2013

Aiden has progressed by leaps and bounds!

Someone told me recently that he could barely tell that Aiden struggles.  A year ago Aiden probably would have barked at you instead of saying, "hi".  He would have given the "blank stare" instead of attempting to respond to a question.  He had very few words, and preferred to play chase over using a toy appropriately.  

TODAY, Aiden looks you in the eye.  He says "hello," and "I'm Aiden".  He has many words, and he can put many of them in appropriate sentences!!!  His answer to "did you have fun at school today?" is now "fun!"  instead of a glazed over look.  He interacts with his brother more than he ever has.  They play together, and Austin isn't the only one talking!  

As I continue to read on the theories of autism, my heart remains conflicted.    None of the theories can explain all of the cases of autism.  1 in 88 children is now born with an autism spectrum disorder.  That is an alarming number.  What is going on?  I still believe for us, it was a genetic predisposition with some environmental trigger.  If the yeast theory holds true, then Austin and Ashton should have some autistic tendencies--please no!  Same is true with vaccinations.  I will continue to vaccinate my children.  Do I question my decision some times?  Yes.  But let's be honest here.  If I truly believed that they had something to do with it in any way, I would NOT let my children have a single shot.  No mother wants to cause this.  I wish Aiden was potty trained, I wish he didn't walk like a dog and lay flat on the floor in public, I wish I could have a conversation with my son that mimics a neural-typical child of 5.  I don't know what to expect in the future.  But, I DO know we are blessed that Aiden is indeed mildly affected by autism.  That doesn't mean that I'm going to ignore it.  I want to learn all I can and do all I can for Aiden.  I want all my children to be successful--no matter what their challenges may be.  I pray we are one of the families who get to say, "my child overcame autism".  Could 2013 be a year of more miracles? 

Christmas

We were unable to buy many gifts again this year, but the kids were SPOILED.  I'm sincerely grateful to our friends and family who helped play "Santa"!  I look forward to the day we can "pay it forward"!

Our Christmas letter 2012:

 

2012:   It was a good one!  Full of miracles and hope for a new start in 2013!

Abe—Extended his contract with the Army National Guard for 1 more year to help get us through his final year of school!  This is his final semester before student teaching in the Spring!    He will graduate with a Masters degree in Business and Marketing Education in May 2013. 

Marian—Appreciates and loves being home most of the time with her children.  She continues to work  a day or 2 each month at the hospital to maintain her credentials as a dietitian, and to help support the family.  She has been with Beloit Hospital for 7 years.   Goals for 2013 include certifying in personal training, and beating her personal best 5K time!  Her greatest accomplishments this year?  Having another baby, and doing a 5K obstacle course 3 months post-partum!

Aiden—Will turn 5 in January!  We are so proud of Aiden’s progress despite having so much to overcome!  Even his teachers are excited about his emerging voice J  He has turned out to be a terrific listener, and a very good-natured child.  We are trying to wait patiently for intensive therapy to start in April 2013.  In the meantime, Aiden is doing well in the Early Childhood program.  This is his final year before he starts Kindergarten next Fall!  Where does the time go?

Austin—Turned 3 in November.  He is a little man with a BIG personality!  That about sums it up for him; he definitely keeps his mother on her toes!  Austin is an incredible blessing to his big brother.  Despite the fighting, Austin pushes Aiden out of his comfort zone, and into the world of “play”!  They seem lost without each other.  I’m so grateful for his help J

Ashton—What a joy it is to have a baby in the house again!  Baby Ashton settled right in like he was always part of our family.  The boys love him, and are terrific with him.  There is nothing better than baby coos and giggles!  Ashton will be 7 months old by the time you read this!

 

Wishing you many blessings, and a terrific New Year!!!

 

The McCormick Family    

 

 



Loss

Many souls were taken to God this week...

 

As I read about the young children and faithful teachers whose lives were taken in such a horrific way, my heart breaks.  All that is left is prayer.  I've been pondering my faith and the scriptures a lot this week.  Moments of peace have come.  I still know that God lives, and I find comfort that those who have passed, have gone straight to His loving arms.  Life is short.  I've been complaining about the "trying 3's," how hard it is to potty train 2 children at once, and how worried I am that Ashton will be autistic.  All that seems unimportant now.  I have my 3 kids at home with me.  I can kiss and hug them whenever I want.  My pain is nothing compared to those who are grieving now. 

 

 

Someone told me the shooter was autistic; labeled with the diagnosis of Asberger's.  What does this mean for the autistic community?  Instead of acceptance, will there be fear?  The fact that Aiden processes information differently can be a scary thing.  I don't always understand how Aiden sees the world.  Do I think autism had a role in what happened?  Maybe.  Do I trust my son?  Absolutely.  Is there some fear there?  Yes, but only that he will be bullied and feel helpless, alone, and afraid. 

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/my-life-aspergers/201212/asperger-s-autism-and-mass-murder

IEP year 2

Aiden's Individual Education Plan (IEP):

Goal 1--Aiden will demonstrate an increase in expressive/receptive language skills so that he may effectively communicate basic want and needs in 4 out of 5 opportunities.  

Goal 2--Aiden will increase his social skills by responding to greetings, responding to his name being called, directing his attention, participating in teacher led activities, and interacting with peers in 3 out of 4 opportunities.

Goal 3--Aiden will increase his self-help skills by washing his hands, walking near teachers, and participating in a bathroom routine in at least 3 out of 4 opportunities.

