane- Beth's partner who did most of Noah's home ABA. They share a mutual adoration.
4. Margaret- the OT at preschool. All 3 boys had her and they eat many more foods because of her.
5. Erkia- she was Nate's aide in kindergarten and started working with us in the house 7 years ago.
6. Vicki- Erika's sister. She came to us in 2004 and we couldn't function without her.
7. Special School District- we live in a county that pools all their SSD money to provide more services for kids.
8. Southview School- Nate's new school. It's such a great place, we can't wait to get Noah there.
9. Maria- our babysitter for years. She allowed therapists into her home when the boys were little, learned how to sign, went to the ABA training classes, and just loves my boys.
10. Mikaela- the OT who now comes to the house twice a week. She is doing yoga with Nate to improve his body awareness and he loves it.
11. Ruth- the new SLP who now comes to the house three times a week. She has an ABA background and can work with Noah for a full hour.
12. Tim's insurance- through the home health care the boys receive 60 OT visits and UNLIMITED speech visits per year with no copay.
13. The Autism Bill- we will receive ABA in home up to $40,000 per year per boy.
14. Risperdal- it's a medication that all 3 boys take.
15. My friends- they are always willing to listen or help me take the boys places. They also don't judge me or my parenting by some of the boy's behaviors.
16. Our families- they love my boys no matter what.