A few weeks ago I met a person with an autistic child. Of course, the conversation turned to therapies....what has worked and what hasn't. When I asked this person about what they were doing outside of school, this person's reply was that the child gets enough therapy at school and doesn't need any help at home.
I was shocked by this statement.
I don't understand.
How is that enough?
I am never satisfied with the amount of therapy that the boys get. I am always pushing for more, more, more. Anyone who has been in an IEP for my children knows this. Sure, they are making progress, but I want more. Not all therapy has to be at the table and not any fun. I remember when the neurologist told us to take the kids everywhere and they would always get something out of it. Sometimes, it's just practice waiting in line. Every experience is an opportunity for learning for these boys.
I push for more because time is not our friend. I push for more because I want them to have happy, safe, and productive lives. I push for more because I won't always be here to look out for them..........
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Nate's summer
Enough of the pity party....Nate is having a great summer. I was able to enroll him in a program called Teens in Motion through ARC (Association of Retarded Citizens). ARC needs a better name, but that's another point.
His camp is 8 weeks long and 9-4 Monday -Friday. He is staffed one-to-one and has two outings each day. One of the outings is a volunteering experience and the other is a fun outing. Travis went with him until noon the first two days to help his "buddy" get to know Nate and his abilities. Nate loves it! He is tired, but his overall mood is much more pleasant.
He has volunteered at the Magic House, Racanelli's Pizza, Bethesda nursing home, and Stages Theater. He has had fun outings to Forest Park, the Science Center, and the movies. Yes, Nate sat through a movie....that is quite a feat.
I am so grateful that we live in a city that provides these opportunities for special kids. We are hoping that his independence will improve and he will learn some new skills. He's also enjoying his time out of the house and away from his brothers. He's really growing up......
His camp is 8 weeks long and 9-4 Monday -Friday. He is staffed one-to-one and has two outings each day. One of the outings is a volunteering experience and the other is a fun outing. Travis went with him until noon the first two days to help his "buddy" get to know Nate and his abilities. Nate loves it! He is tired, but his overall mood is much more pleasant.
He has volunteered at the Magic House, Racanelli's Pizza, Bethesda nursing home, and Stages Theater. He has had fun outings to Forest Park, the Science Center, and the movies. Yes, Nate sat through a movie....that is quite a feat.
I am so grateful that we live in a city that provides these opportunities for special kids. We are hoping that his independence will improve and he will learn some new skills. He's also enjoying his time out of the house and away from his brothers. He's really growing up......
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Do people realize how lucky they are?
Sometimes Facebook depresses me. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing all the posts and pictures from friends. However, sometimes it just is hard. Seeing all the fabulous Prom pictures is hard. Seeing all the pictures and posts from fabulous vacations is hard. Do people realize how lucky they are?????
Most people don't plan their day according to how many staff members will be at the house.
Most people can take their kids to a destination more than 4 hours away.....that's my time limit with Noah in a car. I can only listen to the "oooohhhhh" in a closed space for so long. I am afraid that if we tried to fly somewhere, we would be removed from the plane.
Most people can still go somewhere with their kids without their spouse.
Most people have a list of summer activities to do with their kids........I'm sure it's a lot longer than mine.
Most people aren't still assisting their 14 year old son in the restroom. Clean up is still an issue.
Most people don't have to tie their 14 year old son's shoes.
Most people don't realize how lucky they are and how incredibly jealous I am...............
Most people don't plan their day according to how many staff members will be at the house.
Most people can take their kids to a destination more than 4 hours away.....that's my time limit with Noah in a car. I can only listen to the "oooohhhhh" in a closed space for so long. I am afraid that if we tried to fly somewhere, we would be removed from the plane.
Most people can still go somewhere with their kids without their spouse.
Most people have a list of summer activities to do with their kids........I'm sure it's a lot longer than mine.
Most people aren't still assisting their 14 year old son in the restroom. Clean up is still an issue.
Most people don't have to tie their 14 year old son's shoes.
Most people don't realize how lucky they are and how incredibly jealous I am...............
Friday, June 1, 2012
I'm embarassed to do this.....
I am embarassed to do this, but it needs to be done.
In order to receive financial assistance through Action For Autism, we must raise $150 in pledges for each boy. I would normally just pay it myself (because I don't feel comfortable asking for money), but it will be $450 for all 3 boys. They have helped pay the boys' co-pays for the in-home ABA and sent Nate and Noah to camp.
If you feel inclined to help, I am attaching the link to the donation page on their website. When it asks for compaign, choose "Family Fun Walk". At the bottom in the comments section, please put "Nate, Nick, and Noah Hill". This way we will receive credit for pledge.
I am eternally grateful for your support be it monetary or emotional. I could not navigate this adventure without you.........
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