So many people respond to an autism diagnosis in a negative way. When someone you love is diagnosed, it is not easy to take in. You worry about their future and what you can do to help. Many mothers wonder if they did something wrong (you didn't by the way) and many fathers start doing research to find out exactly what autism is. I am here to tell you that autism is not a tragedy and nothing to become depressed about. We all want what's best for our kids and loved ones. So, it's natural to be concerned that autism will make it impossible for them to have the life we've dreamed of them having. My advice to you is to look outside the box.
Here are some wonderful and unique qualities I can find about my autistic child that are definitely not tragedies. I'm sure you all could add a few to the list also :)
1. He is more laid back. He doesn't let life stress him out and enjoys the simple things.
2. He can draw better than his mom at the age of 6.
3. He has the best memory.
4. He loves to sing and is always cheerful and dancing.
5. He may get stressed about a light bulb that went out, but he is braver than I am when it comes to heights.
6. He finds fun in all he does.
7. He won't eat pizza, but he LOVES baked beans. Those are better for you right?!
There is so much more to my son than autism. He is healthy and loves life. How can he go wrong?
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Myth # 5 Therapy is Covered
Myth:Most therapies for people with autism are covered by insurance.
Only half of the 50 states require coverage for treatments for autism. Most insurance companies exclude autism treatments. On average the annual cost for medical and non medical expenses for someone on the spectrum can range from 67,000 to 72,000. Here is an interesting article on the financial aspect of autism.http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/23/health/23patient.html?pagewanted=all. I am fortunate enough to where I have coverage. I hope treatments will soon be covered for everyone.
Source: Autism Speaks
Only half of the 50 states require coverage for treatments for autism. Most insurance companies exclude autism treatments. On average the annual cost for medical and non medical expenses for someone on the spectrum can range from 67,000 to 72,000. Here is an interesting article on the financial aspect of autism.http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/23/health/23patient.html?pagewanted=all. I am fortunate enough to where I have coverage. I hope treatments will soon be covered for everyone.
Source: Autism Speaks
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Myth #4 Just a Brain Disorder?
Myth: Autism is only a brain disorder.
Many studies have shown that, in many cases, autism can be more than a brain disorder. Autism is also linked with allergies, food sensitivities, and gastro-intestinal disorders. Changing food intake has led to many success stories with autism.
Many studies have shown that, in many cases, autism can be more than a brain disorder. Autism is also linked with allergies, food sensitivities, and gastro-intestinal disorders. Changing food intake has led to many success stories with autism.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Myth # 3
Myth: People with autism are just like Rainman.
Autism varies greatly from person to person. If you know one person with autism, you only know one person with autism. That person will have completely different characteristics than the next autistic person you meet. For example, my son could not count toothpicks off the floor in a matter of seconds, but he can remember the smallest imperfection in a building from years ago.
Source: Autism Speaks
Autism varies greatly from person to person. If you know one person with autism, you only know one person with autism. That person will have completely different characteristics than the next autistic person you meet. For example, my son could not count toothpicks off the floor in a matter of seconds, but he can remember the smallest imperfection in a building from years ago.
Source: Autism Speaks
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Autism Myth #2
Myth: Autistic People will have autism forever.
Research shows that early intervention have helped people "test out" of autism. Some parents also think that certain diets have helped their child overcome autism. This is why an early diagnosis is so important.
Reference: Autism Speaks
Research shows that early intervention have helped people "test out" of autism. Some parents also think that certain diets have helped their child overcome autism. This is why an early diagnosis is so important.
Reference: Autism Speaks
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Autism Myth #1 (A week of myths)
Myth- Autistic people are intellectually disabled.
Most autistic people have normal or even above average IQ's. They simply learn in different ways, and sometimes at a different pace. Often they are brilliant with numbers or artistic abilities.
My son is great with artistic skills. He could draw better than me at age 3 :) He loves music and could build the best skyscraper you've ever seen out of blocks.
What is your child great at?
Reference: Autism Speaks
Most autistic people have normal or even above average IQ's. They simply learn in different ways, and sometimes at a different pace. Often they are brilliant with numbers or artistic abilities.
My son is great with artistic skills. He could draw better than me at age 3 :) He loves music and could build the best skyscraper you've ever seen out of blocks.
What is your child great at?
