Home again...and ready to roll!

So I am home again, and have experienced more in the last 5 days regarding Autism and the specturm than I ever thought possible! I have so much to process and think about that it is a bit overwhelming. Like I told the hubby last night....it's like having all the information and still no clear answer yet. I was blessed to meet some of the front runners in this movement to recover our children from autism. I met AMAZING kids with Asperger's, autism, OCD, Bi-Polar disorder, both verbal and non-verbal! They are just beyond any words worthy of description. "Inspirational" even seems too subtle. If you are fortunate enough to have a child on the spectrum, or love a child on the spectrum, or work with a child on the spectrum.....appreciate it! These kids have so much to offer this world and they should not be viewed as brats, outcasts, difficult chores, broken, or disabled. They are more able than most of us will ever be!

Over the next several weeks I am going to be adding a lot of new books to my reading and resources section at the bottom of the blog. These are books from the conference I bought after hearing the authors speak. They are books I believe in and will read myself. So keep an eye on that section. Also, if you want any of the information or power point presentations from the conference, I have ALL of those as well. Next year I plan to return, and I hope you will join me!

Live from the Windy City......

Here I am in Chicago. A reality I am still trying to grasp. This started as a bit of pipe dream and now I sit in the midst of such an amazing event that I am still in awe of and overwhelmed by. It is so inspiring to see parents, educators, and physicians come together for a common good. No boundaries, no judgments, no glorified egos. I am in the middle of a group of people who just want to help those they love. They might be children, grandchildren, friends, patients, students, or a total stranger they have yet to meet. It does not matter. All that matters is that whoever it is will benefit from the knowledge provided here. I love that I can stand next to a doctor and give my story and opinion and it carries just as much weight. The faces and voices here have given me that kick in the butt to keep moving forward. I have only just begun my journey, but I have a wonderful army of trailblazers in front of me lighting the path.

I meet a most generous woman tonight who took her son’s story and turned it into a business that’s sole purpose is to help others. She was insightful, encouraging, and an inspiration. I have added her link to the reading and resources section at the bottom of this page…..please check it out! www.watchmelearn.com After talking to her for a while about my background in, and ideas for, marketing, she actually offered me a job when I am ready to go back to work!!! It’s something to think about for sure.

I am just so thankful to be here and able to take advantage of all that is offered here. I have been reassured that we are on the right path with Sam and are doing our best to help her.
So, thank you to those who supported me getting here. I will be forever grateful for all of you. Whether your contribution was financial, being available for Matt and Sam while I am gone, or just in prayers and support. You have made this happen for me and I am indebted to you.

Reaching Out and Reaching Others

My little blog here was started for 2 reasons. The 1st being self therapy and a place to put my thoughts and feelings. The 2nd was so family and friends who live far away could keep up on what was going on with Sam. I have recently found though that my blog has taken on a 3rd, and maybe most important, role of information sharing. I have passed on the link to those I feel I trust with this information and personal story here. I encourage others to share the site with anyone they think might benefit from it. My intention was not to have my laundry aired, but just to share my story with others in the same situation. Lately, I am finding that the story and information I have provided here are helping people more than I ever thought! I am thankful to be able to be a source of information and maybe encouragement for someone else in this situation. None of us asked for this particular ride, but we are all in it together.

Geared Up and Ready to GO!

I spent the better part of today preparing for my trip to the Autism One conference in Chicago this coming week. I printed off flight times, hotel confirmations and lecture schedules. There is a wealth of information at this 4 day event and I want to soak up all I can. I think I have pretty much got my days full and will hopefully be able to retain it all long term. I am excited, anxious, nervous, and overwhelmed all at the same time.

Lately, the days seem to be flying past me faster than I even notice. I am on the edge of my trip, and upon my return we will be just 7 days from Sam's 3rd birthday! I still cannot believe my little gal is going to be 3 years old. She's growing so fast and this past year was such a tough one for her and our family as a whole. I can't wait to see her face when we have her party and I hope she has a blast!

We decided that before she starts school this fall we are going to make another trip to the Chattanooga Aquarium and spend a weekend in the Smokies. She loves fish and watching her little aquarium here at home. We have not been to the aquarium in almost 2 years now and I know she will really love it. School here is almost out and we have lots of fun day trips planned with friends to the zoo, discovery center, and adventure science center. It ought to be a great summer. Even if we stay right here at home, we will have our new pool to hang out in!

Last Friday we met Sam's 2nd ABA therapist, Ms. Tonya, and she is an awesome lady. I can't wait to see how Sam benefits from her being a part of our days, and I know she will have fun with Sam too!

So much going on, and not one extra minute to stop and catch my breath. Ain't that how life goes?

Rainy Return Home and Reflecting

We are now home again from our trip to KS, and trying to get back to the structure we had set here. Sam has done very well with the transition and aside from some minor sleeping issues, is back to the game plan again. To be honest, it was nice not having to worry about appointments This morning Sam rejoined Tara for EI and we will start ABA again hopefully by the end of the week. Driving out here this morning I was reflecting on this past year and thinking about Sam's quickly approaching birthday.

Just one year ago we were just finding out that Sam is in fact not hearing impaired. Hearing aids would not be needed and high hopes for normal speech development hanged in the balance. While we have been on quite a ride since then, we have come very far and made great strides. I am more educated now about my own child than I ever thought possible. I know there is still a lot more for me to learn and I am geared up for doing that. In just a few days I will be on my way to Chicago for the Autism One conference, and I cannot wait to gather all the information possible there. I wonder what the next year will hold for my little girl. I hope that she will continue to excel and learn. I hope she develops more abilities to help her communicate and interact with others. She has already proven herself a fighter and beater of odds, so I have no doubt she will continue to inspire me and amaze me.