tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74007777858280181132024-03-12T21:10:43.077-07:00Cotton Talesburgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-84910127076571785282011-12-07T08:27:00.000-08:002011-12-07T08:27:04.054-08:00New blog address<a href="http://threecottontops.blogspot.com/">http://threecottontops.blogspot.com/</a>burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-37624488126386504122011-11-11T07:16:00.001-08:002011-11-11T07:16:41.013-08:00Come over to my new blog at http://threecottontops.blogspot.com/ You will see why when you get there:)burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-73782305725205071402011-09-16T17:52:00.001-07:002011-09-16T17:52:28.820-07:00PrivateI am going to make my blog private for a while. If you want access the password will be Cotton's real name. If you know that, then you are probably not a serial killer:) If you don't know it, then leave a comment and I will send it to you.... unless you are a serial killer, then you know sorry.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-63899774459823809782011-08-23T12:52:00.000-07:002011-08-23T12:52:35.180-07:00Plateau<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1CXsblTkMGC0qhmc1wV5mLrNo-RkbpGxY-t5ZBSlstT9LlWst5lqgK1gMD375SuyWj6aLjRj-6CTGoKJv16gwmvcc4sU2s5W_AqAMctX7xMsotx-rrDi2vUlluMxaV1TLAhXTrA2_k4/s1600/IMG_3631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1CXsblTkMGC0qhmc1wV5mLrNo-RkbpGxY-t5ZBSlstT9LlWst5lqgK1gMD375SuyWj6aLjRj-6CTGoKJv16gwmvcc4sU2s5W_AqAMctX7xMsotx-rrDi2vUlluMxaV1TLAhXTrA2_k4/s320/IMG_3631.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Landon is a little on the bossy side. You know he comes by it honestly, and he has a little brother that is willing to do almost anything he asks of him. Cotton is of course his older brother, but Landon LOVES to be in charge. Cotton was helping me with dinner, he took out the colander and was putting it on the sink, when Landon came over and started to tell him how to do it. Cotton looked over at his brother and says "NOT TEACHER!" Wow that was so incredible on so many levels.<br />
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This is the first time that Cotton has said anything like this, he wasn't asking for a need, or trying to tell us about something that happened. This was original and appropriate! This also comes on the heels of an increase in medication. I always freak out when we make changes to his meds. but he has grown a great deal this summer, and he was due for a reevaluation. We have seen a lot of good things as a result of this change, so I'm hoping to see some more. We've been "stuck" for a while, nothing dramatic, just no huge developmental jumps. Maybe this will help us over this plateau. burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-19530561827753158612011-08-22T12:32:00.000-07:002011-08-22T12:32:50.605-07:00How to Have Three Boys... and Avoid Thomas the TrainRev, has become enamored with trains... I know what 3 year old boy is not. Oddly enough Cotton was never drawn to trains as a toddler, Landon liked them, but was never much for Thomas exactly. What's wrong with Thomas you ask? Nothing really, I just think they are a little creepy. Although I do concede that the newer more animated Thomas episodes are a lot less creepy, I'm still just not sold lol. I'm not the only one, Landon refuses to watch the old episodes where the characters mouths don't move, he says "They look like puppets, and I don't like puppets." I'm sensing some drama I should know about.. ok but now I'm getting off track (pun intended) <br />
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So I was dangerously close to a Thomas obsession. Rev fell in love with the trains at a doctor's office. We have a few trains around the house and he was asking for movies non stop. Then I remembered we had an attic full of Geo Trax. These are less creepy remote control trains, and we have tons of tracks and all the bells and whistles that go with it. We also have a few of the movies Rev was hooked immediately and now my living room is a maze of tracks and trains, and little men... and stop signs that really hurt when you step on them. My kids say things like "tracktastic" and even Cotton is getting in on the fun. I caught him secretly rolling a train around the track. careful that no one was watching. So the lesson here, is that you can't take the trains out of boyhood, but if your lucky you might just avoid Thomas.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGkqD8uwA2DSw3H8W8QAfGrLgjFtDTkE-rDOkz5LsPUcxmBiREOKQbyQS54bvqifhM1q91ARx8RyQLO3G23XtnR2rHxDxPoHty2-HiIYbFOQKJEFuIlvyNRdDKUFO144kzrVP4nvqqto/s1600/IMG_2684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGkqD8uwA2DSw3H8W8QAfGrLgjFtDTkE-rDOkz5LsPUcxmBiREOKQbyQS54bvqifhM1q91ARx8RyQLO3G23XtnR2rHxDxPoHty2-HiIYbFOQKJEFuIlvyNRdDKUFO144kzrVP4nvqqto/s320/IMG_2684.JPG" /></a></div><br />
burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-44906925919755503752011-08-20T18:15:00.000-07:002011-08-20T18:15:17.588-07:00All I Want For Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpx2pj7CIIxNAwN-MPvTlnSQnA2LXeP5O__kRYKvvh7nmdI5K6XAtnAs-dFD5EuVs6TD0CouPJtaHAJtCcMBnSVIGqCvs-0Fw-SttVbKFcUCIn2arhDxor7QRrjO49nk7CGPUI33KxFM/s1600/IMG_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpx2pj7CIIxNAwN-MPvTlnSQnA2LXeP5O__kRYKvvh7nmdI5K6XAtnAs-dFD5EuVs6TD0CouPJtaHAJtCcMBnSVIGqCvs-0Fw-SttVbKFcUCIn2arhDxor7QRrjO49nk7CGPUI33KxFM/s320/IMG_3665.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Oh what a night. Cotton, had this tooth. It was a baby tooth, being pushed sideways by a permanent tooth that was already sticking through the gum. Only the baby tooth was some how not loose, I should also mention that after YEARS of grinding his teeth, his baby teeth are little tiny square nubs. We had a decision to make.... dentist... which we have regularly seen since Cotton was three, and have only graduated to sitting in the chair and opening his mouth for a quick look..... or us. We decided to give it a try. It was AGONY on every one's part. Rev was crying crocodile tears for his brother, but Landon was excited because he thought the Tooth Fairy would be paying a visit. Finally after a colossal fight both against Cotton and the tooth, it popped out. I asked Cotton to put it in the pillow for the Tooth Fairy, and he just shook his head no, and asked for a band aide. We let him watch YouTube videos for a while and he forgave us. I am so thankful though, I really doubt we would have ever got him back into the dentist office, if we had used her to pull the funky tooth. By the way, did you know that there is an entire section of YouTube videos dedicated to elevators? My son has peeps out there.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-18163383378415063092011-08-19T07:22:00.000-07:002011-08-19T07:22:39.585-07:00King of Your CastleSo yesterday we went to my new favorite place. It was a bouncy castle world. We have been looking for something to keep the kids active during these oh so HOT days of August and some friends invited us out. It is an out of the way small town place, so perfect for my diverse group. Well almost perfect. As soon as you walk in the door there is a giant inflatable shark slide that scared the piss out of my very sensitive Rev. He was happy to eat pizza and play in the eating area while watching his daring brothers careen from one inflatable house of doom to the next. He'll warm up, he just needs a little time. On a good note upon arrival, he yells "Oh no shark, all done, no no, all done, car, go home, all done." Just saying look at my little communicator, he has come sooo far! Even if he is screaming this in a total panic lol. <br />
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I love this place though because the kids can scream as loud as they want do what they want, and Rev and I can sit there and watch from afar... in safety... away from giant sharks. It is really hard to find ways to get Cotton active, and here he was climbing walls, jumping through hoops, gleefully running through obstacle courses, a sensory wonderland really... for him.... maybe sensory hell for Rev... just pointing out the obvious. The best part was that it was a place that Landon and Cotton could play together! No real skill necessary, Landon and Cotton were holding hands giggling the whole way, what is not to love....sorry Rev.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-27501671726269253892011-08-18T06:41:00.000-07:002011-08-18T06:41:32.841-07:00School All AroundWe just started back to school this week, what a quick, fun and easy summer. It is about freaking time! One of my greatest accomplishments this summer, is that I became a pool mom. I don't know if you remember me lamenting about how much I envied the carefree moms at the pool. Well this year I was there... not carefree, but there. The kids are pretty much swimming... ie they don't drown while in shallow water. That is something right??<br />
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Monday was the first day of school. Landon was of course thrilled and beside himself with excitement. He has had a great but exhausting first week. Kindergarteners don't take naps! Cotton's class still has a rest time, but no rest for the Kindergarteners I guess. Landon did wake up yesterday and tell me that he had changed his mind and did not want to go to school everyday. He will manage he is already learning so much. I really love the school the kids are attending. My husband is going to have to pry my fingers from this place when it is time for us to PCS (move). <br />
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Cotton is in the same class same kids and same teachers. He loves them, they love him, there is very little else to say about it. When you got a program that works, pray it holds together. I still have my ABA tudors coming, still we have taken a few weeks off, but they will be starting up next week again. I am not sure how I feel about that. Let's face it without them Cotton's afternoons could be spent watching Youtube videos, so I am learning to love it, even if it is a pain in the ass.<br />
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Rev, really hates that he brothers are going to the same school without him. He wails for them when they get out of the car in the morning. They boys have become so close this summer. They are all so interconnected, it is really beautiful to watch brotherhood unfold. <br />
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As for me I have one more week of laziness while I enjoy my free time, and then I am learning to run. I HATE running, buuuut, I've been doing yoga for over a year now, and I need to switch things up. A friend of mine is running a half marathon, and she has started training, so I am learning to run with her. She says I will be running the half, I say let me run 1 mile first... we'll see.<br />
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burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-10194763240245697882011-07-14T10:04:00.000-07:002011-07-14T10:17:24.869-07:00Did someone say chocolate...??I realize that I left my blog with Rev not hearing, and didn't follow up! So yes, Rev had a pretty significant hearing loss, but fortunately it was because of wax and fluid build up. I know you can't really do anything about that, but a mom cannot help but question her grooming diligence. So a good cleaning, and ear tubes et viola!<br />
