Blessings...

This time of year, more than any other time of year, I find it easy to reflect on all the blessings the year has brought to me and my family. After all, health and happiness seem to be all that really matter when it comes right down to it. I have been blessed with a healthy family. We get through just about everything by sticking together and have the attitude that ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’, and we sure do love fresh squeezed lemonade!

There is not much news on the ‘Ryan front’. All remains calm. We did find out that we will be losing our beloved therapist that works with Ryan during the school day. We are so happy for her as she is taking on the adventure of a new job, but very sad because a set back with Ryan will probably follow. We really do love and value the care she has given to him. She has assured me that Ryan is doing very well in school and will only need someone who will redirect him a bit and help to keep him on task. I hope she is right. Anyway, the positive side of Amanda leaving is that Ryan will have to learn to adjust and move forward and with public school on the horizon, I think that is a good thing.

Well everyone, Happy Holiday’s! I hope that the new year brings blessings to each one of you!

Reassurance...

Great news!!! Eight months ago we met with Dr. Faber for the first time. Since then, we have done everything in our power for Ryan. It has been exhausting, but this past Monday, all that we have done was rewarded. We met with Dr. Faber. He re-evaluated Ryan and asked a series of questions. At the end of the evaluation, he looked at us and said 'he is doing great and you guys are doing all of the right things for him'. As a parent you constantly question everything that you are doing, and when an expert in a field gives you reassurance, it is the best gift that anyone could offer you. Thank you Dr. Faber!

Instinct...

The one thing I hear more than anything from people I meet that have an austistic child is 'I knew something was just different'. Isn't it funny how our intuition as parents sets off a flashing light. So many people around me must have thought I was crazy prior to our diagnosis. I was constantly questioning what was wrong with my little guy. I knew in my heart that something was 'off', I just didn't know what. Friends and family would look at me with this puzzled look when I would proclaim 'something is wrong with him'. The most important piece of advice that I can give to anyone facing the same questions I once faced is to FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS! Do not listen to anyone around you, do what you need to do to find answers. If you do not fight for your child, who else will? Having a child with autisim is a 'war' and you will fight many battles. Some battles will be big, hopefully most of them are small. It may be tough but ang in there, and if you need to, cry on the shoulder of a loved one, go outside and scream, write a blog, but know that you have an amazing child that you are fighting for, and believe me, the fight will be worth it!