4/29/08

Well now we know why Tyler was a little off this weekend, he came down with a runny nose yesterday. He also seemed very sensory oriented today which happens when he's under the weather. Easily over stimulated and really into sensory things such as looking/trying to touch my eye, yes I know that sound weird but that is one of his self stimulating behaviors. Overall today's session went well, we had trouble up'ing the ante since Tyler was under the weather and easily overregulated. However, we also had a videotape session today and I think he did pretty well. It was a generalized video, meaning Tyler and I had to work on things that are not part of our study routines. One of the things I worked with was the vaccum. Tyler loves the vaccum, so I used it to help get him to communicate with him> I would vaccum for a minute and then turn it off and say "on" and try to get him to make sounds, eye contact, gestures, etc. It worked, he is very motivated by teh vaccume and by the end of the routine (which lasted maybe 10 mins total) he was making the "ahh" sound which is pretty close to "on" to me! It was hard to hold out because sometimes it's a good 30 seconds which is an eternity when you so badly want to help your son... but it worked becuase he would finally say it and give me eye contact. Yeah Tyler! Hand washing also looked great. He climbs the step, turns on the light, and turns on the water all independently :) Great job Tyler.

Tomorrow we go to floor time at the school district and we get to meet the new speech therapist, Lisa Meszaros, I'll also get to meet Jody Howard who oversees the therapists and who I've been working with to make some changes. I'm really excited to move forward with all this. After the initial meeting, our next step is to get the OT, ST and Carrie all together with Tyler so we can talk strategies moving forward.

I also was able to get a billing code from the potential ABA therapist so I sent this off to HR and am anxiously waiting a response. Carrie gave me info on two potential organizations that offer grants so I'm going to look into those and see if we can get some sort of grant to help fund some of Tyler's therapy. Carrie also mentioned a conference coming up in the fall which although is expensive, she said this would be one of the best conferences for me to go to for all in one shopping in regards to ABA so she's going ot get me some information on that.

4/28/08

I apologize for the delay in updating the website. So much has been happening that I was hoping to have everything resolved to give one big update.

Session Update: Sessions are going well. Tyler never eats well at the clinic on Fridays. We spent hte last 15 minutes of the session getting tyler to take "just one bite" and eventually he did. We didn't force the issue but we also wouldn't play with him or do any of his requests until he took a bite. We didn't say no when he asked us to play we just said "one bite".. we prevailed, yeah! Following through with demands, as long as they are reasonable and supports are provided, will really help Tyler behaviorialy in the long wrong. There was also an autism awareness training at the fire departmetn Friday morning. It was the first time I sat in on training and it went very well. I had avoided the others for fear that someone may say or do something that would upset me, but everyone was on their best behavior. All shifts have now been training in autism awareness.

Carrie also came to our house Friday night for a make up session and to see the difference between when she sees just me and Tyler during snack time at my house vs. when the whole family is sitting down to eat dinner. The daycare provider and her daughter also attended. If I could sum it all up in one word it would be "chaos". Ben was acting up since there were new people in the room. He didn't want to eat or listen to mom. Tyler hadn't ate well all day and took about 10 mintues to chew just one piece of meat and then the boys were competing for attention from the daycare provider and at times me. So all and all it was nuts, but on the other hand, very good for Carrie to see how different it is when it's not just me and Tyler and when I'm trying to eat too. The meeting also gave us an opportunity, i.e. Carrie, Dad, Mom, Daycare provider, to all collaborate on Tyler's progress and rules, etc. We are all rarely together, in fact, this may be the first time we all were together to talk so that was fantastic.