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Anyway, fast forward a few weeks, and WOW what a difference, homeboy can follow directions... who knew? He is also talking a lot more. Of course I wish it was an over night thing but alas, I must work for all speech in my life:) He is doing great, and a happier kid all around. For some reason he is much more pleasant to be around, when he is not screaming at you because you don't understand what he is saying. Not to say there are not times, currently he keeps running up to me saying "hey mom, slkdfjgdhfoijwekfhglkdjhflksjglsf" and I just nod and smile, because it makes him happy. <br />
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Trust me a happy Rev = a happy family. <br />
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However, when the words are important he says them like a champ, take the word "chocolate" for example that one is said slowly every syllable carefully enunciated as to ensure the message is received, and that mom does not stand there like a bobble head doll. <br />
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ccchhhhhhoooooccccoooollllaaaatttttte. yummmmburgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-78918878658051027732011-06-14T19:26:00.000-07:002011-06-14T19:29:48.383-07:00Coming into his own<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3ikqRlyqOVbFgAep30ZbCJRp3AZqsWdeIJtyiArTTpB3bQjo_4SimswxCpaZimwuDA0XG3C_HbHsWDBEu1HuohpIWVJncOrKOt813ryVFP8k__DqBnTPEJNIMHhcwfxDs9lB_xQT9hk/s1600/IMG_3609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3ikqRlyqOVbFgAep30ZbCJRp3AZqsWdeIJtyiArTTpB3bQjo_4SimswxCpaZimwuDA0XG3C_HbHsWDBEu1HuohpIWVJncOrKOt813ryVFP8k__DqBnTPEJNIMHhcwfxDs9lB_xQT9hk/s320/IMG_3609.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Landon has really, really grown up the last few months. He is coming into his own in many ways, particularly in regards to sports. He is currently in soccer camp and I absolutely love to watch him play. He is really agile, VERY motivated, and quick! He's the kid that is always ready to go. It is refreshing to watch my child succeed. Bittersweet, but awesome at the same time. At running club, he usually places 1st or 2nd in all the races, little man has speed! It is nice to be part of the "typical" world from time to time, with so much emphasis on his brothers, we work extremely hard to make his life as autism free as possible. <br />
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But there are times that our worlds collide, and unfortunately, and fortunately Landon has to deal with things, I would rather he didn't. I am worried about next year. Cotton's classroom, is located on the kindergarten wing, and I know that Landon will have to answer some uncomfortable questions. We are trying to prepare him, without making it too dramatic. Knowing him he will shrug it off, but I so wish I could shelter him from what is bound to happen.<br />
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But nothing keeps that kid down long. The other day he was collecting tomatoes out of the garden. All of a sudden he looks in his bag and says "Oh damn!" "Landon! I scold, that is not a nice word! We don't say that word (ahem.. some of us anyway)" He looked at me and in all seriousness and said "But you don't even know why I said damn!" And that my friends just about sums it up.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-51822451850111614972011-06-13T18:13:00.000-07:002011-06-13T18:13:25.645-07:00Summer TimeIn winter I get up at night<br />
And dress by yellow candle-light.<br />
In summer quite the other way,<br />
I have to go to bed by day.<br />
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I have to go to bed and see<br />
The birds still hopping on the tree,<br />
Or hear the grown-up people's feet<br />
Still going past me in the street.<br />
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And does it not seem hard to you,<br />
When all the sky is clear and blue,<br />
And I should like so much to play,<br />
To have to go to bed by day?<br />
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-Robert Louis Stevensonburgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-31553550064179621232011-06-08T14:53:00.000-07:002011-06-08T14:58:27.251-07:00Same Song Second VerseSo I took Rev into see the ENT and the audiologist today, and he failed the initial exam. Of course they have no answers for us, and we have to do more testing yada yada. I feel like I can face anything, so why does it always seem like that which I must face has its' back turned to me. It feels eerily like when I found out Cotton was visually impaired. I though whew that was close, I thought it was autism lol. I am trying to separate the two experiences, but I am finding it really difficult. I guess this is more of a facebook post than a blog, but I don't think anyone I know needs to be on this roller coaster with me... come to think of it, can I get off?? Sheesh... here we go.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-34693773238552521382011-06-07T20:09:00.000-07:002011-06-07T20:12:02.917-07:00Slam DunkSo day two of summer, and it's going ok. We don't have a lot of down time, so that is actually very helpful. I am keeping them as busy as possible, so when it is time for dinner, their heads start bobbing over their spaghetti (ok so none of them would actually eat spaghetti voluntarily, but my day dream so hush). I even enrolled them in a running club. So funny to watch Rev run, I mean really, why did I not think of this earlier? Cotton did not have the stamina or the coordination to really participate, so this kind of gives us something to work on. My hope is that we can help him learn to run the 100 without hating it. We have been walking since the weather has warmed up, this is one "sport" that he might actually be able to participate in. <br />
