Stories From the Heart: He’ll Get the Message
Mar 14th
Posted by autismtoday in Stories From the Heart
Like many kids with Autism, Byron has a hard time believing things that are seemingly illogical or abstract. Religion in general is a difficult concept for him to understand and study because it asks him to have faith in things he can’t use his senses to confirm.
“Mom”, he whispered to me on Easter morning, “you do realize that people don’t come back from the dead?”
“Yes, you’re right, but Jesus was special. He was God’s Son. You just have to believe He rose from the dead and know in your heart it’s true,” was my answer. His quick response back was “Mom, you know, your heart is just a muscle….?”
Hhmmmm, OK……..
One Sunday morning after his church school class his teacher came to me with the news that Byron had been acting out during the lesson and said some totally inappropriate things. This wasn’t the first time he had behaved in such a way, but my husband and I decided that instead of the usual punishment of no computer or television or video games we would try a new tactic. We told him he needed to talk to God a little more, so it would be his job to say our family’s grace at the dinner table for the next week.
You would have thought we were torturing him with instruments from the Inquisition! He spent the rest of the day informing me and everyone else that there was no way he would talk to God. “You can’t make me say grace” became the mantra of the afternoon. “I won’t do it” he would mutter under his breath every few minutes. “Mom, that’s not fair” was shouted out at regular intervals.
As luck would have it my in-laws were visiting from out-of-state and we had planned a dinner that just happened to be one of Byron’s favorites! The smell of ham, au gratin potatoes and crescent rolls in the oven had all of us anticipating the food, but not necessarily the moments that would precede our meal. Soon I announced that everything was almost ready so it was time to wash up and sit down.
Byron stomped into the dining room and sat slouched in his seat while the rest of us found our chairs. I had spoken with my husband ahead of time about how I would remove Byron from the table and take him to his bedroom if he refused to follow our request. It was with a sinking feeling that I asked Byron to bless our table. Nothing happened for a moment. Then another moment passed and the hush stretched even longer. Just as I opened my mouth to speak we heard a loud noise.
“Bbbrrrrriiing!” Puzzled silence filled the room.
Again….“BBBbbbrrrriing!”
This telephone-like noise was coming from Byron, whose eyes were closed tight and whose face was scrunched up!
“BBBBBBbbbrrrrrriiiing!”
I peeped questioningly at my husband and at my confused in-laws. Suddenly, Byron began speaking in a deep, formal, monotone voice.
“Hello. You have reached God’s answering machine. He is not available to listen to your prayers right now, but leave a message and He will get back to you later.” This was followed by a long pause.
“BEEEP”
“BEEEEP”
“BEEEEEEEEEP”
Another moment of silence filled the room as I saw my mother-in law’s shoulders begin shaking with silent laughter and my husband’s eyes rolling toward the ceiling.
“Dear God”, said Byron, “bless all this food and bless my family too. Amen and goodbye.” He quickly opened his eyes and looked up at me. “Mom” he said, “I didn’t talk to God”.
We looked at each other for a moment and I saw the confusion and anger leave his face. “I’m sure he’ll get the message” I said, “and you can catch him tomorrow.” “OK” he said, secure in the knowledge that God would be there for him whenever he was ready to talk and no matter what he done.
The rest of the week Byron’s graces were wonderfully reflective and inspiring, as well as thankful and unconventional! Byron might not have been ready to talk to God on that Sunday evening, but he knew God would get the message and appreciate that some kids need a little extra time and understanding when it comes to prayer and all the mysteries of faith. Byron is truly our blessing and we thank God every day for him and his quirky observations and interpretations of life!
Author Unknown
* Stories From the Heart is an ongoing series of user contributed heart warming stories, that shine light on the Autism experience.
Stories From the Heart: Cheerleader
Mar 7th
Posted by autismtoday in Stories From the Heart
In the fall 0f 1999 I took my daughter Micaela to the Tri-State fair parade. She was 3 years old and had just been diagnosed with Autism. Although I had known she had a speech delay and Autistic tendencies officially getting the diagnosis was devastating. I asked the doctors, “Will she be able to talk, read, write or drive a car when she’s older”? “We don’t know”, is the only answer they could give me.
