Autism Awareness Month

You can find these Jamberry Nail Shields here!

I am number 4 of 6 children in my family.  I have three brothers and two sisters. I love my family! My baby sister Tami has a son with Autism. In honor of Autism Awareness Month this post is dedicated to their family. I will share her story first.... and then mine when I found out her son had Autism... and then what I think about the subject , hopefully without tears streaming down my face!

Azden

My sister Tami's Story:

In march of 2010 my sister-in-law was visiting with me in my home and she came up to me and said, "Tami, I really think you should have Azden tested to see if he has Autism." Because Azden was not talking, would not respond to his name, make eye contact, or play with anyone, he would just line up toys, but not play with them. I just ignored her and was a little mad at her because I just thought he was a slow bloomer. For the next 7 months I watched to see if there were any improvements and to prove to her that he was just a slow bloomer, but there was not. We thought maybe he could not hear so we tested him to see if he had hearing problems and as soon as the doctor said he had perfect hearing, I knew that my son had Autism. 

In October we took him to our pediatrician who knew the signs of Autism and he said yes he does but you need to get the official diagnosis to get the services he will need. We got on waiting lists for the official diagnosis. I started researching and talking to a friend who grew up in my neighborhood who had a daughter on the spectrum.

(Go here to learn about the spectrum.) 

After speaking to my friend and the reading all the research, it all said start early intervention services A.S.A.P! 

So... I started early intervention with Easter seals in November. I had a play therapist, speech therapist, dietician, OT, coming into my home. After my first appointment with our play therapist Shae and applying the things she taught me, Azden started making eye contact and within a month he said his first word. He got his official diagnosis in January 2011. We continued early intervention until he turned 3, then I applied for a grant for the P.L.A.Y Project and this program is the best!!  My son learned through play. My advice is if you notice that your child is not reaching his or her milestones, then go to your pediatrician right away and express your concerns. If you are not sure what the signs of Autism are, you can find them here. Do some research, demand that your child be tested for Autism. Why I say demand is because you are your child's number one advocate. I kicked myself that I ignored the signs for 7 months when my son could have been getting services. After your research, testing, and recommendations from the professionals out there, find out what will work for YOUR child and apply that! You will find a lot of research and what you "should do" for your child on the spectrum. I am going to tell you, do what is best for him or her! Find a preschool or a school for your child! When I was told again and again about the preschool that my son attends, I knew I needed to get on their waiting list. I made sure that was one of the first things I did. He was on the waiting list for 2 years before he was accepted. Please find out what you can afford and if there is a waiting list and get on it!

My son started his Autism preschool last September and at his school they use ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis),  P.L.A.Y., and PECS.  I believe both ABA and P.L.A.Y. are better then just one treatment. He is saying 50-100 words now, almost potty trained, and improving daily .

When he said "I love you " the first time I cried! I never thought I would hear those words.

It is still hard having a child on the spectrum but I take it one day at a time. I was told from my friend who I mentioned earlier that I would get an education in Autism. Which I have, but this education is a life education that never ends!

Please be aware and please have empathy for parents you see with a child with a disability.

This has been the hardest thing for me to go through in my life so far but I would not change it for the world!

Tami's Recommendations:

"Out-of-sync Child Has fun", by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.

"More Than Words", by  Fern Sussman

"The Way I See It", by Temple Grandin

P.L.A.Y Project
Temple Gradin- The Movie

I want to give a special thank to my sister for supporting me and her nephew in this and allowing me to share some of my story with you. I have had family support from the start and I am so grateful for it daily!

Good luck and let's shine a light on Autism!

-Tami 

When I found out from my sister that Azden had Autism I was glad that she had recieved a diagnosis. She had struggled with this situation and I know that she found relief when she received the official diagnosis. I think she was very smart to start the therapies right away. I remember one particular phone call with her, about how I honestly believe mom's that have children with disabilities are angels!! It takes so much love, patience, and care on a 24/7 daily basis. My heart goes out to all you mom's, you truly are special women!! I have been around Azden in many family outings and he really is a neat boy! He has the biggest eyes and heart! I give all my love and support to my sister Tami and her sweet boy Azden, for these children are very special!!!

And... yes the tears were coming down while rereading her story!

Love you Tami and Azden!