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True to my word, I took Cotton on his first swimming lesson... um neither one of us drowned, despite Cotton's best effort. I really think he was trying to drown me. At one point, he jumped out of the pool, he was desperate to go down this giant slide, he ran as fast as he could (but not at running club) while I jumped out, and tried to run after him, the life guard kept yelling at him to stop, I yelled to the life guard he can't hear you (because I did not think the 20 year old kid would be interested in auditory processing issues) and then I proceeded to yell at him myself. All in all, it was a successful first trip (note sarcasm.)<br />
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Life is never dull around here, let me tell you...burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-63928529417815705322011-06-06T20:27:00.000-07:002011-06-06T20:27:44.175-07:00Good bye Old FriendSunday morning I woke up with a bang literally. Landon came screaming into my room, holding Wyatt's talker. A starburst of cracks spread across the screen, and the images were scattered in as sad array of disrepair. Cotton was beside himself, as was I...our warranty was up in November. I am sure I can get my insurance to cover a new one, but here is the thing, Cotton has really been doing a lot of typing on it. He loves to type out new words, and of course his favorite message is "20th Century. Fox. Fanfare. Daddy. Call (meaning Daddy's phone)." note his use of punctuation :) ANYWAY, for the time being, I dusted off the proloq2go app on the iPad, I thought at the very least he could type.Would you know that after two years of snubbing this app, home boy took to it, like a duck to water! After I realized he was going to use it, I made a page that mimicked the Prc design. He has spent a few hours playing with and memorizing the pages, and he is using it! This is good news, only because the iPad and the iPod are much easier to lug around, and can serve multiple purposes. Specifically this is the future of alternative communication. Not to mention with Cotton's visual needs and, and his fine motor issues, the iPad is going to be his "go to tool". It would be nice if his com device was on it as well. I am going to give it a few weeks, and see how well it works for him, before I contact my insurance company.But so far I am really hopeful.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-51899949947225801502011-05-31T08:48:00.000-07:002011-05-31T08:48:25.755-07:00The Untimely Demise of Super Mom.This year I have done life a little differently. In the past, I have carried around a ton of guilt about having a child with special needs. I somehow, not really consciously, felt like I needed to suffer, at least as much as I perceived my child to be suffering. But one day, or rather gradually over many days, I realized that he WAS happy, and I was not. <br />
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Moving can be a great thing, you can if you want to, reinvent yourself easily, as the old habits aren't always available for you to fall back on. So there I was last year, deciding that I needed a change. I started at a yoga studio, and that was fun, and then I started knitting with a group of ladies (big stretch for me), I made a point to meet and make relationships with my neighbors. I said a lot of "yes" when I usually say "no, I cannot enjoy life, because my son cannot enjoy life" (ok not exactly those words but you get the idea.) Now a year later, I'm having fun! My calendar is full, I am out many nights a week, and the big shocker is that my kids are actually happy about it! I thought if I wasn't home for every little moment in their lives, I would somehow be abandoning them. I realized that leaving them with their completely competent father was a blessing for both of us. Those moments they have with him, are equally as important as their moments with me.<br />
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For the first summer in as long as I can remember, I am actually looking forward to having a bit of free time. I have owned up to my limitations, and the kids are going to be busy, sometimes with me, sometimes at school, or day care, and sometimes at camps. I am not going to try to do it all, and feel like a failure when it fails! I have scheduled in a lot of one on one time with each child which is going to rock. Landon and I have already started on his Five in a Row books, (an annual favorite activity for us, that use to make me feel awful, because I could never get Cotton to participate.) Cotton WILL learn how to swim and ride a bike this summer. Two activities that he is more than ready for, I have just lacked the one on one time to get it done. I have nothing officially planned for Rev, but he will continue in his developmental preschool, that is more than enough for a three year old. I just plan on lots of cuddling:)<br />
