Dear Autism,
We were just on a break. I didn't totally break up with you. I mean, how could I? Even though I hate you, you are what made my boys who they are today. And I love them no matter what.
So, back to the break. I just needed a few days....3 to be exact. I needed to not be the mother of kids with autism. I needed to just be Stacey. I needed to not worry about meds and therapy. I needed to not check to see if progress was being made. I needed to not have to ask someone to use their words or to stop twirling my hair. I needed to not see a naked 6 year old boy running around the house. So, I took a break.
I grabbed some girlfriends and went to New Orleans. I walked around the city and enjoyed myself. I did not give anyone their meds. I did not talk to any of the therapists. I did not put Noah's clothes on him for the umpteenth time. I ate great food and sampled fabulous cocktails. I lived my life, not Autism's.
So now the break is over and I'm back with a vengeance. I am ready for anything you bring. The break did not make me feel guilty. Instead, it made me stronger and a better opponent. So Autism, just remember, I will never leave or give up. I will fight you tooth and nail. I will fight you for my boys.....you will not win.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
$40,000 is not a lot of money........
I received the billing statement for both boys for the month of January......they each billed $4,000. At this rate, the $40,000 will only last through October. We will definitely be tweaking the schedule. We can't be left to cover $4,000 for each boy for 2 months.
We have cut the Sunday shift back from 4 hours to 3 hours. I can't shorten the morning shift.....it's too valuable. I hope to gain some money back over the summer by not using the morning shift every day. Since Tim and I will be home, we can implement the picture schedule and routine before they get on the bus.
The benefits from the in-home therapy have been priceless. They are doing so well with getting ready in the morning. Nate is struggling because they have raised the bar. He now has to get dressed without anyone in the room to keep him on task. In order to get his reward, he must get dressed within 12 minutes. There have been many days that it's taken him 35 minutes. Oh.....to not be driven by a schedule. Nate also loads the dishwasher after breakfast. The dishes are now placed in rows between the rungs instead of just laying across the rack. Noah is making his bed and brushing his teeth.
The Sunday outings have been both fun and beneficial. They have gone bowling, jumping, and hiking. They also go out for lunch. They always take Noah to the restroom whenever they go into a different place. We are determined to break the tantrums that come with the public restrooms.
I am in the process of starting the paper work with the Department of Mental Health. I am hoping that some money will come our way. Unfortunately, the process is long and slow. I was also sent information about United Healthcare's $5,000 grant to pay for medical expenses. The application is very long and it states that "behavior therapy" is not covered. I will need to call and see if ABA is not covered. Unfortunately, the application in daunting.....it also must include documentation and a letter from a doctor stating the benefits of the therapy. I'm not even sure where to start....the pediatrician or psychiatrist?
We have cut the Sunday shift back from 4 hours to 3 hours. I can't shorten the morning shift.....it's too valuable. I hope to gain some money back over the summer by not using the morning shift every day. Since Tim and I will be home, we can implement the picture schedule and routine before they get on the bus.
The benefits from the in-home therapy have been priceless. They are doing so well with getting ready in the morning. Nate is struggling because they have raised the bar. He now has to get dressed without anyone in the room to keep him on task. In order to get his reward, he must get dressed within 12 minutes. There have been many days that it's taken him 35 minutes. Oh.....to not be driven by a schedule. Nate also loads the dishwasher after breakfast. The dishes are now placed in rows between the rungs instead of just laying across the rack. Noah is making his bed and brushing his teeth.
The Sunday outings have been both fun and beneficial. They have gone bowling, jumping, and hiking. They also go out for lunch. They always take Noah to the restroom whenever they go into a different place. We are determined to break the tantrums that come with the public restrooms.
I am in the process of starting the paper work with the Department of Mental Health. I am hoping that some money will come our way. Unfortunately, the process is long and slow. I was also sent information about United Healthcare's $5,000 grant to pay for medical expenses. The application is very long and it states that "behavior therapy" is not covered. I will need to call and see if ABA is not covered. Unfortunately, the application in daunting.....it also must include documentation and a letter from a doctor stating the benefits of the therapy. I'm not even sure where to start....the pediatrician or psychiatrist?
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