"A FRIEND LIKE ME"

This poem was shared by a special friend on FB who also is the parent of a child with Autism.

A FRIEND LIKE ME

Please don't be afraid of me
I want to be your friend.
And if you get to know me
Your rigid thoughts might bend

Thoughts that I am different
From others that you know,
I really am no different
And this I'd like to show

I live and breathe and laugh and cry
I love to play and learn,
I sometimes do things differently
Which can cause some concern

You see, some say I'm special
I guess this much is true,
But if you were to ask me
I'd say you're special too

We're all a little different
No two are just the same,
It's really something wonderful
that way there is no blame

When things don't go just perfectly
And others get confused,
And say things like "poor child"
and other terms they use

It's okay if you look at me
And might not understand,
It's okay if you touch me
And even hold my hand

My life has many obstacles
Much more than you could know,
But that's not what I dwell on
I'm me, that's all, and so...

Please don't be afraid of me
I want you just to see,
How truly great and wonderful
A friend like me can be

written by Tracey Porreca

~Brycen's 2011 Year End Summary~

2011 has been a BUSY year for us, especially Brycen!  As I was compiling a list of his "success stories," I am once again in awe of just how far he has come in so many areas.  He is a special little boy that has so much determination to keep up with his classmates and he has shown every single person in his life not to underestimate his ability to do so!

Created by Mallory Hinkeldey

Success Stories of 2011

1. Began wearing an ID bracelet
2. Adding the medication Fluoxetine is to decrease his repetitive and anxiety behaviors.
3. Completed genetic testing
4. Received his Alt-Chat communication device
5. Began verbalizing the letters of the alphabet in and out of order, as well as spelling a variety of simple words and our names.
6. new word approximations and signs
7. successful move with Mike's job promotion
8. counting on his fingers, writing numbers, counting objects
9. successful dental procedure requiring tooth extraction and anesthesia
10. learned how to pedal his bike
11. began riding the bus home from school two times per week
12. started kindergarten and is successful in the general education room with the assistance of a 1:1 associate
13. expanded length of therapy appointments, frequency, and added Physical Therapy
14. Writing his name independently!
15. Team Brycen 2011 raised over $5000 for the Iowa Walk Now for Autism Speaks in June
16. Learned how to undress and dress himself almost independently
17. Increase in imitation skills

2012 Goals for Brycen & Family

1. Continue to work on understanding safety and decrease his running from us while in public
2. Expand our fundraising to include more activities in April for Autism Awareness Month
3. Create Team Brycen 2012 and set a goal to raise over $5000 again
4. Continue to work on potty training by developing a routine in conjunction with school
5. Program more "functional communication" buttons on his device so he can have mini-conversations
6. Work on decreasing aggression
7. Work with OT on addressing sensory concerns such as acquiring a weighted-compression vest
8. Sleep!!!
9. Encourage appropriate play and socialization
10. Encourage more independence in daily tasks

We are looking forward to a fabulous 2012 and know his success will continue!

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
Winston Churchill