As I wheeled her stroller down the sidewalk I wondered how she would react to the sounds and excitement of the parade. She had never been to a parade before and I knew the noise and crowds might be too much sensory overload for her. I was hoping she would be fascinated with the horses or even laugh at a clown or wave back as a fire truck went by. Mostly I just wanted to have a fun time like all the families there. I remembered the excitement of a parade when I was a girl and I wanted Micaela to have the same joyful memories.
I found a spot near the curb to park the stroller and sat down beside her. “It’s a parade.” I told her. She ignored me. As the fire trucks and motorcycle cops passed she showed no interest. She was only interested in playing with the seatbelt on her stroller.
She briefly glanced at a clown when I pointed him out. I stood and held her up as the horses passed so she could see how big and beautiful they were. She screamed and cried to be put back in the safety of her stroller. She held her ears as the band went by as the music was toxic to her senses. Instead of thinking of high school pep rallies and enjoying the rhythm of the drums I found myself wishing they would pass a little faster, and be a little quieter.
Micaela is crying now and the parade is torture to her. She doesn’t understand any of it and doesn’t care. Then I see the next float, a flat bed trailer loaded with elementary age girls dressed in their cheerleading outfits. They are smiling, waving their pom-poms and yelling their cheers in perfect unison. All of the sudden it hits me and I realize – my daughter will never be a cheerleader.
The tears start flowing uncontrollably as I stand watching them pass. I start to think of all the things my daughter will not be. She will never be a homecoming queen, drive a car, or get married. There won’t be any basket ball games or slumber parties. No friends or summer camps. All the grief and all the potential of a life lost overwhelm me. We leave the parade both in tears, and I hope I do not run into someone I know and have to explain why I’m crying.
I had never given much thought to cheerleaders before. I wasn’t one myself and so it didn’t hold any particular importance to me. I never wanted my daughter to fall into a social clique –cheerleader-pretty and popular but also sometimes snotty, shallow and stuck up. I was more interested in a daughter that was smart and had a kind heart, but when faced with all the grief of what she would never be a cheerleader didn’t sound too bad.
As the years pass I still grieve at times. When her cousins pass milestones that she doesn’t it’s a reminder, but somehow it makes the small things sweeter and more precious. Now I’m pleased with small accomplishments and progress of any kind. When my daughter helps me vacuum instead of crying at the sight of a vacuum cleaner it makes me happy. When I see her sit on a horse with perfect posture, tall and confident without any fear I’m so proud of her. I’ve watched her handle many obstacles with grace.
When she was diagnosed with Diabetes at the age of 8 she faced the challenge with a good attitude. She never shed tears over the shots or cried over the finger sticks. She never felt sorry for herself, never whined or complained. She was brave and smart and quickly learned how to give the shots herself, and then I realized… she has all the attitude, charisma and enthusiasm of a cheerleader.
Author Unknown
* Stories From the Heart is an ongoing series of user contributed heart warming stories, that shine light on the Autism experience.
Stories From the Heart: How to Love Unconditionally
Feb 29th
Posted by autismtoday in Stories From the Heart
You just don’t expect it. We were living the perfect family life. We had just had our second child, the boy we wanted after the first child, a beautiful girl. My husband and I had met in a choir at University, and always thought it would be nice to have a quartet some day.
We did as most parents do. We read books, sang songs, and played with both of our children. We enjoyed the busy life of raising two toddlers, sixteen months apart. But a nagging worry surrounded me about my little boy.
At ten months, he sat up, crawled, pulled himself up as a many do at that age, but he had no apparent need to interact with us. I would go into his room in the morning to find him sitting pressed into the corner of his crib. He did not hold up his arms or cry to me to be picked up as his sister had done just months before. While sitting on the living room floor surrounded by toys and books, his preferred toy would be anything that could dangle or flap. He would tap his foot on the floor repetitively while staring at it. I remember joking with my husband, “It looks like he’s Autistic.”