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So bring on summer, bring on life where I am less in charge, but having more fun, bring on more bed times with Dad, and more dates for the grown ups. Bring on a life that may not look like everyone elses, but looks like a lot of joy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd-gpCorHp6E36Mzt6R9QygTVdkg1vOB4CbbOiJh8H4mFoMDe673VJDrBExA_-iaCGzyHpUn_inKpWBGLZRdenyic7W1CJqvSch5TAakOrJgbbWiDKB9KFTvdTb9lzJICze68N1BQCgI/s1600/246691_2044216232920_1469800983_32306378_3985301_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="98" width="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKd-gpCorHp6E36Mzt6R9QygTVdkg1vOB4CbbOiJh8H4mFoMDe673VJDrBExA_-iaCGzyHpUn_inKpWBGLZRdenyic7W1CJqvSch5TAakOrJgbbWiDKB9KFTvdTb9lzJICze68N1BQCgI/s320/246691_2044216232920_1469800983_32306378_3985301_s.jpg" /></a></div>burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-20959215550742537472011-05-26T19:48:00.000-07:002011-05-26T19:48:02.930-07:00Say What?I've had a bit of a blogging block lately. I'm not even sure where to start. Cotton is in a good place right now, other than having a random fever pop up now and then. Some of the drama and rigidity have faded as they usually do, and he is his sweet self again. This morning he jumped in my arms and gave me a hug and kiss. He shows affection, but not usually so appropriately lol. <br />
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Rev is on my mind a lot lately. He continues to make great gains, but he remains far behind his peers. The thing that really has me is that he failed two hearing screenings. Could I have missed something so obvious? I think in my heart I just felt there was no way that could even be a possibility. We made Cotton go to every doctor in the book. By the time he was three he HATED anyone in a white coat, and honestly we NEVER found any medical professional that helped us in any way. So, we have avoided needless test on Rev. But, now we start the process. I am sure the audiologist will lead to and ENT (He has GIANT adnoids and tonsils), it's kind of like that book "If You Give a Pig a Pancake," one needless doctor leads to another. <br />
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I can't even imagine, having one child with albinism and autism, and another child with a hearing impairment! That would actually be comical in a sadistic sort of way. I may warn pregnant women to stay away, I may after all be radioactive. But as in everything there are lessons to learn, and I will let you know when I figure out what those lessons are haha. But, I wouldn't hold my breath because apparently I did not learn them the first time:)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4vMSzaoARNiP_JoHLL_fAqzAKStbV54umiVSO5Ztc04SETd-FTs8WLwfBuePp945EZrRuBf6V8sXYctNChiXLC0zet6rZ1dGNgeV2GawLu3diKAcIDb46I3CuSkr71g7zgHwmSbO_s4/s1600/IMG_3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4vMSzaoARNiP_JoHLL_fAqzAKStbV54umiVSO5Ztc04SETd-FTs8WLwfBuePp945EZrRuBf6V8sXYctNChiXLC0zet6rZ1dGNgeV2GawLu3diKAcIDb46I3CuSkr71g7zgHwmSbO_s4/s320/IMG_3599.JPG" /></a></div>burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-19699854105734191462011-05-20T09:59:00.000-07:002011-05-20T09:59:14.159-07:00Sick and SickerCotton has been sick a lot lately. It's almost like he never really gets better. One mysterious fever after another. Vomiting, ear infections, and one antibiotic after another. He can't really tell us what is wrong, and this makes me very, very nervous. One minute he is fine and the next minute, his fever spikes, his eyes become red and he becomes very lethargic. This lasts for three days at a time, and then goes away, only to come back. The whole family has wrestled with illness this year and pardon the pun, but I am sick of it! We are going back to the doctor again today, and I really hope they can come up with something. <br />
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This is the scary part of not being able to communicate effectively. Every time I ask him a question, he shakes his head no. School called again today, he was fine when I put him on the bus, but the fever is back. I went to pick him up and he looked awful! He's in the other room sleeping right now. Do you have any idea how unusual it is for him to sleep during the middle of the day! I hope we can find some answers for my poor little boy.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-17086028897023878632011-04-21T08:30:00.000-07:002011-04-21T08:30:34.897-07:00You Can Lead a Horse To WaterI am a little nervous to type this. I'm afraid I may be the only one that feels this way. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cH8F4BasF4P3vmPz_5Im7OnqFRZxECUIMjL5bYji3FQhloZn0zhs0kfuufMJqNZM0WbpC1sb-cFB7aUNmBySq0NewbPq7kDhpHlpUR8RhDi23T1T4uiARsvPZDtahH1EY4bj-RoeV4U/s1600/IMG_3594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cH8F4BasF4P3vmPz_5Im7OnqFRZxECUIMjL5bYji3FQhloZn0zhs0kfuufMJqNZM0WbpC1sb-cFB7aUNmBySq0NewbPq7kDhpHlpUR8RhDi23T1T4uiARsvPZDtahH1EY4bj-RoeV4U/s320/IMG_3594.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It is sort of a post about frustration. With Cotton, and I am sure with others, there are these moments of "extreme clarity." Moments where he types freaking paragraphs on his talker, where he looks into our eyes, participates in what we are doing. Times when he tells jokes, teases his brothers (in a good way), calls me into his bedroom to tell me he loves me. Then the rest of the time, not so much. I just want to scream sometimes. "WHERE DO YOU GO, AND WHY!!!!!!! "Why don't you try? I've seen what you are capable of, Why don't you want to be with us!!!!!" <br />