Thank goodness for Early Childhood, because Aiden is making progress in all of these areas!  Aiden is able to make his needs known most of the time, even if it isn't a complete sentence, he can communicate what he wants.  It is rare that I don't know what Aiden needs.  Aiden says "hello" and "goodbye" appropriately with prompting, and sometimes even without it.  He is now able to sit for classroom activities and participate in "floor time".  Aiden will go to the bathroom when asked to, sit on the potty and wash his hands, but he has yet to communicate when he has to go.  When I'm able, I would like to try underwear for a week.  I did it with Austin, and it is working.  It is just very challenging with 2 to keep track of.  I'm already cleaning up a lot of pee and poo (and doing a ton more laundry)!  I'm being pulled in a lot of directions, still wondering if I'm doing all I can do, and trying to keep my head on straight.  Some days are easier in that regard than others.  Life is going to change drastically in April.  It is a constant game of finding balance in the world of autism, while raising 3 children under 5.  If God brings you to it, he will get you through it!

Resources

Autism Resource List

ABA Therapy:

Mercy Options - Behavioral Health Clinic - Janesville

901 Mineral Point Ave

Phone: (608) 756-5555 or (800) 341-1450

WEAP-Madison Clinic
1210 Fourier Drive
Madison, WI 53717
(608) 662-WEAP (9327)

Integrated Development Services, Inc.

6506 Schroeder Road

Madison, WI 53711

(608) 441-0123 (800) 218-3781

 

Childhood Autism Treatment Team 262-370-7744 Dr. Colleen Ryan

 

BOOKS:

“The Boy Who Loved Windows” –mother’s experience

“Let Me Hear Your Voice.  A Family’s Triumph Over Autism” Catherine Maurice-mother’s experience

“Louder Than Words” – Jenny McCarthy – mother’s experience

“Am I Still Autistic?”  John Hall – a multimillionaire’s experience growing up with autism

 

GRANTS (financial help with seminars, workshops, IPADS, etc.):

Friends of Autism: http://www.friendsofautism.org/family-grant-program.asp

ANGEL Inc.: http://www.angelautismnetwork.org/

Bridge the Gap: http://www.bridgethegapwi.org/

RESPITE CARE:  

Gio’s Garden (Madison) http://giosgarden.org/?page_id=708

 

Janesville/Beloit area-

Whitney Walraven Executive Director

205 N Main St STE 107

Janesville, WI 53545

Family.respite@sbcglobal.net

OFFICE: 608-758-0956

MOBILE: 815-742-7726

A night of FREE childcare for all of your children, 3 hours, 1 night a month!

 

SEMINARS/CONFERENCES:

Jessica Quam
Case Manager/Autism Specialist

Developmental Disability Counseling
2020 E. Milwaukee Street
Suite 9
Janesville, WI 53545
P: (608) 752-4993
jquam@ccddc.com

http://www.catholiccharitiesofmadison.org/ProgramsServices/DevelopmentalDisabilities/AutismSpecialists/AutismSpecialistJessicaQuam.aspx

 

SUPPORT GROUPS:

Café Connections- Anna Fuller from Birth-3 anna.fuller@cesa2.org

 

 

Locked In?

So, Aiden figured out how to unlock the deadbolt and the lock on the front door a long time ago...

 

 

I kept telling Abe he needed to put a higher lock on the front door, because Aiden was opening the door to strangers.  One time I walked into the front room to find a friend in my house.  Thank goodness it was a friendly face, or I would have freaked out.  Well, Abe finally got around to it this weekend.  Epic. Fail.  Aiden moved the play structure to the door and opened the extra lock anyway!  Sigh.  Shortly after I discovered he could do this, I jumped in the shower while the boys were watching Scooby Do and the baby was napping.  The doorbell rang!  I yelled from the shower, "don't open the door!"  Thank goodness Aiden was captivated by the latest ghost on the cartoon and thought nothing of opening the door--this time.  He could easily leave at anytime he wants too.  Sometimes he does this in the morning when I'm not quite ready to walk out the door yet.  Aiden will be half-way down the street!  A family I know has alarms that sound when the windows or doors open.  I may have to consider that!

 

On a postive note, Aiden's parent/teacher conference couldn't have gone better.  She began with, "I didn't think Aiden would be ready for Kindergarden when he first started Early Childhood," but "he has made such great progress!"  Aiden is one of the strongest students from an academic stand-point, he is finally interacting with his fellow students, and he has a ton of words that are finally forming sentences!  He was even playing telephone with his speech therapist while we talked!  I couldn't be more excited for this school year.  What a blessing it is to watch Aiden overcome so much.  I silently cry a lot.  Every complete sentence or appropriate response/interaction brings me to tears.  Aiden gave me a big hug yesterday, and I could have sworn he said (in his precious 2 year old-like voice), "I'll be ok momma".  What a spiritual experience this journey is.  We are so blessed to have Aiden in our lives.    

Halloween

Halloween 2011

 

 

 

Aiden did terrific tonight Trick or Treating!  I kept following him up to the door in an attempt to help him, but he didn't need me!  He walked right up to the door and said, "Trick or Treat" when appropriate, and "thank you".  I held back tears.  It is moments like that when life feels normal, and autism isn't part of it.  The kids had so much fun, and that is always a joy to see.  I'm proud of my little pirates!