"When one door of happiness closes, another opens;
but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."
Helen Keller

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Kick Off to Autism Awareness Month!

April is Autism Awareness Month
In support of our son and all others affected by Autism, the two lights on the outside of our house will be blue for the entire month.  We will also be wearing blue tomorrow (April 2) for World Autism Awareness Day.  We welcome anyone and everyone to join us in either or both of these events!

In addition to this, I would like to make everyone aware of just how unique Autism is.  No child is the same on the spectrum.  Just like no child/adult is the same, neither is the approach his or her parents take to treat the symptoms of Autism with their child.  Though as different as we and our children are, the similarity still remains that we all want what is best for our child and want them accepted for who he or she is.
 
The following links are some favorite posts that will show you just how unique each parent's perspective is about certain situations they deal with or want to educate on.  The links provided are going to take you to some blogs of my most favorite people in this world.  I don't need to physically be with them or talk to them to know how much I adore them and their kiddos...and through all the moves we will make in the upcoming years, these ladies (and a couple gentlemen) will be my constant...my forever friends.  They are my online support group that I cherish...for every joy and challenge I have raising a child on the spectrum, they are the ones who will "listen" and give advice that I trust and know is in the best interest of my child. 

Thank you and much love...you all know who you are!




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1 comment:

  1. DeanneApril 1, 2012 at 10:25 PM

    It has been so amazing getting the chance to know you and your family and being together as we all face challenges as well as celebrating all of Brycen's many achievements. You've worked so hard and loved so much. :)

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Autism and Our Family

"Autism"----It's one word that can change the life of a child and family in so many ways. Autism Spectrum Disorders are being diagnosed at a rate of 1 in 68 children currently. If you do not already know someone that has been diagnosed, the statistics say it won't be long before you do.

Our son developed typically until around the time he turned 2 years old. We heard words...we saw him play with other kids...we watched as he played with his toys appropriately...we made eye contact with him...overall we understood his wants and needs. In a matter of a few months, that was all taken away from him. He began lining up toys, lost all of his words and signs except for one word "ball", ignored other kids, could not sleep through the night, lost eye contact and the ability to follow directions, and he had no way of letting us know what he wanted or how he felt. It was heartbreaking to see something happening to our child that we couldn't stop!

Brycen began receiving home therapy 1-2 times per month for about 6 months before we realized it wasn't just developmental delays. We knew it was Autism...we just didn't want to say it outloud to anyone. He was officially diagnosed with Autism (classic form and regressive), as well as Mental Retardation in August 2009 by the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

We continue to learn as we make our way through this journey with Brycen and we will continue to share this journey with you on this blog! The blog has been a great therapy for us to be able to vent our frustrations and struggles with accepting that we have a child with special needs, while sharing how blessed we are to have a child teach us what life truly means. It has also been a great way to inform others of his progress and changes over the last couple of years.

Thank you for your support of Brycen and our family! We hope you are able to learn something through this blog no matter if you are a parent of a child with special needs or a neurotypical child, a teacher or therapist, a family member, or just someone that is interested in the journey that a family goes on as they learn their child is battling a life-long disorder.