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Most importantly how, do I make it happen all the time. That's where I go wrong, "I" can only do so much. Cotton is the one that has to decide, it is all up to him. I've been so frustrated with him lately. I know that is terrible. <br />
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The neighbor boy came over the other day, granted he was rude, but he was like "hey kid, hey.....can he hear?" Wyatt screamed at him, and ran away to float leaves in front of his face. What the heck. AAAHHHH I know it is not his fault. I KNOW that social stuff just doesn't compute. But, sometimes I want him to want it, just a little. I also wish I was a saint, and didn't want it for him so much.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-88373019569623172712011-04-07T07:18:00.000-07:002011-04-07T07:18:04.291-07:00The Many LayersI like to be as honest as possible in this blog. I want to talk about autism, and how much I enjoy raising my child with autism, but I think it is only fair, to tell the whole story. Right now, we are in the middle of a lot of stuff. Cotton has had a really good school year. His teacher, his aides and his various therapist are all spot on, and really good to work with. They are also honest, and when they are stuck they let me know it. For the moment we are moving through the stuck part. <br />
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Cotton is OBSESSED with the song Fox Fanfare (the intro to the 20th century fox movies) the ONLY thing he wants to do, is watch You Tube videos of the intro. If he is not listening, or watching Fox Fanfare, he is asking for it, and there is very little that matters to him in his life other than this song.<br />
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I've been doing this long enough to know that behavior is always communication. This compulsion is probably a symptom of being over stressed. Solving this problem as it pertains to Cotton is not as easy as it may seem. I have cut back on his after school therapy, because (and this is another post) after school therapy is a stress on all of us! But in doing so, I have created more anxiety, because his schedule has changed. So on the days he use to have therapy he yells, Ms. T....Fox Fanfare...ipod, the ENTIRE afternoon!!!! <br />
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He has also become very unengaged. Our life has changed a bit since our move. In Oklahoma we had people over all the time. His interactions were inappropriate, but he was at least interested. Here, our friends are more spread out, and we are more likely to meet for a girls night, or go out as a couple than get together as families. This has had an effect on him as well. I think he really enjoys, having people over to the house in his domain where he feels comfortable.<br />
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Thirdly, and this is going back to an earlier point, there is a serious sensory element that has been ignored. After school therapy is largely table play (mostly due to weather and is changing as I type). But Cotton is a sensory mess right now. His school is starting brushing therapy up again. In the past I have not been a huge believer, but it is making a big impact at the moment, so I am all for it.<br />
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There are so many things to tackle here. Like I said in my previous post, I feel a little lost. As we (and I mean the team) start to peel back the reasons for all of these newish behaviors, we are coming up with new and creative ways to help him. The big thing, the thing we need more than anything, is to teach him how to help himself. More head scratching to come.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-57982994305487592362011-04-04T19:38:00.000-07:002011-04-04T19:43:08.124-07:00Boldly Going<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSItaCJ1qMH9Y_lmadquzT9oJbJ3VrkKssamy29V7mJkZ12Jqg1JPS-3aZmoZJGsX-6CpqedSVvcCFda7v29Y1I3hWV6iMtSFpn2CMlPExb0_3EFbXCKnv7SnpET8PBW20VrTvwPkR334/s1600/IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSItaCJ1qMH9Y_lmadquzT9oJbJ3VrkKssamy29V7mJkZ12Jqg1JPS-3aZmoZJGsX-6CpqedSVvcCFda7v29Y1I3hWV6iMtSFpn2CMlPExb0_3EFbXCKnv7SnpET8PBW20VrTvwPkR334/s320/IMG_3563.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I am constantly reminded these days of how incredibly big my little boy is getting! I should say boys, but with three, I have a steady stream of hand me downs, waiting for the younger two. Cotton is the one that needs all the new clothes, whose feet are almost larger than mine, and who is eating more than one human his size should possibly be able to ingest at one sitting. I had to carry the child to the bus today.... I know, I know, he is eight, but the bus pulled up, and rain started pouring down in sheets, and lighting flashed out of no where, and Cotton was scared out of his mind. It was way too late to tell the driver to go, so I picked him up and plopped him on the bus. I cannot even convey the comedy this must have been for my neighbors. Me in my crocs and socks (don't hate, you know it's comfortable) pajama bottoms, and husband's coat. Cotton wrapped around my legs, too heavy to really carry just sort of drag, yelling, "outside it's raining!!! lol" He is nothing if not observant. he made it, but my back barely did. He is growing up. <br />