My mother had been a special education teacher, and she brought stories home about the children in her life. Among the children she taught was a boy with Autism. Thinking more about that boy, and watching my own little guy not reach milestones his sister had reached, made me investigate further. I went on to the internet and searched my gut fear, that Timothy had Autism. I looked for criteria for Autism and found a DSM1V, a diagnostic checklist that is used to check for symptoms that are characteristic of Autism. Timothy had many of them.
Being only sixteen months at the time, it was hard to find anyone who could diagnose him. We lived in a large city, and our own pediatrician told us that this was typical male development. We would have to watch over a longer period of time to reach any kind of diagnosis. But having researched autism extensively, being fairly confident that I knew my own child, and wanting the best outcome for our family, I pressed on for answers.
I contacted the local Autism Society and received a list of local services and doctors. We decided on a pediatrician who specialized in developmental disorders and was associated with a children’s hospital. She observed Tim on a rainy Friday. My husband and I both knew what she would find.
As part of her observation, she asked for us to leave the office and return to see if there would be any separation difficulties. I knew there would be none. I often joked we could leave Timothy with the mailman and as long as he was fed and watered, he would be happy. We truly wanted him to cry for us, but there were no tears except our own. The doctor told us she expected autism, but would have to watch him over a longer period of time. We cried, and she asked us, “Isn’t what I am telling you what you expected?” I replied, “I really wanted to be wrong.”
Timothy is now ten years old. He is a beautiful boy and we have done the best we can for him. We have had many challenges over the years, but what I have learned from the outset is to follow my gut. We knew Tim had Autism before anyone, and we followed our instincts to do what was best for him. We have always found that if we persevere, we can get the help that we need.
There are many people who have helped us along the way including family, friends and a long list of professionals. But I have to say the greatest teacher, guide, helper I have had on this journey has to be my son, Timothy. He taught me to follow my instincts, to persevere when it doesn’t seem worth it anymore, and how to love unconditionally.
Author Unknown
* Stories From the Heart is an ongoing series of user contributed heart warming stories, that shine light on the Autism experience.
Stories From the Heart: My Real Patriot
Feb 22nd
Posted by autismtoday in Stories From the Heart
This is a Paper written by my 13 year old son about his 10 year old autistic brother. Sam had to write a paper for school on someone that was a True Patriot. This is what my son and Nick’s brother wrote.
My real Patriot is my little brother Nick. He has always loved things that involve the U.S.A.
Nick has been to Washington D.C., and said that Washington D.C. is the best city in the U.S.A… Nick’s favorite Place there is the White House. He went to the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, and the U.S. Capitol building. Nick also went to the Vietnam Memorial wall, and was very interested in that too. Ever since that trip, Nick has wanted to go back and see more.
Everyday when Nick gets home from school, he plays the song, “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” by Toby Keith. When Nick hears that song he just smiles, and sings the entire time.
Nick is very musical; he plays the piano and the guitar. His favorite song to play on the guitar is “The Star Spangled Banner.” On the piano, Nick has many patriotic songs; he has played them at piano recitals, and at school programs.
Last year, when Nick was in the third grade, he opened an assembly at school that was about Patriotism. He talked about what it meant to be an American, and the history of our great nation.
When Nick was nine years old, he could tell you every President, and the order that they served as President. He could also tell you how long they served. Nick can tell you, when they were born, when they died, and many other facts about their lives. Nick knows which Presidents fought in wars, and if they won a medal of honor.
Nick has wanted to meet the President since I can remember. He has always loved the United States, and the Presidents. He got to sit across the basketball court from President George Bush Sr. last year at a Texas A & M basketball game. Nick says someday he wants to live in the Nick, and be the President of the United States.
Never in my whole life have I ever met anyone as patriotic as my brother Nick. He has always been interested in the Presidents and the facts about our country. I think Nick is an amazing patriot, especially because at 18 months old, he was diagnosed with autism, and now he is 10, and the most proud American I know.
