It's that time of year...

 Yep, cold and flu season.  You know when something's up when BP just wants to snuggle with you on the sofa.  That happened on Sunday.   I asked him of he wanted a blanket. "yes" and from then on he stay there curled up and gradually becoming warmer.  I told my other half that I thought he wasn't feeling good and coming down with something. 

It's a strange notion when children with autism become sick.  As parents we are so used to heightened activity, constant movement, that really we don't what to do with ourselves!  So this week he was out of school Monday and Tuesday.  Ouch.  We all know what that means.  Returning to school is a major accomplishment.  It's quite funny, BP doesn't do Mondays, Tuesdays are just okay, Wednesdays are an improvement, Thursdays are good and by Fridays he is ready to start the week.  Maybe it is because they have fun Fridays at school in his class. Do you think?

 We do struggle with school issues, but I must say that this year is much better than last year.  Change of teacher and change of school might have something to do with his improvement.  I have problems here at home with homework.  He simply doesn't want to do it.  Don't mention the "h" word, but he usually beats me to it!  He flat out tells me, "no homework!"   

Meltdowns: those happen less now, but we still have many issues such as food, scheduling, overstimulation, potty issues, communication (I find that the most frustrating part for me).

 Since my year long absence we have working on the food issue.  This summer I was able to have an Nutritionist from our Regional Center here and evaluate BP.  He is overweight and needs to loose some pounds.  Sometimes I wonder why he doesn't loose weight easily.  BP is CONSTANTLY moving and loves to play outdoors.  His favorite activity at school is adaptive PE.  The food issue became a problem when what I gave him wasn't enough.  He would still be hungry and ask for more.  It got to certain point where if I didn't give him the food he wanted, major meltdown would occur.  Of course being the Mother, I was tired of the meltdowns and gave in to his wants. MY BAD.   The Nutritionist suggested I reduce the amt of food I serve him and see what happens. She also suggested trying to sneak in veggies with the meal.  BP is very picky as most children with Autism are.  He likes about 5 different kinds of food and won't try much else.  We don't deviate much from his meals on the weekends, but he is good about some foods at school.  His weekend lunch will consist of White cheese(cottage cheese), cheese crackers, fruit snacks and juice.  Lately he has been on this kick of replacing the white cheese with those yogurts with the Oreo cookie crumbs. 

 This particular post is just shortened version of things to come.  He's been invited to a birthday party, it would be his first one to attend, but I am not sure whether he will go.  Being sick this week has made me have second thoughts. Not sure I want him bouncing for two hours and becoming over stimulated.  Becoming tired his behavior tends to escilate.  I will let you all know what the outcome is.

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to Earth.  I have returned from my long absence from this wonderful blog that I have so neglected.  I have to apologize for being gone so long.  It's one of those long list of "got to do's" that just wasn't done.  How is that for contractions?

I decided that I need to reconnect with the people, places of my son's journey with Autism.  It's something that holds so strong in my heart and I want to share my thoughts, feelings and seek advice from those who taking the same journey.

It is nice to be home.  My life is different from whence I came.  So is my BP (for privacy purposes) I have to decided to call my son (BP) in this blog.  He has made much progress, but still has many milestones to go. Officially diagnosed at 7, he is nine now and is doing well in public school in a Special Ed classroom.  As most of you can relate to, special education means changing schools frequently.  Just to find the suitable school for your child.  That is another journey and another post.

Me, I am still figuring out this parenting thing. Nor will I ever.  My motto still stands as,  "One Day at a Time" 
Chaos is my middle name.  Sometimes I wonder why I still have hair left.  Any of you wonder the same?

BP and company (my eldest son in middle school, that could be another blog :)) are the center of my world.

I am back now and I am happy to make connections, friends and share my daily musings with everyone.  Please comment of you like and stop by to say "hi".  I love comments and enjoy any you have to say!  Declare the love. 

Have a great day,

Aspiring Creations: Got the Itch, but can't Scratch

Aspiring Creations: Got the Itch, but can't Scratch

It's finally coming together

After three long years of truly not having an "official" Autism diagnosis, we finally have one.  It's such a relief.  Now that he has been diagnosed everything is starting to come together,  I can start the long process of trying to get services for BP outside of the educational realm.  I have to thank thank his school for helping, but I think it was do to the fact that I contacted the local Regional Center here.  My phone call began it all and with the help of a referral from BP's doctor I might have not gotten anywhere.  So it begins:  more assessments, tests, etc.  I have IEP's up to my neck and I am swimming in paperwork.  About two weeks ago I met with a case worker and they wanted to bring BP so they could observe and ask him a few questions.  I was SO nervous because the fears of having to take Brendan out of his comfort zone would drive any Mother of a child with Autism anxious.  This was the first step of several to see if he will even qualify for services.  Isn't that a laugh, he is clearly qualified but of course they must deal with all the other parents who apparently abuse the system just to get services.  Anyway, that is another story in itself.

On Monday I had what I thought to be his triannual IEP.  Not the case, it served two purposes: first, this was just a LONG two hour addendum to his IEP we had in May. It also served as an excused to fax all the documentation I needed to detemine elgibility for the Regional Center.  Come to find out that they have recommended he be moved to a different school and of course a different class.  I will touch more on a future post. But I walked out of there truly brain-fried.  Nothing like putting a dent in your day, eh?

Have Another blog

I decided to write a short post and inform you of a fairly new blog.  It's my creative side.  I am having fun and trying to start a new venture, but it will take some time. 

Many things personally have gone on in my life for the better and I haven't given up yet on this blog, but it will be a long time coming.   I only have this blog and this other one now.  Much easier to manage.

Please have a look at my newest blog and Iwill be writing soon.

Different Avenues

The author of this blog has decided to take a leave of absence as of June 20, 2009. I need to focus on other avenues. Everytime I would think about writing it became too much of a task and I figure I need to take care of myself first before I can try and help others. I must think about the my family's future. Thanks you for all the support and for the others on the opposite end... Take care. I will read everyone's else blogs! Thank you again.

Time to Breathe

It's been awhile since I've posted. Today seemed like a good day to write a little and take a breather. My new job is going well. The boy that I shadow is 9 and in the third grade. Hasn't been officially diagnosed yet, but he might have PDD, Autism and definitely ADHD. One day last week was rough one for him because apparently, Mom forgot his meds. That happens at times so Mom came and picked him up. It's interesting to see some similiarities with this child and my son. I have been working now a little over a week and still getting to know his quibes (if that's a word). Still getting used to the schedule as well, with the silly time change AND having to get up earlier.

Brendan is doing well. His days seem to be improving where he is right on task and then of course when something sets him off, BINGO! I have to tell you this cute story. When I go and pick up Brendan from school there is a dirt/pebble parking lot that I park my car in. You can see the play structure from the parking lot. Lately his class will go out for free time at the end of the day at the play structure. Brendan can see me pull up and park "mommy's red car" and I usually wait for the time to walk to his class. So Brendan while at the sturture, peers through the fence and works his way down the fence to watch out for me and "yells" Why isn't Mommy getting out ?!" Thought that was rather cute!

Other news: Took my final test for the CSET in Math and Science on Saturday. It's a test to obtain your teaching credential in CA. 5 hours of racking my brain. Will let you all know how I did when I get my scores in four weeks.

Cheers.