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Can I just tell you, that, more than anything, scares the hell out of me! I don't have a plan. I have no idea what this world is going to look like for an older Cotton. Things are really hard for him right now. He is going through "stuff" he is rigid and resistant in a way I have never really seen. I can only assume, this is part of the process. There is all this advice when they are little, there is all this hope, but now, the advice is running out. I don't know what to do, the experts never know what to do. But we are growing, like it or not, Mama needs a new game plan.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-8301409733757924462011-03-29T07:02:00.000-07:002011-03-29T07:02:19.462-07:00FirstsI never finished Cotton's baby book. Not because I was lazy, or busy, but because it was a constant reminder of what he was not doing. A million blank lines....just waiting. While cleaning out my closet the other day, I came upon the dusty book. I froze at first, because as much as I love Cotton, those early years were among the hardest of my life. I slowly opened it, and started to read, what I written way back then, way before I knew anything about autism, or albinism, or sleepless nights, and early mornings. Back when a runny nose made me nauseous. <br />
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I was surprised to find that it was actually funny, and entertaining. I was so young, and so hopeful. Then I saw the note, the note I wrote the day after Cotton was born. The note I was sure was filled with the fantasy child I was sure he would be. I opened it up ready to be transported back to all those feelings, but it wasn't like that at all. Really all it said was, no matter what, we love you, beyond what we thought love was capable of, and that no matter what,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVV99JHmjuySjyKxBxzD2glb_C66SWilmcWQqnRf85CiXFgdkVf0xubTjLrnrObr0s6yLpeikb3jOHbRHR3j_Dq9g6rbGGdyLTDn9K3GlbDKkVtsfyNzaTiVRmKgJ7pAvwoik8vHlPpk/s1600/Landon+564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVV99JHmjuySjyKxBxzD2glb_C66SWilmcWQqnRf85CiXFgdkVf0xubTjLrnrObr0s6yLpeikb3jOHbRHR3j_Dq9g6rbGGdyLTDn9K3GlbDKkVtsfyNzaTiVRmKgJ7pAvwoik8vHlPpk/s320/Landon+564.jpg" /></a></div><br />
we would always be there for you. Who could have known how far love could stretch, or how much having your life fall apart could make your heart grow.<br />
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The other day Cotton called me into his room urgently "Mama, Mama, Mama!" I ran into his room, because he never calls out for me. He was laying on his bed, so I sat down, "What's wrong baby?" He laughs at my question... silly woman don't you know by now that I do not answer questions? Then he pulls me close and says "I love you." Firsts are great, firsts are awesome no matter how long it takes to get there.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-20564272457337214502011-03-18T12:58:00.000-07:002011-03-18T12:58:15.278-07:00Parks and RecAnyone that reads this blog knows how hard it is for my family to go to the park. So, we decided to invest in bringing the park to us. Here is our work so far....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCAosezXC65D1uuDbyRUXB6FhR1Gd-bLK_DG9yXPYoa_suosbMiyYMcylo6w6UpLnmc0R6Yrm-mIKPWkqDEe9Lar5gaVtG6t268HRnFscAITc1Ul68gn-9X5pyzDMWJ8PvzT_KRQwNHw/s1600/IMG_3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCAosezXC65D1uuDbyRUXB6FhR1Gd-bLK_DG9yXPYoa_suosbMiyYMcylo6w6UpLnmc0R6Yrm-mIKPWkqDEe9Lar5gaVtG6t268HRnFscAITc1Ul68gn-9X5pyzDMWJ8PvzT_KRQwNHw/s320/IMG_3564.JPG" /></a></div><br />
A new swing set, and a mini tramp<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaT9Pf23yZZxdzdgY6ZKITc7qLh8Sjzx1bHIY7gvVnyhPX9g1SOmz4-cWaHR7lG5uSVs8Xvu-CU2qvnaDXB5IxvVqzMq71TRV7g7r1qxJs6Ej9Ggsl-txA_On3yE3DMcXSIDVRMEdbXM/s1600/IMG_3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaT9Pf23yZZxdzdgY6ZKITc7qLh8Sjzx1bHIY7gvVnyhPX9g1SOmz4-cWaHR7lG5uSVs8Xvu-CU2qvnaDXB5IxvVqzMq71TRV7g7r1qxJs6Ej9Ggsl-txA_On3yE3DMcXSIDVRMEdbXM/s320/IMG_3565.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We added a ton of trees to give us more privacy, and hopefully shade for Cotton!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-FHNhX5INLSzxMn3ETqzM5EBLWDdLPoYeEJtDrLgtt9vvGGzmYcsP1LZfrmT8wLNztMA9re5gN9baTPM86rL1uJuZ2N4cVojimSPqSe9aAPVx_UfFwayqlKNrUnGx0_GZLidxOayhqk/s1600/IMG_3567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-FHNhX5INLSzxMn3ETqzM5EBLWDdLPoYeEJtDrLgtt9vvGGzmYcsP1LZfrmT8wLNztMA9re5gN9baTPM86rL1uJuZ2N4cVojimSPqSe9aAPVx_UfFwayqlKNrUnGx0_GZLidxOayhqk/s320/IMG_3567.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-TtumTdfXj-DGbbZ-wAZHL3RdateSeEEpZdeax84eL6NHTiDmp5-BVYOCtF4Fk9sXUeaCc3gPbGAwHWzhUIi4HFlmyhcf0tqxjkTxqpWJCCv0WucTlfO8AZRp5GA8SDCw0Xpsi2_gxE/s1600/IMG_3566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-TtumTdfXj-DGbbZ-wAZHL3RdateSeEEpZdeax84eL6NHTiDmp5-BVYOCtF4Fk9sXUeaCc3gPbGAwHWzhUIi4HFlmyhcf0tqxjkTxqpWJCCv0WucTlfO8AZRp5GA8SDCw0Xpsi2_gxE/s320/IMG_3566.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Added a bigger patio area, so we could practice riding our bikes, and of course my husband's garden is in full swing! Happy Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7uTHHcNK5z5PP5treWlXKeUPq1jSyBm3F9ERveH_Q62BmzFMZZFEKiOLdnEjO5YU7T8_ZyZT-qGESx_7GcQB1jSpqs6uMWeIFHkfMibl8tnIHKS-ioOb8Llt4jS4oxFilFGvKIY7VIs/s1600/IMG_3556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7uTHHcNK5z5PP5treWlXKeUPq1jSyBm3F9ERveH_Q62BmzFMZZFEKiOLdnEjO5YU7T8_ZyZT-qGESx_7GcQB1jSpqs6uMWeIFHkfMibl8tnIHKS-ioOb8Llt4jS4oxFilFGvKIY7VIs/s320/IMG_3556.JPG" /></a></div>burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-33858437876591333612011-03-16T06:36:00.000-07:002011-03-16T06:36:03.759-07:00Woo hooo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tbfHRhmWUHiLn4tdt18JT3d8Glf84hAo04_EHgeS4o060H5z363L1OtcJh5-wgFRQ_14cAF-X4d3TbjHujIzgJ8uHh9BTrncMjh9uV8AZ7XWHR9XuEHY13Ps9W4ZzwBO1X8h96pQbY8/s1600/IMG_3419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tbfHRhmWUHiLn4tdt18JT3d8Glf84hAo04_EHgeS4o060H5z363L1OtcJh5-wgFRQ_14cAF-X4d3TbjHujIzgJ8uHh9BTrncMjh9uV8AZ7XWHR9XuEHY13Ps9W4ZzwBO1X8h96pQbY8/s320/IMG_3419.