Memorable Experiences
Mother’s Day 2011
1 My daughter, Bridget, is 5 1/2. A year ago, I was talking with my husband about how discouraged I was
because I couldn't even tell if she loved me or not. She has made tremendous progress in her ability to
speak and interact with others this year. When I came home from work yesterday, she gave me a huge
hug and said "I missed you today." My heart totally melted.
2 our son Mark teaches us about the important things every day, he does not know how to lie, he wants
all around him to be happy. He really does take the time to smell the flowers. He keeps it simple and
fun. Our daughters appreciate his ability to love unconditionally The areas that are unfamiliar to us and
cause us fear, are the things you take for granted with the "non typical" child, like, how to cross a street,
not to walk away with a stranger and little things that become not so little. He is a magical little boy that
will continue teaching us and we will work in every way to get him the tools he needs to become more
independent . I have become such a louder voice and advocate through him!
3 Hi, I wanted to reply to your experiences request. My boys are older now and they are pretty high
functioning - I'm lucky. They are both the reason I get up in the morning. Charles is 15 and Sean is 11
years old. I should prefece this incident by telling you about something that happened years ago. The
day Sean was born, Charles raced into the room, jumped up on my bed, looked at Sean and said "He's so
cute." From that day on they have been very close. This year Charles is graduating from grade 10 at his
present school, so the grad photos were done and the proofs sent home. I was asking Charles what he
wanted from the photos. He wanted a mug with his picture on it. Of course, right behind him I hear Sean
say "I want a mug with Charlie's picture too! He is my brother you know." How could I possibly say no?
So with that I ordered the two mugs. Despite school problems or life problems, the fact that these two
boys are so close is a great gift! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity of passing my little story on
to you.
4 My name is Aleshia , my brother, Sevaan wright ,others say he is autistic but, I say he's a genius. He is
so smart . He spells words i can't even pronounce. He remembers everything in details. But some times
he has his down days. And our mother, Sandria Bennett, single mother of 4, keeps it all together, no
matter what we do even with Sevaan's ups and downs. Our mom stays on top of every thing some times
Ithink my brother's teachers would get annoyed with my mom because she always wants to now whats
going on in and between classes. She attends every thing that has to do with autism, .Sevaan takes up
most of my moms attention but,my mom always manage to be there for each and every one of us when
we her the most.I cant tell when last i've seen my mom take a break from us and i know the resound is
because she dose not what sevaan out of her sight,my moms idea of taking a break is attending a
support group for autism. My mom dose it all by her self for all of us ,and if there is a prize for mothers
day I think she would be at the top of the list. Over-All i think my mom dose a GREAT JOB copping with
all of us and the little GENIUS.And I would not trade her in for no other mother in the WORD,so please
consider my mom for this gift. Thank you.
5 First words in eight years. My son spoke his first words for the first time in eight years. I was driving my
car when I received a phone call from my son second grade teacher Mrs. Karen Madalena, at Samuel
Gains Acadamy School. Here in Fort Pierce Florida. Mrs. Madalena, was very excited when she spoke to
tell me that my son were speaking all kind of words right now in her class room for the first time. Then
she put my son on the telephone for me to listen to his voice. I got so excited, and I didnt believe that
was my son. I thought that she made a mistake, and thought that was my son. But I was hoping that was
my son, and I believed her so I started driving as fast as I could to the school to hear my son speak his
first words. Mrs. Madalena, told me she was still working with him on his words, and for me to wait, and
for me not to come right then. I waited to school got out and I was waiting for the bus to arrive. This was
the happiest day of my whole life. When my son arrived off the school bus I repeated the same words
that I had heard him say on the phone, and it was true. My son was eight years old in the second grade
when he spoke his first words. I went out to buy a voice recorder, and picture cards. I have been so
excited ever since. I have waited so long to hear my son voice for the first time. I just wanted to share
this story with the other mothers who have children that have not spoken yet, and they are anticipating
that day coming. My son have a lot of learning to catch up with children his age, and he is only repeating
the words that I say to him, and not talking on his own yet. But I cant wait to hear him ask a lot of
questions, and to talk to me about everything. I hope that he one day will tell me everything that he
knows. I am excited to say also that Mrs. Madalena, and her team of parent professionals were able to
reach my son. The team of other professional people who work with him also at his school. Please
contact me for anything that you want to know reguarding my son progress. I understand the other
mothers needs.
