What Is Life With Autism Like: A Runner's Race

Never giving up...

http://www.godvine.com/Christian-Athlete-Takes-a-Fall-But-Still-Wins-the-Race-378.html

A friend sent me this video. She offered no explanation. I watched this short video, and I knew why she sent it. This video is a perfect example of what life is like with autism for a parent. I can't speak from a perspective of a person with autism, but I would guess that it does suffice from that angle as well--based on what I see how my sons persist in their daily lives.

Of course, we are still running to our finish lines!

Nicholas: A Good Week

This week has been a good week. What a blessing! Makes me wonder if I was taking for granted all the other "good weeks" that we had...

A friend asked if "one of the boys has had a set back. I thought they were all doing so well." Yes, the boys were all doing well. I am not sure why Nick is regressing, or seems to be regressing.

One suspicion I have is teenage turmoil. How hard is it for a teen without autism to maneuver high school and puberty? I recall tough times. I have seen Nick's three older brothers, with and without autism, have tremendous struggles in transitions, friendships, and work loads.

Nick is a teen with autism. The autism effects his expressive and receptive language. Nick thinks in pictures, so his brain is firing like crazy to interpret speech and sound. Most kids his age may not have the patience to give Nick time to process what they say.

I brought up this issue at Nick's IEP meeting about two weeks ago. His speech pathologist recommends a program called Best Buddies. The psychologist and case manager said that they'd sign him up. I haven't heard anything so far, so tomorrow, Monday, I'll be calling the school to see what the status is. In this program NT (neuro-typical) kids signs up to befriend special needs kids, and they meet the kids for several social outings.

I am hopeful that the Best Buddies will help Nick through this time. However, this is one small piece that may fit the "puzzle" of autism.

I still am trying to figure out if there are any other issues at hand, but here's to Nick's perseverance!

photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/sean-b/

Sleuthing Autism: What's The Problem?

"My son is having a much easier time talking today that he has had all week. I'm still trying to figure out how an autistic mind works. Some days, he can barely get a sentence out. Other days, he can talk with just a little effort. That was my post yesterday on Facebook. Last Saturday I posted, "My son had a good day. Yea."

For the last four weeks Nick has been having a very difficult time with life. A few times he's been very close to tears. Other times, he has been downright angry. One Wednesday, he stammered, "I can barely talk." That was all he could say.
I am quite baffled. I have no answers for my son. This is the child who talked for an hour once to my oldest son's friend back in the Fall.
Nick is also a very resilient child. He has a quiet but happy spirit. He is not one to hold a grudge or be in a slump for long. Lately, he seems to be obsessing more frequently. Again, something he usually does not do too often.
The most confusing part is that his behavior and mood swing are not consistent. As parents, we are encouraging Nick to keep talking and keep hope.
I feel stupid, asking a teen with autism to talk. I'm asking him to do the one thing that is hardest for anyone with autism to do: socialize and talk. Yea, no problem... NOT.
So I'm tracking the ups and downs of Nick, trying to find if there is a reason. Could he be staying on the gluten free diet? Is he not taking his supplements? Are other kids contributing to the problem? Is this just a typical stage in a teen's life?
I wish I could hire Sherlock Holmes!

Too Much On Your Plate?

Multi-task. Going 24/7. Not enough time in the day. Too much to do.

It's called adulthood. Responsibilities demand our attention. Well, that is why I'm not writing as frequently as I'd like. I'm pulled in so many directions, that my brain pretends to be more flexible than a rubber band. I have a lot of energy, but it seems I don't get anything done. Frustrating.

This happens to everyone, not just parents of autistic teens. I see many moms--crazed and dazed. I ask them how they're doing, and the response is usually similar, "I'm running."

A friend wrote to me today, saying that she was making mistakes because she had "too much on her plate". I can totally relate. I replied that we must be at the same feast. My friend appreciated my understanding her.

We're all busy, but a positive attitude helps. So, yes, my friend and I are at this "busy" feast. I can't wait until dessert is served. I am up for a good challenge of dealing with too much chocolate on my plate!

photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/jennedwards/