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Just when I am about to give up, I finally get some good news! We have been trying to get Rev into a developmental preschool that is just awesome, the type of preschool you would want to send any of your kids, this one just happens to also accommodate those with needs as well. So, he got in, and they had to retest him to update his IEP, and he no longer qualified aaahhhhh! They still kept him at the school (not getting paid a dime) so they could test him right before he turned three. The test is a little harder for 3-5 years, as opposed to 2-3 years. He passed or failed rather just BARELY, which is perfect in my opinion. In the month that he has been there he has made so much progress! Lots and lots of words, two word combos, and dare I say a sentence??? Okay an "I want" sentence, but hey it is a start. He also said "I love you" and did that sweet little sign, only his version looks like he is shooting me the bird. I will take either lol. <br />
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This is such a huge weight off my shoulders. The school goes year round, and I am so thrilled with them. As much as I miss having him here with me at home, I love that he is growing and learning there. I love sneaking in and looking through the window, sitting there nicely in circle time, listening and following directions, good things are coming for that kid, I can feel it!burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-53785354090546520262011-03-15T07:09:00.000-07:002011-03-15T07:11:15.284-07:00LifeMy husband will be deploying again. Soon, but we never really know when. It changes on a daily basis, and the reality is sinking heavy on my shoulders. This isn't like the old days, when Cotton was little, and I could still go where ever I wanted to go. This is different, I have three kids now, and Cotton is not little anymore. He is getting bigger and stronger, by the day. He is already able to pull away from me, and there is little I can do about it. For the most part he stays with us, but if he decides he wants to go somewhere (like the day he was convinced that this one house was ours, and he was going in no matter what) I cannot stop him. Then there is his vision. We received happy news at the beginning of this year. The doc said he thought his vision was pretty good, but we can clearly see, that Cotton is having A LOT of difficulty navigating in unfamiliar places. I am literally guiding him, every time we walk around anywhere unfamiliar. Guiding is not the same as holding your child's hand, he cannot see the obstacles. We are looking into another low vision eval, and hopefully we can start work with an orientation and mobility specialist. But the O & M at the school for the blind told me that multiple disabilities made this type of training "difficult."<br />
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In short, I love my son, but being in public is a lot of work. Not to even mention his brothers, they are no picnic either (just to be fair lol) When my husband leaves, especially if he leaves during the summer, my world is going to get very, very small. I will not be able to leave the house with all of them. That really scares me. I am working to get supports in place, and it will work out, but even the simple things, like driving two hours to my parents house will be hard. Just taking a bathroom break is complicated, not only logistically, but my eight year old no longer belongs in the women's bathroom. How can you say that something is going to be monumentally difficult, without devaluing the people you love the most? How do you have friends, when you cannot leave your house? How do I not sound pathetic by knowing that I cannot do this on my own (not without school anyway)?burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7400777785828018113.post-12018541315746557422011-03-02T12:17:00.000-08:002011-03-02T19:00:32.944-08:00Changing the LanguageI have an issue with the language used within the autism community. Kids who represent with milder symptoms are often referred to as "high functioning" and as a contrast, kids who have a more "classic" presentation of autism are considered "low functioning." It is the first question that I am asked when I disclose my son's diagnosis, "is he high functioning?" Well to tell you the truth the answer is not black and white. My son can out "function" many of the kids in the mild category, but no, mild does not describe his challenges either. I usually refer to him as having "old fashioned autism."<br />
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I really think the comparison is unfair to be honest. It is like comparing a visual impaired person to a completely blind person. The same teaching methods are often used in both cases, but the outcomes are very different. The "autism spectrum" has become a VERY wide diagnosis. It is often important for me to convey my child's challenges, particularly to medical professionals etc. but I find the word autism is not really adequate any more, and I would NEVER refer to anyone as "low functioning." I'm not sure what it should be called, or how to make the decision about who belongs in what category, I'm just saying the language needs to change.burgiboogiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03409408452487415225noreply@blogger.com3