School District Updates: We are switching speech pathologists. I've had some growing concerns over the services Tyler is receicing from the school district. After much discussion with one of the leaders at the school district, a decision was made to change speech pathologists. I'm supposed to get confirmation of the change today. Hopefullly then I can set up a meeting with the new person and move forward with Tyler meeting them and discuss our goals, etc. and get moving. The plan is to have speech and occupational therapy to continue at daycare. The past pathologist was wonderful and really pushed Tyler to eat when he was 13 months old and refusing most every food. We just feel that at this point it would be best for TYler to see a different pathologist; someone that fits the personality that he seems to learn the best from. HE's done so well with the study. The school district leader is also very supportive of them following the lead of U of M since TYler's made such progress. The Occupational Therapist will remain the same and is supportive of slowing things down a bit to give Tyler the best opportunity to learn. If you want more details about any of this, just let me know. It's too much to type.

Biomedical Updates: We are still doing the B12 shots and the GFCF diet. Tyler was a little out of sorts on Saturday and we suspect he may have somehow had some gluten in his system. Wouldn't be hard if ben dropped a cracker or something but we'll never know for sure, he's much better now. We had to re-order a urine tester kit because the last one was inconclusive due it being too diluted. THat test alone is $130.00 and not covered by insurance. None of his biomedical care is covered by insurance and even if the autism insurance bills pass, it still will not because that type of therapy is not included in the bills. Baby steps though.. the other type of therapy that would be covered would be amazing. Which brings me to my next update.

ABA Therapy: As I stated before, we lose Carrie sometime in July (boo hoo, tears falling) and want to pick up where we left off with therapy. We are currently researching ABA therapists in the area and are obtaining information. Once we have more information, I'll let you know. We are hoping we can somehow find a way to have insurance cover this but the chances are slim. I'm looking into what type of procedure code the therapists use for billing, etc. and working with our HR department to see what can be done. We want Tyler to have about 25 hours a week of this type of therapy which woul dbe around $2500 a week or $10,000/month, obviously we do not have that. If all else fails, we'll try to have someone train us a few hours a month to work with Tyler and then we'll provide as much as we can for him and possibly hire students to assist. Our philosophy is "never give up" so we'll do whatever necessary to get him what he needs with the least amount of impact/stress to our family but we won't give up regardless of the cost. If you went to the rally, you'd know why. There are vigilant parents up there who have children who recovered who were literally shouting, "Don't give up Parents" "fight with all the fight that you have" and that's what we plan to do. We saw for our own eyes receovered children, it gives so much hope. Even though it's few and far between the children that actually recover to the point of no longer having an autism diagnosis, we are hoping Tyler can be one of those kids. We'll love him the same no matter what but we also don't ever want to look back and question whether or not we did enough.

Walk: I have no idea what autism speaks didn't announce the date/location of the walk as they had intended to do on Friday. THe date they gave me at the rally was October 12th. As sooon as they confirm that date/location I'll send out hte info. Please join us to support autism speaks, they've been so helpful to our family.

Family Fun: we took the boys to kelly inflatables this weekend and they had so much fun! As soon as we download the picturse, I'll make sure to post one. I was so proud of the boys. They climbed one of hte ladders adn went down this huge slide all by themselves. It takes a lot of gross motor coorination to do all that, especially since hte ladder was bouncy and there were other kids there.

4/23/08

So here we are, at the capitol, rallying for our little Tyler to have insurance coverage for the treatments he needs. THe rally was great, wonderful speakers. They estimate about 750 people came and went throughout the 3 hour period. Even if you could not attend, please contact your representatives and senators and beg them to support this bill and bring it to a vote It will change the lives of so many families including ours.

On another note, the department conducted autism awareness training today for one of the shifts. (3 shifts equals 3 training days). As a reminder, this training includes ways for emergency responders how to recognize and handle someone with autism in an emergency situation. Anyway, a lieutenant just came up to me and told me that the medical call they had just went on which was for a child who had a head injury and was having trouble breating, was for a child who had autism. They told the school staff that they had just went through training that morning for exact situations like that one. This was fantastic feedback, not only for the public to realize that the department is getting trained, but also for the department to realize that the training was worthwhile and useful.