Reference: Autism Speaks
Monday, August 27, 2012
What Are the Signs Of Autism (our story)
Cases of autism are on the rise. Now, 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with autism. When little bear was diagnosed in 2009 the number was 1 in 110. Research has yet to figure out why the numbers are increasing so quickly. The good news is that many doctors and parents are more aware of the signs, and are taking advantage of the great services out there for children and adults on the autism spectrum.
What are the signs? This can be tricky because the red flags of autism vary from person to person. Many of them are developmental delays. According to Autism Speaks here are a few red flags to look out for.
- no smiles by age 6 months and thereafter
-no babbling by 12 months
-no pointing or waving by 12 months
-no words by 16 months
-no meaningful 2 word phrases by 24 months
-any loss of verbal and/or social skills at any age
http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/learn-signs
If your child has any of these red flags, it does not necessarily mean they are autistic. It simply means you may want to bring it up to your doctor for evaluation. I can't stress enough (as a mother of an autistic child) that finding out early is very important! The earlier you can access services for your child, the brighter their future will be.
Our son was diagnosed when he was 2 years old. He had always been behind developmentally. He was able to sit up at 11 months and started walking at 21 months. When I would mention this to doctors, they would just say that he'll get there when he's ready. Honestly, that is what I wanted to hear, even though my gut was telling me something wasn't quite right.
When he went in for his 2 year check up he was, for the most part, non-verbal. This is when our doctor ( a new one due to a recent move) decided to send him to a psychologist for an evaluation. The evaluation confirmed our suspicion that our son was autistic.
There are varying degrees of autism. All are considered to be an autism spectrum disorder, but they vary from mild to severe. The autism spectrum disorders currently consists of autism disorder (classic autism), asperger syndrome, and Pervasive Development not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
Our son was diagnosed with autism disorder. He has come such a long way since that diagnosis. We immediately enrolled him in early intervention. They worked with him 2 to 3 times a week in our home (helping us reach goals) until he was 3 years old. When he was three he entered preschool. We also had him involved in ABA therapy when he was 3. He went from being non verbal to speaking more and more each day! It was so exciting. There are no words that can describe how exciting it is for parents of autistic children when they reach new milestones. Our little guy just started kindergarten and is learning at the same level as his peers! We are so thrilled!
Hopefully someday research will solve the mystery of autism. I hope we can find a way to prevent it. Until then, we need to just embrace it. I love the unique ways of our son. He is such an incredible person. Anyone who meets him loves him. I personally think he makes the world a brighter place :)
What are the signs? This can be tricky because the red flags of autism vary from person to person. Many of them are developmental delays. According to Autism Speaks here are a few red flags to look out for.
- no smiles by age 6 months and thereafter
-no babbling by 12 months
-no pointing or waving by 12 months
-no words by 16 months
-no meaningful 2 word phrases by 24 months
-any loss of verbal and/or social skills at any age
http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/learn-signs
If your child has any of these red flags, it does not necessarily mean they are autistic. It simply means you may want to bring it up to your doctor for evaluation. I can't stress enough (as a mother of an autistic child) that finding out early is very important! The earlier you can access services for your child, the brighter their future will be.
Our son was diagnosed when he was 2 years old. He had always been behind developmentally. He was able to sit up at 11 months and started walking at 21 months. When I would mention this to doctors, they would just say that he'll get there when he's ready. Honestly, that is what I wanted to hear, even though my gut was telling me something wasn't quite right.
When he went in for his 2 year check up he was, for the most part, non-verbal. This is when our doctor ( a new one due to a recent move) decided to send him to a psychologist for an evaluation. The evaluation confirmed our suspicion that our son was autistic.
There are varying degrees of autism. All are considered to be an autism spectrum disorder, but they vary from mild to severe. The autism spectrum disorders currently consists of autism disorder (classic autism), asperger syndrome, and Pervasive Development not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
Our son was diagnosed with autism disorder. He has come such a long way since that diagnosis. We immediately enrolled him in early intervention. They worked with him 2 to 3 times a week in our home (helping us reach goals) until he was 3 years old. When he was three he entered preschool. We also had him involved in ABA therapy when he was 3. He went from being non verbal to speaking more and more each day! It was so exciting. There are no words that can describe how exciting it is for parents of autistic children when they reach new milestones. Our little guy just started kindergarten and is learning at the same level as his peers! We are so thrilled!
Hopefully someday research will solve the mystery of autism. I hope we can find a way to prevent it. Until then, we need to just embrace it. I love the unique ways of our son. He is such an incredible person. Anyone who meets him loves him. I personally think he makes the world a brighter place :)
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