By: Sam Waters
* Stories From the Heart is an ongoing series of user contributed heart warming stories, that shine light on the Autism experience.
Stories From the Heart: An Amazing Teacher
Feb 15th
Posted by autismtoday in Stories From the Heart
It was three days before the new school year would begin. Nick was starting 2nd grade and was somewhat apprehensive about having a new teacher. Nick was diagnosed with autism at age 18 months, and transitioning has always been a difficult area for him. So to make things go more smoothly on the first day, he would usually visit the school, and the teachers a few days before school would actually start. This would be his second year at this school, so he was acquainted with the teachers; however, he wanted to see them, especially the one that would be his homeroom teacher.
Judy, a wonderful woman who has done therapy with Nick since he was three years old, decided to take Nick to the school to meet the new teacher, and say hello to the ones he already knew. Judy has become more than just a therapist to us, she is more like family. She is always thinking ahead on things that will help Nick advance, and ways to make his transitions easier.
They went to meet Mrs. Wiley, Nick’s new teacher, and find out where the new classroom would be. After visiting with Mrs. Wiley, Nick and Judy walked down the hall to see the other teachers for the new year. They met with the principal, and the art teacher, then the librarian and the P.E. coach. After that, it was off to the other end of the school to say hello to visit Mrs. Kotzur, the school’s music teacher, and also Nick’s piano teacher.
Nick and Judy entered the room, but Mrs. Kotzur was not there. Judy suggested to Nick, that he leave Mrs. Kutzor a note on the board to let her know he had come by to say hi. While Nick was doing this, Judy left a note on the desk. As they were leaving, Judy went to the black board to make sure Nick had left his note. He had most certainly had!
Nick had left a perfectly drawn “quarter note” on the black board.
Author Unknown
* Stories From the Heart is an ongoing series of user contributed heart warming stories, that shine light on the Autism experience.
Stories From the Heart: You Gave Me Wings
Feb 8th
Posted by autismtoday in Stories From the Heart
I don’t think it is the first time that I have felt this way but it definitely ranks as one of the most memorable and most painful of my life. Watching someone die is tough. Watching a child with a disability die slowly is indescribable.
These days his eyes are filled with sadness and his lack of energy is understandable. The four ounces I fed him today did nothing but prolong the inevitable. An hour or so after I finished feeding him he coughed weakly a few times then spit out a handful of blood onto the chux cloth beside his chin. I held the paper lined plastic for him and watched the fear grow on his face. I could almost hear him wonder out loud whether this was going to be one of the horrible retching episodes followed by painful coughing and aspiration, or a quiet almost eerie scene that could possibly go unnoticed in the average PMD classroom.
The small puddle of blood didn’t look like much but I knew that it was indicative of a larger problem looming inside that would eventually consume his frail body and wither his spirit as it had over the past several years until eventually there would be nothing left with which to fight. I’ve tried so hard to be strong and the two additional adults that serve this class work daily and diligently to maintain a sense of realism and support that I feel will be the source of our social energy that will see us through. But on days like this I’m driven to tearful emotion as I consider the day’s events and what the future might possibly hold for us all.
I can’t really describe our relationship only to say that it is so very close. Closer than a teacher should ever allow herself to get to a student. But over the years I have found that it is pretty difficult to change someone’s diaper, clean up vomit, and rock them to sleep in your lap, without developing some sort of feeling. I think it would go against all sorts of natural design if I didn’t.
We were destined to relate, to try and make sense of our short time together. I knew it from the moment he was wheeled into the room and immediately cried at all of the overwhelming stimulation that was gently attacking his immature nervous system. Though we tried to prepare him for transitions. A simple thing, like turning classroom lights on and off, was enough to trigger severe neurological and muscular reflexes.