We are a bit behind on sessions since I was at the rally yesterday. Also, I received some general feedback of ways to help TYler from a session that Carrie went to at daycare. I sent it out to those who work closely with Tyler but if anyone else would like a copy, just let me know.

Exciting news... they have chosen a date and site for the Autism Speaks walk. The announcement will be going out on Friday, so be looking for emails from me regarding dates/locatations/etc. Please help or join us on teh walk. Autism Speaks co-sponsored Tyler's study and it's helped us so much, they are also one of the leading advocates behind pushing the insurance bills to the capitol.

4-21-08

It's time for lawmakers to listen.
ATTENTION MICHIGAN RESIDENTS!
Michigan recently became one of a growing number of states across the country to introduce autism insurance reform bills this session. Representatives Kathy Angerer (D-55) and Richard Ball (R-85) have introduced House Bills 5527 & 5529, and Senator Tupac Hunter (D-5) has introduced Senate Bills 784 & 785, which seek to end insurance discrimination for children with autism spectrum disorders and provide them with evidence based, medically necessary treatments that they need to live more productive lives. The bill provides for coverage for therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychological therapy and services and applied behavioral analysis therapy as prescribed by a treating physician or psychologist.
RALLY REMINDER!
A rally will be held to ask for a hearing on bills in both the House and Senate on Tuesday, April 22nd in Lansing, MI at the Capitol. The rally begins at 11am and will go until 2pm. We encourage you to attend and make plans to visit with your legislators during and at the conclusion of the rally.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP RIGHT NOW?
STARTING ON MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008 AT 11:00AM through WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 at 5:30 pm!
1. CALL the members of the House Health Policy Committee and ask for a hearing and their support for HB 5527 & 5529. Let them know how much we need their help and what this would mean to your child and your family. Definitely MAKE THE CALL if you see one of YOUR Representatives is on the Committee!
Name
District Map
Phone
Rep. Kathy Angerer (Committee Chair)
55th
(517) 373-1792
Rep. Mike Simpson (Majority Vice-Chair)
65th
(517) 373-1775
Rep. Barb Byrum
67th
(517) 373-0587
Rep. Brenda Clack
34th
(517) 373-8808
Rep. Marc R. Corriveau
20th
(517) 373-3816
Rep. Andy Coulouris
95th
(517) 373-0152
Rep. Marie Donigan
26th
(517) 373-3818
Rep. Ted Hammon
50th
(517) 373-3906
Rep. Robert B. Jones
60th
(517) 373-1785
Rep. Mary Valentine
91st
(517) 373-3436
Rep. Lisa Wojno
28th
(517) 373-2275
Rep. Bert Johnson
5th
(517) 373-0144
Rep. Edward Gaffney (Minority Vice-Chair)
1st
(517) 373-0154
Rep. Joe Hune
47th
(517) 373-8835
Rep. Jim Marleau
46th
(517) 373-1798
Rep. Kevin Green
77th
(517) 373-2277
Rep. Richard Ball
85th
(517) 373-0841
Rep. Brian N. Calley
87th
(517) 373-0842
Rep. David Robertson
51st
(517) 373-1780
Rep. Tim Moore
97th
(517) 373-8962

2. FOLLOW UP WITH AN EMAIL to the members of the House Health Policy Committee as well and be sure to include one or two paragraphs about why this is an important issue to you!
3. CALL and EMAIL Senator Thomas George (R - District 20), the Chair of the MI Senate Health Policy Committee. Ask Senator George to hold a hearing on SB 784 & 785 and explain to him why this is an important issue to you.
Senator Thomas George - (517) 373 -0793
4. PASS THIS ALERT ALONG! Forward this ALERT out to anyone you know who will help who lives in Michigan. We need to demonstrate the strength of the autism community in our state. Please forward to teachers, therapists, family members and neighbors to ask for their support on this important piece of legislation. Don't just leave it up to the autism community to get this done! We need everyone's help!
For more information on these bills and grassroots activity in Michigan, please visit www.autismvotes.org/michigan.