6 I am a relative of Nilsa Rivera, who's son Iaan has Autism. Nilsa has been an inspiring, motivational and
amazing mother to Iaan. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that Iaan make the most out of his life by
participating, engaging, encouraging and providing Iaan with every opportunity available to him. Iaan
has grown to be a very wonderful, thoughtful and loving young man. Within this past year Nilsa has
helped Iaan do things that have helped Iaan shine. He made it to his school Prom, she enrolled him in
special olympics where Iaan has excelled winning gold medals while competing in basketball, bowling
and shot putting. Iaan is a big fan of music and dancing, and is now our family DJ with equipment that
was given to him by his parents. Iaan is very attentive, smart, and responsible. Nilsa has always
encouraged Iaan to never say he can't do it, but to always try, never pushing him to do anything but
always succeeding in getting him to try. She is determined to show Iaan how to be and independent
young man and is doing a magnificient job at it. I admire and respect her and I ask God to keep guiding
her so that she can continue to help Iaan become a great, independant man.
7 Everyday is a memorable experience with my son Brett. He is pure joy and his laugh is infectious. He is
so smart, funny and handsome. He makes you appreciate life for what it is and is the ultimate teacher of
how not to sweat the small stuff. His faces and demeanor make me laugh all the time. I am truly blessed
as a Mother to have Brett as my son.
8 I'm so proud to write about Nilsa Rivera, the remarkable mother of two sons. She is such an inspiration
to me because of her positive attitude and determination to help her autistic son, Iaan, experience all
that life has to offer. Unlike some people that think about themselves & wonder why God gave them an
autistic child, Nilsa thanks the Lord for him. One can see that she believes her life is better because Iaan
is special, and grateful that he is her son. It takes an extraordinary person to raise such a great son, and
I'm honored to be a part of Nilsa's life. May the Lord bless her with good health, determination & lots of
energy so she can continue being the loving, caring mother to Iaan.
9 I am a mother an autistic child. My son Iaan is 19 yrs old and we have been through alot of trials and
tribulations throughout those years. This past year he has joined lots of programs within his school and
outside of school. His entire senior year of high school, he attended every event they had for seniors
even Prom! This is something that I thought would never happen. He still doesn't understand his
disability, but is very confident, and outgoing and the fact that there are programs for him like Special
Olympics and Special Recreations has helped in that confidence, because he knows he can play sports
and accomplish goals, and has made many friends. He has learned team work as his Basketball team
won a Gold medal in their Tournament and he has won Gold medal in Shotput. He has also transitioned
from High school to a Transition program from his school district. That was a little challenging (we all
know how change can be difficult) but with the help of friends, family, and teachers he is doing very
well. For the first time in many years, the fear and worry of whats going to happen next has lessen
some. I know that there will continue to be programs for special needs kids and the more it is out there,
the more people will be knowledgable and accepting. We are learning as we go, baby steps, and now we
are in a new phase in our life, because we are entering adulthood with special needs. There is alot of
awareness for younger children, but there isn't much awareness for older kids for which we desperately
need. This where its harder because they need to learn how to be independant and be able to work and
live in the community. We live the best of two very different worlds. It's definitely an experience I do not
regret.
10 Jade (my daughter) said Hello and Goodbye to me all on one day..!!
11 I am the mother of a remarkable and courageous 9 year old boy with Autism. He is High Functioning
or what some refer to as Asperger’s Syndrome. He is my mentor and he doesn’t even know it. He
struggles every day with daily life functions, and yet he doesn’t give up and even though he has been
bullied and put down by his peers and yes believe it or not some adults, he still is so giving and kind
hearted. He makes me smile everyday… even through our challenges, frustration and yes, many tears,
he makes me stop and realize the small things in life and the importance of life. This year was many
positive and wonderful moments for us. My most favorite is when his teacher told me that my son got
up in front of his class and started sharing with his class what Autism is and in his words he said that
“Autism is what makes his brain work a little differently than others, and Autism makes him anxious and
stressed with loud noises and school work. Autism makes it difficult for him to focus and pay attention
and that he sometimes just wants to get up and walk around the classroom to feel better. But he is fun
to play with and is really good at playing Star Wars and Need for Speed on the Playstation”. After she
told me this, I stopped and smiled with tears in my eyes and realized that we as parents; do make a
difference for our children and their future by being a good advocate and leading by example. I am so
proud of him for having the courage to advocate for his self and to help his peers understand more
about Autism. That was a magically moment and I will cherish it forever. Never give up hope.
