PJ Questions

Last night as I was putting on Austin's pjs.

Me: Austin, look! Who is that on your shirt?

Austin: Bubbob

Me: Really! What color is spongebob?

Austin: Wewo

So cute and totally unexpected since I didn't prompt him or remind him before hand. :)

Update

Here's just a small update as to what all Austin is doing and what we are currently working on:

Words:
Blue, Green, Yellow, One, Two, Three, Bubbles, Juice, Bye

Animal Sounds:
Moo, Woof-Woof, Quack, Cluck, Gobble Gobble, Nay, SSS

He also has tons of word approximations and imitation going on. We are also working on safety rules outside (crossing street/holding hands/stopping), and other outings such as parks and stores so that Austin learns to wait and also has the oppurtunity to be around other children.

He is also able to use PECS effectively and knows all the pictures.

Halloween Pics

Walking for Austin

Yesterday, my husband and I participated in the Walk for Autism. It was so amazing to see everyone there and just pulling together for such an important cause. This is the first time that either of us have gotten to do something for autism on the big level so we were really excited about it and it was just so great to feel like we were making a difference. Together we raised a little over $500 which isn't much but it is a contribution nonetheless. We also visited several booths and found out about an free surfing camp and a couple of places that provide advocacy services which will come in handy since our IEP is in less than 2 months.

I know it is dissapointing but being that it was at 8:00 am and I had to get 3 kids (husband included) and myself ready, I forgot the camera! I was so upset but hey there is always next year. For now, you can have a pic of the shirt we got for fundraising. Thanks so much to everyone who supported us! We hope to do it again next year.

October

Wow! It's been a while. I didn't realize how much time had gone by. We are just so busy here with therapy. We have it 2x per day, each session almost 2 hours or more, except for Friday. We actually just started speech therapy again which I think is probably a perfect time since Austin is trying to make many many sounds now. He has some word approximations and will try to say anything we ask of him even if what comes out is nothing like the word. It's still pretty fantastic though.

His new favorite word is no! Although it is quite a bad thing, we love it. It's just that every time we ask if he want to go potty or come inside from playing, the answer is no. It also comes complete with a nice head shake. It really is adorable. He knows how to nod his head for yes too but not appropriately yet.

Also we just had his transition meeting from early intervention to the school district. Nothing formal and no IEP yet but Austin will be getting an evaluation in December. Shortly after that, we will do the IEP and I will be touring and sitting in on a few classes to see what our options are like. We are going to look into getting an advocate so that we get everything that Austin is entitled to. Wish us luck! I know it can be a long trying process and I'm not looking forward to it.

What does a cow say?

Austin will now answer "moo" spontaneously and consistently!!!!! As well as saying "moo" when presented with a cow picture.

He also answers "what does a snake say" with "sss"!

Our first DAN! appointment

Our appointment was yesterday. The doctor looked over Austin and I answered the same history questions as always. Then he wrote up the paper for lab work. It will just be one needle prick but probably a few tubes of blood. He ordered 17 tests - all but 2 are done at the lab. 2 test kits will be sent to me from Great Plains Lab at home and I will do one urine test (they give you bags to put in diapers to catch it), and one poop test. The urine tests for gluten and casein and the poop tests for yeast. He felt his tummy for bloating or constipation but said his gut feels pretty normal but the tests may show different. Then once I get the lab work, I call the doctor's office and they'll see me about 3 weeks later when the results should be in and we'll discuss what Austin's specific plan will be. Also for now we will be starting the cod liver oil (1/2 tsp) per day, then in one week if I have the poop test done we will start him on probiotics, and then one week later on Super Nu Thera(1/2 tsp 2x per day). I will also give him a few calcium supplaments just to try out to see which form he likes better - caplets or powder. I won't start him on it yet but just get a feel for what he tolerates better. Also he gave me a few trial sizes of the Super Nu Thera. He said to try those and which ever one Austin likes better and doesn't get too hyper on to go ahead and buy a big bottle. So basically for now he'll be on 3 supplaments until the test results come in. He said at that time he'll probably tell me to go GF/CF/ and soy free but I can wait for now.

I am quite happy and excited to be going forth with this. I know nothing may happen but at least I will have tried it out.

Showing Some Sibling Love

Ok, so I had to prompt him to kiss her but a kiss is a kiss!

Blanket

Ok well here it is.. I think this might be the first word!!!

I'm trying to not get too excited b/c I don't want to get my hopes up but today was the 3rd time Austin has said it and it has been while playing with the blanket. The therapists wrap him up in it or play peek a book while also using the blanket PEC. It's very random and unpredictable right now but he says it. I disagreed at first but after 3 times, 3 different days I think he really is saying it.