4/18/08

We began to work on some new outdoor routines for Tyler. We worked with Tyler on wagon rides and getting him to make requests for the ride to continue. i.e. we'd stop and then we'd try to get him to sign go to start again. It only took him about 5 minutes to catch on. Once this becomes more consistent, we'll up the ante by having him do the eye gaze with the hand-pull/sign and then eventually we'll have him make sounds in order to initiate the "go" along with the eye gaze. We just start small and then add steps as he learns each one. One thing to remember with Tyler is that he will not learn the way that a typical child learns. Most kids learn by watching adults and imitating them, this is difficult for Tyler to do on his own so we need to show him each step of the way. Next time we have a session with both boys, we are going to get Ben involved. He likes to push Tyler in the stroller so we'll have Ben play the "game" of stop and go to help Tyler make requests.

Today Carrie conducted a monthly consultation (we get these monthly anywhere of our choosing) at daycare. This gave Carrie an opportunity to work with the daycare provider on the routines we do at home so they can be consistent at day care too. Carrie also did this at the beginning of the study to help daycare learn how to help Tyler foster communication skills. Carrie commented at how different Tyler looks now at daycare compared to at the beginning of the study in terms of his engagement with the daycare provider and with the other children. I'll be sending out the session notes from that meeting as soon as I get them because they are general ways that everyone in Tyler's life can help him. Ben was also helpful during the session because he's a great model for TYler. Ben is really coming along with sign language and it's good for Tyler to see Ben modeling those signs and behavior.


I cannot emphasize enough how much this study is helping Tyler. I wish we could stay in for an infinite amount of time. Although it is a big time commitment and makes our lives a bit crazy, it has made such a difference in such a short period of time. Although, I do feel lucky that I have received the intensive training that other parents do not have the luxury of receiving, especially at no cost to us.

Since I'm attending the rally on Tuesday, we won't have the regular session with Carrie. Thanks for everyone who is joining us in support of Tyler at the rally.

4/16/08

Thought you'd like to see the boys and their new haircuts! They are getting so big now!

Yesterday was a great day for both boys. Ben finally started to eat again. He's really been just nibbling for a couple of months now. Yesterday he had two breakfasts and two lunches! Tyler also is back to his normal eating after the battle with the flu. We struggle to find pants the fit the boys since their waists are so small but the length is normal if not above average. So eat up!

As for the sessions, yesterday was great. Tyler is really doing well with puzzles. Carrie had a technical term for what exactly it's called "visual something" but she said it's one of his strengths and we are going to build on that strength to up the ante on his receptive language. Once I get the session notes, I'll be able to better explain this part.

Steve said Tyler did very well last night as well (mom was at work). Just really attentive and playful. Oh, I forgot to mention, Tyler asked a complete stranged to play ring around the rosie with him. Our neighbor stopped by to acknowledge that she received our flyer (we alerted our neighbors to Tyler's condition and to make sure to notify us righ taway if they ever see him outside w/o us). Anyway she came in for a visit and Tyler took her hand and my hand and initiated ring around the rosie, very exciting! This would never have happend 6 months ago.

I'm so excited for the rally. Steve's grandma and mom as well as my mom and aunt are attending. I also have a co-worker who will be joining me and perhaps another co worker or two.

4/14/08 Update

The haircut was a success. The hair salon scheduled an extra long appt for us so we could work with Tyler and not have to rush or force him into it. I also think it helped that we took him to the salon a week or so ago to get used to the environment and such. He did wonderful with the cut. He really did not like the comb as he linked the comb with teh scissors. We eventually just decided to try the clippers. Even though the cut wouldn't be as good, we wanted the day to be as successful as possible. He did wonderful! he stayed regulated the whole time. He watched a dvd and looked at his favorite baby books, while she clipped his hair. IT's the first time we've gotten his hair cut professionally where he did not cry. Ben played with the sitter, while Steve, Carrie and myself went to the appt with Tyler. Then yesterday, mom cut Ben's hair. Both the boys are now looking quite handsome! Thanks to everyone who helped make this hair cutting experience a positive one for Tyler.