Mealtime via a PMD has always been a source of irritation for him. Rarely did it ever proceed as a typical feeding should. It was often accompanied by reflux, coughing, aspiration and nausea that seemed like it would last until it was time to eat again. Even with all of the issues surrounding his existence, he always managed to smile and laugh especially at the adults in the room. He would always attempt to position himself in such a way as not to miss any of the perceived action in other locations in the room. This natural curiosity, sense of humor and brave spirit was enough to endear him to anyone who took the time to get to know him better.
Nothing ever came easy to him. Things like breathing, digestion, coughing, sleeping, rolling over, searching for and finding that familiar voice that would comfort when things were really bad.
But his persistence and gratitude for the small ways I’ve helped, has taught me many things. I’ve learned not to take so many things for granted, that in the grand scheme of things our time here really is short, that depending on others is quite necessary at times and is something for which we should never be ashamed, that you can have a really good friend and never say a word to each other. and I’ve learned to always take time to do my best each day for it might be the only chance I get.
For these special lessons I am thankful my student that is also my teacher. There is no earthly lesson plan for what remains to be taught. The only prerequisite is a heart willing to learn.
Recently I’ve been on a search for the answers to many questions. I’ve examined my head and my heart and tried to know God’s heart in this situation and if nothing else I can say that over this I have no control. I have no way to intervene, no game plan, no short range objectives, no long range plans. I am helpless, utterly and completely at the mercy of God’s perfect plan.
I guess sometimes we must be brought to that rude realization before the spirit is able to speak. So here I am, waiting and listening. Wanting so much to see an end to his suffering, wanting to have some rational explanation, wanting to make predictions and give direction.
There is no end that I can see, no explanation, no predictions or directions to give or follow, only the haunting lyrics to a song that seems as if it were written just for me and Biscuit:
“You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith; you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I’m grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don’t know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you,”
By Anonymous
* Stories From the Heart is an ongoing series of user contributed heart warming stories, that shine light on the Autism experience.
Coming to Edmonton! From Obstacles to Opportunities: An Inside View on Opening Doors Empowering Students with ASD’s to Succeed!
Feb 3rd
Posted by autismtoday in News
A Special 1-Day Workshop Presented by Stephen Shore Ed.D.
Edmonton Alberta – Wednesday, May 9th 2012
Oasis Conference and Events Centre
Early Bird Registration Ends April 9th 2012!
Register today to ensure your seat.
Click here to Register as a Parent - 99 $79
Click here to Register as a Professional - 129 $99
Full event details at http://www.autismedmonton.com
OUTCOME OBJECTIVES
1. Develop greater understanding of what it is like to be an individual with autism
2. Recognize and successfully address common sensory issues that for students with autism
3. Learn effective educational strategies for social inclusion while addressing academics.
4. Create easy to implement, practical solutions for challenges teachers face
5. Educate students with autism in successful advocacy skills as part of an effective transition plan towards leading a fulfilling and productive life.
Going against conventional wisdom, this presentation examines how deficits and challenges so pervasively attributed to autism can be reframed as strengths. Employing an autobiographical structure combined with experiences of others with autism, participants will come away with practical solutions for considering characteristics of autism as potential springboards to success in education from preschool to post graduate, employment, effective self-advocacy, meaningful engagement in the community as building blocks for leading a fulfilling and productive life.
Full event details at http://www.autismedmonton.com
Stories From the Heart: The Miracle That I Waited So Long To Feel
Feb 1st
Posted by autismtoday in Stories From the Heart
Albert Einstein once said, “There are two ways to live. One, as thought nothing is a miracle, and the other, as thought everything is a miracle.” I have this saying on my refrigerator, and I look at it every day to remind me of the miracle of my son, Jare. Sometimes miracles are so obvious, and sometimes they are so small and subtle.
What is miraculous about Jare is he came to this world to teach me about quiet courage, compassion, and forgiveness. If he had been born a typical child, I would not have been given this gift.