There have been sounds before like the "buh" with bubbles and the "buh" for boo and "sss" when he sees a snake, and "mm" for more but when he says this it sounds like "baaatdit".

Hooray! Hooray!

Therapy has really been working well for us. Austin is making certain sounds now like "mmm" for more and "sss" for snake (pictures in books, imitation, or plastic snakes). He also loves circle time where we sing "If You're Happy and You Know It". One of the versuses in the song is, "If you're happy and you know it, shout Hooray!". Austin really loves that part and will raise his hands above his head to the lyrics. Soon after he got used to the song, he would go find his Dr. Seuss ABC book and flip to the page shown in the picture above just so I would say "Hooray! Hooray!" and he could do the hand motions! He also brings me the letter "H" from our refridgerator magnets and likes me to say it then as well.

Our Week

Rode the carousel on the boardwalk


Played in the ocean with my cousin Shenay


Finally let someone give me a haircut; no clippers though!


Went to Chuck E. Cheese and loved the pizza but hated everything else


Went to Seaworld and fell in love with Shamu



Snuggled up with my family at the end of the day (wish Daddy was here!)

NVI & VI

DAN!

I talked it over with my husband and we have decided to go to a DAN! for a consult. Austin's appointment is September 11th.

To gear up for it, I'm currently reading Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies by Kenneth Bock, M.D., and Cameron Stauth. It was recommeded to me by Molly over at Zavier's Journey. It's a great book and has given me some great information on why the DAN! approach can and does help a lot of kids with any of the above mentioned disorders. I see why healing the gut and providing supplaments can help and it's exciting to have something to look forward to and have some more hope although I know it is not a magical cure by any means. Dr. Bock himself says that it is a combination of diet, supplaments, therapy, etc.. that will help our children. Also it is not an overnight cure but rather a marathon instead of sprint.

A Big Surprise

I went away for a few days to meet up with my husband in Baltimore. I took Kaitlin and had my grandma fly in to keep Austin so he wouldn't have to miss any of those therapy sessions I worked oh so hard to get. And when I came home, I got the best surprise ever. Austin is now doing some nonverbal AND verbal imitation!!! This is so huge to me b/c I am so hopefull the sounds will one day become words.

For the "ba" and "mm" sounds they are just asking him if they are using objects or looking at pictures that begin with those sounds, like the Monkey book or playing with balls or getting him to say book. Then they'll say "ah", "oo", "ee", "ssss" and ask him to do the same and he is getting those expecially "ah" and "ee" and he is really trying to do they others. Then for the nonverbal imitation, they do things like patting their heads, touching their lips, opening and closing mouth, and sticking out tongue and he repeated them all CORRECTLY when asked. It's so very exciting!!!

Round 2?

I've been thinking about Austin alot (well actually I'm always thinking about him) but I often wonder if I'm doing a good enough job as a parent especially when it comes to him. I wonder if I need to at least try to see a DAN! so I can make sure that I gave it a shot even if it doesn't work for us. Lately I've really been thinking about going GF/CF again. We did 3 months last time and saw zero improvements but then I always tell myself I should have waited 6 months and I should not have given him soy milk but by time I found out that soy wasn't so great either, we were already 2+ months into the diet. Another reason I've been thinking about it so much is the fact that he has been having little spells of diarrhea ever few days. I'm still debating what to do from here but for now I'm keeping a food journal to see if I can pinpoint a food culprit.

ABA from EI starts tomorrow so now we will be in full swing. 14 hours per week! I wish it was the recommended 30-40 but 14 is more than I ever expected he would get so I am just really thankful. Last week he started PECS both the book and a schedule. He understands checking the schedule but has yet to realize the picture is representative of what is coming next.

Oh and before I forget, Thomas over at the autism experience tagged me to write about 5 of my favorite things so here they are:

1. Spending time with our families back in Texas - I just love it when we are all together. It may sound cheesy but it really does give you that warm cozy feeling inside.

2. Reading - I don't get to do very much of these days, in fact the 3 library books I checked out have been renewed once and they are all over due as I type this and I only made through half of one! But I digress...I love true crime books the most.

3. Going on vacations - Usually just the vacation part though. I hate getting there and leaving LOL. I just enjoy getting to do stuff away from everyday life and love seeing new places.

4. Mexican Food - There is some good places here in California but I still miss Tex-Mex food very very much!!

5. My children - Thomas is very right; There isn't anything better than being a parent. I just love watching them grow, learn, smile, laugh, everything.

ABA update

We start ABA next week, Tuesday to be exact. ABA through EI hasn't started yet; this will be through our special insurance. For now, we will be working with a BCBA named Maryann 2 hours and 15 min. every Tuesday and Thursday. This weekend I'll be working on rearranging Austin's room to be more of a therapy room. Here's hoping to see lots of new progress. I already know that she is planning on introducting him to PECS and will be working with me on how to get those oh so terrible tantrums under control.