On a family note, we had a wonderful weekend. For the first time in a long time, everyone was healthy and happy and we were able to get a lot accomplished and still have fun family time. Saturday after the hair cut and naps, we took the boys to the mall to get some new summer sneakers. Then they were able to play in the childrens play area for a while! It was packed in there and believe it or not, Tyler did just fine. He didn't seem overwhelemed or anxious at all. They played for a good 45 minutes. We were able to work with Tyler on "up" and "down" gestures and ring around the rosie. Ben and I played hide and seek and tag with some of the other kids. It was a very successful trip for us.

Tyler is routinely signing for "milk" at appropriate times with the appropriate sign. We are working with him on the "juice" sign since he tends to use juice and milk interchangeable.

Don't forget about the rally on the 22nd!

4/10/08 Update

Happy Autism Awareness Month. A co-worker and I decided to wear tshirts on casual Friday to promote autism awareness. I created the image on the left to be used as a transfer. I made our tshirts last night and it worked very well. You just need to purchase transfer paper for your computer and then use an iron for the transfer. If you are interested in creating a tshirt, let me know and I can send you the appropriate "mirror" image document to use with your heat transfer paper. It was very easy to do and the shirts are so cute! Just an FYI, the image will work best on a white shirt.

Speaking in terms of the future, this portion of the study ends in July. The next portion of the study is parent education focused. Although we plan to continue with everything we've learned so far, we are going to have a new schedule and are looking at new therapies for Tyler. Speaking neurologically, this is the optimal time for Tyler to receive therapy, we don't want to miss our window. Therefore, even though we don't have specific plans yet, we are asking for anyone who is willing to help us to please let us know. As for what the "help" entails, I do not know at this time. What I do know is that with insurance bills pending and possible other ways for us to get funding for therapy, we want to do all that we can do financially. I'm pretty knowledgeable with the current SCERTS therapy as well as floor time therapy so those will be the focus of my time and Steve's time with Tyler. We are going to want to hire professionals to help us to work on some of the other types of therapy. This would mean in some instances that we just need someone to be at our house for these, or possible even learn some of the skills to work with Tyler on (saves money if it's us vs. professionals) or possibly have help with transportation from one place to another or all of the above. Currently, all required hours of therapy , have to be provided by one caregiver, but after the study ends, anyone can work with Tyler. As long as we follow the same procedures and rules, this is a great thing because we want Tyler to generalize what he's learning to all people and places. So if anyone reading this is available for anytime during the week, morning (8 - 12) or evening (6 - 8) (afternoons Tyler is usually sleeping) beginning in August, please let us know. This will help us plan for the next steps. I'm not asking or expecting anything, I just know that many of you have expressed your desire to help and if that offer still stands, we could really use it.

I asked Carrie to give an assessment of the degree of severity of Tyler's autism today. I.e. high functioning vs. low functioning. She was in agreement with me that Tyler falls somewhere in the middle. Once we get Tyler communicating well, the road blocks he faces in social situations will diminish, which will increase is overall function level. Now is the time for us to act. Since the beginning of the study, Tyler has came SOOOOOOOOOOOOO far (in only 6 months), imagine what his future holds if we continue to do everything possible for him.

Tyler was fantastic today. You can tell he's definetly feeling better. He was in wonderful spirits and a lot of what he's learned in at home therapy is beginning to generalize into his social group setting. He was making sounds today as initiation to go down the slide. He also participating in the dance routine at the end of the session which usually I have to hold him in my arms and we dance together. Today I just held his hands and danced and he didn't pull or anything. In fact at one part during the "freeze" portion of the song, he made a squeal, indicating he wanted the dancing/music to continue, yeah Tyler! He also participated in the "row your boat" activity with the other kids today which he has not done before.

