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.