This blessing did not come without a price. I came from a loving, yet dysfunctional family situation, where addiction and depression were prevalent. And, after my son was born, spiraled into a post-partum depression that threw my world as I knew it out of control. How could I, the straight A student, the fearless young woman who would defy her past, live in the big city, do everything different than what was done before, and be supermom be straddled with such a jolt, such a nightmare? And then, once Jare was identified with having some developmental challenges, was my depression to blame? Now, I was not only depressed, but guilt washed upon my soul like a tsunami.
I did what any loving parent would do; jumped into therapies, research, interventions, networking, and loving and accepting the situation, even if those closest to us were unable. And, it wasn’t until much later, that I knew the incredible son, whose soul was so ahead of its’ time, whose observations about the world, so honest, so raw, whose ability to love and accept without judgment was unwavering, was my lesson about life: forgiveness, and looking beyond the material and physical world.
He is my world of unconditional love, and of a higher power. Jare is my “guidepost”, and I am the student, reading the signs.
There are challenges now. He is an adolescent, and some kids can be cruel to those who are not on par with them socially. His peers are not always at level to appreciate the “quirks” as gifts the way that I do. But I am certain that he will, in the future, be a “teacher” to one of them, and they will experience the small miracle that Einstein was talking about. The miracle that I waited so long to feel.
By Anonymous
* Stories From the Heart is an ongoing series of user contributed heart warming stories, that shine light on the Autism experience
Winnipeg: From Obstacles to Opportunities: An Inside View on Opening Doors Empowering Students with ASD’s to Succeed!
Jan 31st
Posted by autismtoday in News
A Special 1-Day Workshop Presented by Stephen Shore Ed.D.
Winnipeg, Manitoba – Friday, May 11th 2012
University of Manitoba – Manitoba Room (Rm 210-214)
Early Bird Registration Ends April 11th 2012!
Register today to ensure your seat.
Click here to register as a parent - 99 $79
Click here to register as a professional - 129 $99
Full event details at http://www.autismwinnipeg.com
OUTCOME OBJECTIVES
1. Develop greater understanding of what it is like to be an individual with autism
2. Recognize and successfully address common sensory issues that for students with autism
3. Learn effective educational strategies for social inclusion while addressing academics.
4. Create easy to implement, practical solutions for challenges teachers face
5. Educate students with autism in successful advocacy skills as part of an effective transition plan towards leading a fulfilling and productive life.
Going against conventional wisdom, this presentation examines how deficits and challenges so pervasively attributed to autism can be reframed as strengths. Employing an autobiographical structure combined with experiences of others with autism, participants will come away with practical solutions for considering characteristics of autism as potential springboards to success in education from preschool to post graduate, employment, effective self-advocacy, meaningful engagement in the community as building blocks for leading a fulfilling and productive life.
Full event details at http://www.autismwinnipeg.com
Stories From the Heart: Mommy, Am I a Real Boy Now?
Jan 25th
Posted by autismtoday in Stories From the Heart
The following is a collection of quotes from Alyxander, our Autistic 9 year old has said to me throughout our many years of therapy and doctor’s visits. Many times, it was these thoughts which sustained us through the difficult road his disability has taken us on.
“Do you remember when I was inside you? I do. It was warm and dark, but I wasn’t scared. I used to talk and whisper with my brothers when we were all together. I let them go out first, but I was shy. I hid in the back.”
“I love my Family. I want them to always be with me.”
“Other kids hurt me. They won’t play with me. Why not?”
“I don’t want to talk to others. Make them all go away.”
“Too much noise and heat. Leave me alone.”
“I really like Star Wars. I want to be a Jedi, and go to other worlds.”
“I can’t read, but really I can.”
“When my family is with me, I can do anything.”
“Francine is my therapist. She lets me stay in the cocoon. It is safe and warm and dark. I can remember things in the cocoon.”
“Mommy, what is Autistic? Is it like being an Indian?”
“Mommy, am I a real boy now?”
“I am a real boy now.”
Yes, Alyxander you are real boy now.
By Anonymous
* Stories From the Heart is an ongoing series of user contributed heart warming stories, that shine light on the Autism experience.