Sessions with Carrie also went well. Tyler said "bub" for bubbles and was making a lot of eye gaze and sound requests. in fact, we were able to almost get a request (sounds, i.e. squeal or "sh" sound) for the car to be pushed each time along with an eye gaze and he was able to remain regulated, even though we were putting a lot of demands on him. Even at snacktime, when we let him play with his toy truck so I could get him to eat more, he still wanted me to play with him, even though it's something he can very easily play with himself.

Anyone wanting to help Tyler move to the next level should really be using big gestures and help Tyler to use these gestures, including reaching, pointing down, pointing up, etc. Use gestures as much as possible when communicating with Tyler. Also, allow him time to respond to a request to exhibit his receptive language. I.e. today I said, Tyler, let's eat. Do you want to eat, and signed "eat"... he proceeded to walk to the table to his chair, yeah! Next step is to more routinely have Tyler put away his cup and then eventually plate into the kitchen after snack/meals. During diaper change, Tyler should have specific roles, which right now includes, throwing away his diaper after the diaper change. Or if the changing station is too far away, have Tyler sit it somewhere near by just so he can get used to having that role at the end. We are also going to try to play "pat a cake" with his feet at the end of diaper change and then have Tyler pull his pants up at the end.

His big haircut is this Saturday. Carrie will be coming with us to that to help us make the process as easy as possible for Tyler.

4-8-08 #2

I couldn't help but post this beautiful picture of Tyler and his "after nap" hair. It's fantastic!

Also, just an FYI, the latest edition of the fire department newsletter is currently on the City of Ann Arbor website. Not only am I proud of this becuase it's my baby but also because it has an article about the training being conducted. You can find it at www.a2gov.org on the bottom right-hand side of the screen (spring fire department newsletter).

Also, Jenny McCarthy was on Larry King live recently talking about her son's recovery; here is a related article which gives so much hope. I know many of you read her book so I thought you may like to read this,s he has some very valid points.


