12/23/08 Update

So Tyler's eye is finally almost healed and Ben bashed his teeth again :( We took the boys to the inflatable jump place and we were playing in one that was sort of obstacle course and I feel backwards and Ben was behind me and he fell forward and bam.. his teeth hit the back of my head. immediately black and blue gums, bleeding and split lip, poor guy. Those darn teeth are just destined to come out early! So we spoiled him and he got a "sundae" whcih was really just whipped cream at big boy and some mac n cheese.. a little embarassing as he was bleeding as he was eating, poor kid. However, TYler did amazing out to eat. We took Steve's laptop so we could play DVD's for Tyler. We rarely get to go out to eat as a family as it's so much work just to get Tyler to eat let alone keep him happy for longer than 10 mins but we keep trying as we know he needs to be exposed to new enviroments often. Anyway, the laptop idea was great, it's the best family meal outting we've ever had.

Tyler learned more new signs this weekend, whoo hooo. He added gorilla and cup to his reportoire of signs, yippeee. Over the holidays we are gonna try to get video of him doing the signs so you can all see how he does it and what it means.

Love to all, happy holidays.

P.S. Since I often post the million reasons I hate autism, i thought I'd post the top 10 autism characteristics.




1. Autistic People Rarely Lie
We all claim to value the truth, but almost all of us tell little white lies. All, that is, except people on the autism spectrum. To them, truth is truth -- and a good word from a person on the spectrum is the real deal.
2. People on the Autism Spectrum Live in the Moment
How often do typical people fail to notice what's in front of their eyes because they're distracted by social cues or random chitchat? People on the autism spectrum truely attend to the sensory input that surrounds them. Many have achieved the ideal of mindfulness.
3. People with Autism Rarely Judge Others
Who's fatter? Richer? Smarter? For people on the autism spectrum, these distinctions hold much less importance than for typical folks. In fact, people on the spectrum often see through such surface appearances to discover the real person.
4. Autistic People are Passionate
Of course, not all autistic people are alike. But many are truly passionate about the things, ideas and people in their lives. How many "typical" people can say the same?
5. People with Autism Are Not Tied to Social Expectations
If you've ever bought a car, played a game or joined a club to fit in, you know how hard it is to be true to yourself. But for people with autism, social expectations can be honestly irrelevant. What matters is true liking, interest and passion -- not keeping up with the Joneses.
6. People with Autism Have Terrific Memories
How often do typical people forget directions, or fail to take note of colors, names, and other details? People on the autism spectrum are often much more tuned in to details. They may have a much better memory than their typical peers for all kind of critical details.
7. Autistic People Are Less Materialistic
Of course, this is not universally true -- but in general, people with autism are far less concerned with outward appearance than their typical peers. As a result, they worry less about brand names, hairstyles and other expensive but unimportant externals than most people do.
8. Autistic People Play Fewer Head Games
Who was that woman, and why were you looking at her? I know I TOLD you I didn't mind if you went out, but why did you believe me? Most autistic people don't play games like these -- and they assume that you won't either. It's a refreshing and wonderful change from the Peyton Place emotional roller coaster that mars too many typical relationships!
9. Autistic People Have Fewer Hidden Agendas
Most of the time, if a person on the autism spectrum tells you what he wants -- he is telling you what he wants. No need to beat around the bush, second guess, and hope you're reading between the lines!
10. People with Autism Open New Doors for Neurotypicals
For some of us neurotypicals, having an autistic person in our lives has had a profound positive impact on our perceptions, beliefs and expectations. For me, at least, being the mom of a son on the autism spectrum has released me from a lifetime of "should" -- and offered me a new world of "is."