We are still horseback riding and Austin is loving it every single time. I think it is still too new to see any results but I'm just happy that he enjoys it for now.

We Love Horses

Today was Austin's first day at hippotherapy and he did so good!! He was a little cranky when we first got there but once he saw the horses he was happy. He didn't even try to take off the helmet! He rides a little pony named Pancho. They start out by taking him riding on a little trail so he gets used to the movement and I get to walk with them. Then they go into an arena and do activities with him and I'm not allowed in there. He has 3 people around him at all times and they do things like blowing bubbles, stacking rings, and tossing balls in buckets and he has to do all those things sitting and keeping his balance. He also has to ride sideways and backwards and laying down. They also work with signs and teaching him go and whoa. He did the go one a few times when they stopped. It's a good motivator since he really really likes riding. And then at the end, he gets off, has to put his helmet away and goes and gets carrots to feed the horse. It's really nice and I'm happy and hope to see some good benefits!! Thanks so much to Thomas over at the GFCF Experience for introducing me to this wonderful type of therapy!

Psych Eval

Austin had his psych eval on Thursday. He's been evaluated by a neuro-developmental pediatrician in the past who diagnosed him but the regional center here in San Diego won't provide autism services unless you see the child psychologist. She didn't do any formal testing but did bring out several toys to see what he did with them. She also watched his eye contact with me and noticed that several times when he was signing, there was no eye contact but he did look at me when she was approaching him and he also responded really well to praise. She said that he was stimming a lot - hand flaps, toe walking, running, and climbing. And then he also had a few of his tantrums and even hit the dr. during one. I was dissapointed that he tantrummed while we were there but later realized I'm glad. As much as I would like for him to be the perfect angel during dr. appointments, I know it is important for the dr. to get an accurate (or at least as much as possible in a short time) picture of who he is so they can recommend exactly what he needs. The result of all this is we are getting ABA 2 hours per day and 5 days a week!

In other therapy updates, the therapeutic horseback riding center that I enrolled Austin in called and his first session is July 2nd!

I finally feel like we are getting somewhere now and I have something to look forward to.

updates!!!

Oh wow! It's been forever since I last posted but I haven't really had much to report either.

We moved to San Diego finally and got all settled in here. I'm trying to get Austin set up with EI here which is a real big pain in the you know what. Hopefully it won't be too much longer before services start. He has to see a child psych within the next two weeks and they have to determine what therapies he will get. I'm hopeful that we will at least be getting some ABA. I've also taken the first steps to getting him enrolled in hippotherapy. I'm really excited about that from what I've read online about the program and from what Thomas wrote in his blog about his children improving with it.

Also, I had my baby. 9 months went too fast and then too slow at the end. Kaitlin Adrianna was born April 28th. So far Austin really hasn't warmed up to her. He kisses her goodnight at nap and bedtime and that's about all he wants to do with her. He also tantrums whenever she cries. I'm sure it is due to all the changes and a little bit of jealousy and hoping to get some good ideas from therapist on how to help him handle this major change.

Using that fork and spoon sure is hard work!

We are currently working on getting Austin to use a spoon and a fork regularly. He knows what the fork is for and can do it but it has been difficult to get him to use it consistently b/c he is so used to using his hands to eat anything and everything. He is also going through a phase where most of the time he tantrums if we even put a fork near his food :( Other times when he is in a patient mood, he will let us help him eat his entire meal with utensils. Tonight, for instance, he let me help him eat spaghetti with a fork and then he had a small pudding cup with a spoon! The pudding is supposed to help him b/c it is so thick, it just sticks to the spoon automatically. I can see how frustrating it is though when food doesn't always just stay on his fork!! Slow and steady....we will keep on making progress :)

Interesting and inspiring news story

I saw this on ABC news tonight and it is really inspiring although a bit sad that our kids may be feeling awful things when they stim and that is the only way they can express it.

If you have time, copy and paste the link to read about Carly and her story.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Story?id=4311223&page=1

An update on us

Just a little update on us. We are moving to San Diego in a little over a month! I'm so excited because I have heard wonderful things about EI there including ABA. I am really hoping that we get an ABA therapist soon and that Austin will get more intensive therapy and following that, more progress. :)

Currently Pi$$ed @ CBS!

