Counceling

If all else fails, learn to take care of yourself!

 

I've been seeing a councelor for a couple months now, and I realized it is the only time I'm away from my kids.  I finally asked for some help and took a couple days for myself.  Just me.  For the first time in a long time, I realized that to be a good parent, I needed to take care of myself first.  Consistent exercise has been a major part of my life for years now, but I needed more than that.  I needed time to just be me.  Yesterday I went to an autism meeting, got some cleaning done, talked to a friend, and went for a 4 mile run.  Let me tell you--that was pure therapy.  When I returned to my kids, I appreciated them more, and I was more patient and loving.  It was what I needed desperately, but never seem to get.  I hate asking for help, but I needed to.  If I could, I would take at least 1 day a month for just me.  Thank goodness for my family.  I trust them with the kids, and I'm grateful they are willing to help. 

 

For me, there is nothing better than a good cry, a little cleaning, and a challenging workout!  

Research

These studies were extracted from the book, "Autism Spectrum Disorders What Every Parent Needs to Know" Expert Guidance From the American Academy of Pediatrics 2013.  

www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/caddre.html.  Identifying biological traits of ASD's, and looking for causes and risk factors.

www.earlistudy.org Studies potential environmental and genetic risk factors that may be involved in ASD's.

www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/centers/prevention Studies exposure to chemicals such as lead, mercury, and pesticides on neurodevelopment disorders such as ASD's ADD, and developmental delays. 

www.nationalchildrensstudy.gov.  Examines the effects of genetics and the environment--air, water, diet, culteral and community influences, and family daynamics--on the health of children across the country from birth to 21 years.  This site is not working as of April 19th, 2013.


Now if only I had time to read them...

CHATT

Rough week...

 

All the paperwork is done, orientation done, schedule mapped out, and WEAP says we have to wait another month and a half.  I cried.  An 18 month wait turned into 26 months.  I wasn't happy.  So, I got down on my knees and prayed.  I prayed that I would make the right choice for Aiden.  I was worried that switching providers was somewhat of a selfish, impatient act, and I wanted to do the right thing.

 

I felt guided to call CHATT--childhood autism treatment team, and immediately felt good about changing our provider.  They are much more flexible with scheduling, and the doctor and I are on the same page about therapy hours for Aiden.  WEAP wanted me to do homeschool with 30+ hours of therapy a week.  Church would have been his only chance to interact with his peers.  He would no longer have time to play with his brother either.  Austin will be in preschool next Fall, and when he came home, Aiden would be in therapy until 5:30 PM.  It just didn't feel right at all.  It weighed so hard on my heart and mind, I woke up thinking about it.  But what choices did I have?  Thankfully, WEAP's delay was a blessing in disguise.  Aiden, welcome to KINDERGARDEN :) :) :)    

Winter/Spring 2013

Aiden's favorites for awhile...Peter Pan and Bambi.  He is almost always carrying Bambi, and he puts this costume on nearly every day since he watched Peter Pan for the first time.

 

Aiden is still a hugger.  I didn't even have to ask him to hug his little brother when I put him in his arms :)  Aiden-5, Ashton-9 months, Austin-3

 

Sledding!  Aiden and Austin just loved it! This was the winter that never ended...

 

Aiden likes to hide in the closet.  I gave them flashlights, and they were so excited when I shut the door :)

 

Again with Bambi.  You can kind of see the scars from the rash under his nose when he got really sick.  Thanks to that rash, I knew to take him into the doctor.  He had strep throat, and I had no idea.  He acted completely fine.  Aiden is rarely sick, but after that experience, I wonder how many times he was and I had no idea...

Easter 2013 at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  I was amazed that Aiden hid eggs on his own the very next day!  Imaginative play is coming!!!

 

Abe gets few moments with the boys due to his rigerous schedule as a student teacher.  Glad I caught this moment :)  I'm so curious what our Heavenly Father has in store for us when he graduates in May.  We have been students for 5 years...so grateful to start a new chapter in our lives!

 

 

Abe graduates, Aiden starts therapy...here we go 2013!