Jenny McCarthy: My son's recovery from autism
Story Highlights
McCarthy believes diet and vitamins helped her son recover from autism
Vaccines played a role in son's autism, she says
McCarthy and Jim Carrey think children being given too many vaccines, too soon
By Jenny McCarthy and Jim CarreySpecial to CNN
Editor's note: Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey are actors and parents actively involved in autism-related causes. McCarthy is the author of the book "Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism."
(CNN) -- In light of the recent Hannah Poling decision, in which the federal court conceded that vaccines could have contributed to her autism, we think the tide is finally turning in the direction of parents like us who have been shouting concerns from our rooftops for years.
Autism is a debilitating disorder, which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is suffered by 1 in 150 kids, making it more common than childhood cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined.
Recently, England and Ireland reported that autism is affecting one in 58 individuals.
Is it any wonder that autism has become many new parents' No. 1 fear?
We've met some of the most amazing moms and dads who are forging their own path to prevention and recovery. When our son, Evan, was diagnosed with autism we were lucky enough to benefit from their knowledge and experience. Evan has been healed to a great extent by many breakthroughs that, while perhaps not scientifically proven, have definitely helped Evan and many other children who are recovering from autism. Parents vs. scientists: Watch the latest test case »
There are some who wonder what we mean when we say "recovering" from autism. They confuse the word recover with cure. While you may not be able to cure an injury caused in a terrible car accident, you can recover; you can regain many skills that you once lost. In the case of autism, we think there are treatments that often bring about such healing, so that the observable symptoms of the condition no longer exist. Even though we may no longer see any symptoms of autism, we can't say a child is "cured" because we do not know what they would have been like had they never been injured.
We believe what helped Evan recover was starting a gluten-free, casein-free diet, vitamin supplementation, detox of metals, and anti-fungals for yeast overgrowth that plagued his intestines. Once Evan's neurological function was recovered through these medical treatments, speech therapy and applied behavior analysis helped him quickly learn the skills he could not learn while he was frozen in autism. After we implemented these therapies for one year, the state re-evaluated Evan for further services. They spent five minutes with Evan and said, "What happened? We've never seen a recovery like this." Watch Jenny McCarthy talk about her son's autism »
Evan is now 5 years old and what might surprise a lot of you is that we've never been contacted by a single member of the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, or any other health authority to evaluate and understand how Evan recovered from autism. When Evan meets doctors and neurologists, to this day they tell us he was misdiagnosed -- that he never had autism to begin with. It's as if they are wired to believe that children can't recover from autism. Watch CDC chief on vaccines, autism »
So where's the cavalry? Where are all the doctors beating down our door to take a closer look at Evan? We think we know why they haven't arrived. Most of the parents we've met who have recovered their child from autism as we did (and we have met many) blame vaccines for their child's autism.
We think our health authorities don't want to open this can of worms, so they don't even look or listen. While there is strong debate on this topic, many parents of recovered children will tell you they didn't treat their child for autism; they treated them for vaccine injury. Read about latest fight over vaccines and autism
Many people aren't aware that in the 1980s our children received only 10 vaccines by age 5, whereas today they are given 36 immunizations, most of them by age 2. With billions of pharmaceutical dollars, could it be possible that the vaccine program is becoming more of a profit engine then a means of prevention?
We believe autism is an environmental illness. Vaccines are not the only environmental trigger, but we do think they play a major role. If we are going to solve this problem and finally start to reverse the rate of autism, we need to consider changing the vaccine schedule, reducing the number of shots given and removing certain ingredients that could be toxic to some children.
We take into account that some children have reactions to medicines like penicillin, for example, yet when it comes to vaccines we are operating as if our kids have a universal tolerance for them. We are acting like ONE SIZE FITS ALL. That is, at the very least, a huge improbability.
Even if the CDC is not convinced of a link between vaccines and autism, changing the vaccine schedule should be seriously considered as a precautionary measure. (If you would like to see some ideas for alternative schedules, check out http://generationrescue.org.)
We wish to state, very clearly, that we are not against all vaccines, but we do believe there is strong evidence to suggest that some of the ingredients may be hazardous and that our children are being given too many, too soon!

4/8/08

Sorry it's been so long since I've given an update. I was out of town the later part of last week and the family has had a run-in with the flu so things were kind of chaotic and many sessions were cancelled as a result. Thanks to everyone who pitched in to help out dad while mom was away!

Everyone seems to be on the road to recovery, thank goodness. We are really hoping that winter is coming to an end and we can have a summer of good health. We always take a step backwards when an illness comes around and it takes a good 2 weeks for Tyler to get back to where he was before the illness.

Today's session went well. Tyler was doing a fantastic job of imitating during breakfast this morning. He also showed off his receptive language skills by demonstrating he understood what "stop" meant. We were pounding on the table and we use "go" and "stop" has commands to either start pounding or stop pounding. He stopped almost everytime that I said stop and did "go" almost every time as well!

We also worked on some language skills by saying "ba, ba, ba, ba" before blowing bubbles to then try to get Tyler to make that specific sound as a request to get bubbles rather than any sound. At first he began by making any sound (which by the way, 4 months ago, he never used any sounds as a basis for a request) but then he started to make the Ba sound which then become the Bub sound. yeah Tyler. Oh, and he also is definetly saying "da-da" intentionally and even said "daddy" once.

Other than that, today's session was pretty standard. We couldn't up the ante very much because he was over regulated today so it was pretty easy to get him excited and I worked a lot on keeping him calm.

Autism training for firefighters begins at the firestation tomorrow and I'm really excited to be doing my part for autism awareness month.