Received this via email today and needless to say CBS shouldn't have aired the comment. I read that CBS is not responsible for the opinions of their contestants but nevertheless, they are responsible for editing and showing what they do. I'm glad someone has brought this to attention even if I don't watch this particular program. I am truly disgusted. I hope this guy ends up having to leave the show and gets fired from what I am told is a PR manager position for the United Autism Foundation. He should be definitely not be working for or anywhere near our children. See Below:

Hi everyone. The new season of Big Brother has begun on CBS. One of the players, Adam, works in public relations and claims to work with autistic children. On last night's show, he was telling the other houseguests about a haircutting place he wanted to start for special needs kids. Sounds great, right? He then said "So all the retards can get it together and get their hair cut". Yes, that's right, he referred to children on the autism spectrum as "retards". When later confronted by another houseguest, Adam was completely unapologetic and, in fact, stated he works with "them", so he can call them whatever he wants. As the parent of a special needs child, one with autism who is not mentally retarded, I cannot put into words how that comment cut through me. To think that someone involved in working with or for our children would laughingly refer to them as retards makes me sick. Even worse than the comment, however, was CBS's decision to air it on television, with no regard to the feelings of people living with autism. It was a decision surely made for ratings and controversy and one they should be made aware was wrong. I've already written to them and if you have a moment and feel some outrage, would ask you to do the same and to pass this message along to anyone else you think would care.

To do it online you can follow this link: http://www.cbs.com/info/user_services/fb_global_form.shtml.

To mail a letter, you can use this address:
CBS Television Network
51 West 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019

And to call you can use this number 212-975-4321

A nice day for a walk

WOW! Today was actually higher than 50 something degrees so we went for a walk to the park and just around our neighborhood. We haven't really been out like that for a few months due to the cold weather and I can definitely see some improvements in Austin. Mere months ago, he didn't really pay attention to things around him outside but today he got really excited about the birds, squirrels, dogs, and even cars driving past us! He looked everytime I pointed out something which is just amazing. I can remember trying to point out squirrels when we lived in Illinois but he just didn't really follow my pointing. Also, at the park, I let him just run around and play and he actually was interested in the park equipment. A few months ago, he would have just tried to run off but he stayed near me and in the park the entire time! YAY!! I can't wait for warmer days!

Martha Stewart

I saw 2 posts on GFCF mommy and GFCF mama about this and just thought I would take time to blog on it as well. The more people who see it & vote the better! And even though we are not GFCF anymore doesn't mean we won't be in the future.

So here is the scoop: Martha Stewart had a company wide competition for employees to come up with ideas for new project. It has come down to 7 finalists and one of them is an editor who wants to create a magazine that caters to people that have food allergies such as nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, etc...

Please copy and paste this link and vote every day to help out! BTW, when I voted tonight, this was the idea in the lead!

http://blogs1.marthastewart.com/martha/2008/01/the-big-idea.html?rsc=todaysidea_Homepage_Homepage

Not a word but a sound!!!

Austin is making the "B" sound for simple b words that he knows such as bubbles and bite. I haven't really heard him do it for bubbles until Friday's session with his OT but bite has been pretty consistent for a few weeks.

It is very odd though b/c he takes his fingers and rubs them on his lips to make the "buh" sound. I did get it on video so maybe if I can manage to get technically savvy, then I can upload the clip.

I am very happy and we give him what he is asking for when he does that but at the same time I don't want him to think that is talking and a word and never learn the real way to ask either!!

Some other really great things that he has learned to do recently is blow kisses and clap his hands when we say "yay!". He is also doing the signs "more", "drink", "all done", "please", and "book" pretty consistently which is extremely nice.

Austin is 2!

Happy Birthday to my little one! I am a little late on my blog b/c he actually turned 2 on 1-5 but we were in Texas visiting some family so I didn't post. I just wanted to share two adorable pictures. The first is him enjoying his cake and the second is of him sharing a book with his cousing Chloe. During our trip, he was not very fond of her but on his birthday he was really good and let her look at the same book that he was looking at. :)

Time Outs Work for Us!

Austin's tantrums seem to have gotten really bad. He doesn't do them alot but when he does, he hits anything in sight (including me) and he will also throw things. I had been reading on how to redirect or what else I can do b/c simply saying no or ignoring the behavior was not helping. I also tried to take his hands and say "gentle" while showing him how to stroke with his hand and not hit. That works sometimes but if he is too mad, he continues to hit. I decided that we would try time out and very very thankfully it has worked. He is only 2 and I don't think he understands time out but what I have been doing when he starts to hit is, tell him no hitting. If he hits again, I say no hitting, we are going to time out. I then take him over to the wall in our living room that has nothing against it (so he can't play) and I sit with him while holding his hands down so he can not hit and I count to 10. After I reach 10, I get up and he is also free to go. We have only done this twice in the past few days (that is all that was needed) and both times, he was much more calm afterwards and did not hit again.