12 As many of you personally know, raising an autistic child has it's share of almost unbearable
frustrations, but there are times when hope arises and your child accomplishes something that you
weren't expecting to experience in your lifetime let alone theirs. I recall when Paige was 4, close to 5,
years of age, she still would only say,on occassion, one sylable words and grunt and point. She was
receiving speech and occupational therapy from a special education class just for autistic children. She
was not high functioning but was not a severe case, either. We worked just as hard at home on
intervention of this disease as the school did. Paige is a very loving child as most parents of autistic
children will tell you. They just sometimes show it in their own way, like walking up to me and rubbing
her hand accross ny face, tapping my leg or even twirling a piece of my hair. I will never forget the day
that Paige said her first sentence...it was "love you mom". This is what brought me to my knees, I held
her as long as she would let me. I cried then I called everyone on my contact list to not only tell them
she said her first sentence, but what it was. It was a promising day and as I see where Paige is today,
mainstreeming in a public school with some assistance, I am as proud as a mother can be. Thank you for
allowing me to share my story. I hope it does give hope to other families. God Bless you all!
13 Surfers Healing saved us. It was late Summer 2002 and the “A” word had just been used in
conjunction with my second son. His older brother, now 8, diagnosed five years earlier with autism was
having a tough time-still nonverbal for the most part, still not toilet trained. Their father, my husband
had taken off once again not able to handle it. It was a very low time for us, me especially. A friend in
California mentioned a group called Surfers Healing needed children with autism for a surf camp on
Long Island, New York. I was skeptical, but intrigued. My secret fantasy as a child was to be a surfer girl,
but it was hindered by parents afraid of the ocean. Off we went to a beach just outside New York City,
my worried mother in tow, as a hurricane a day before had ripped up the east coast. Stepping onto the
sand we were greeted warmly and seconds later there was Liam on a surfboard with a tanned California
surfer heading out. My Liam had no fear but his grandmother was hysterical as they paddled out, way
out to the lineup. She berated me, asking me if I had kissed him goodbye as after all I would never see
him again! Then my Liam magically caught his first wave. He came in standing alongside his surfer
buddy, parallel with the shore, right in front of where his grandmother stood, a HUGE grin, ear to ear on
his face, squealing with pure delight. My mother cried. She had never seen her grandson this happy.
“Again, again” he cried and out he went many more times, until he was shivering that September day
and was brought in for good. Liam escaped the surfers’ grasp and ran back in the water and jumped on a
board and tried to paddle himself back out into the large waves. “Surfboard” he yelled. “More
surfboard”! At that moment came my epiphany. If my handicapped son could surf and was not afraid to
surf, what wouldn’t he be able to do? I felt incredibly empowered. My younger son not quite two also
rode on a surfboard that day in a surfer’s strong capable arms and he refused to come back in as well.
Returning to New England the next day we drove to a New Hampshire surf shop and bought our first
board. I knew then there was no looking back. I would learn to surf for them, and then I realized having
not one, but two sons with autism had helped me realize my childhood dream as well! Everything
indeed happens for a reason!
14 every day is a memorable experience this past year since sevaan wright started at Samuel gains.he
got a voice now .he came home from school. normally he sit and play this game till u get around getting
him something the eat or drink .this day he came in took his shoes off put them away and unzipped his
pants taken them off put them in the basket ,got a glass and said "juice Please" i froze then I keep asking
him. what u want ?just to hear him say it again and a gain.two days later i had a friend came over with
her boy friend she sat beside sevaan around the table he is always so quite she didn't even
acknowledged him there any way she got a text on her phone she read it and text back ,sevaan wait till
she reply to the text then he re-sight the in coming and the out going text out loud .i run over hugged
him and kissed him i keep saying you can read you can read .her boy friend was mad they start arguing
due to the contents of the the text .i politely asked them to leave then. i grab the first reading material i
could find for him to read ,my son as a new experience for me everyday not the mention his teachers .i
love him just the way he his i would not give up a day with my son for anything my son changes my life
makes me a better ,kinder,gentler .more loving person. and he brings out a gentler side in his siblings.
my son is Sevaan Wright and he is .....So Special!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15 I am the step-mother of an autistic child, and one of my most memorable moments this year was
when she "got it". Just to see the smile light up on her face, and be so excited and happy to understand
that Nice Matters, and personal hygiene is important. The huge hug and "Mom" that came from her was
a moment i'll always cherish. She constantly struggles, and we have had our moments of battle, but
when I got a huge hug and "thanks mom" it will always be carved into my heart as a moment to cherish.
16 One of the most memorable experiences so far on this journey has got to be watching my son Patrick
play ice hockey at the Wachovia Center for the Mites on Ice. Patrick was diagnosed with Asperger's
Syndrome when he was just about seven years old he is now nine and is passionate about playing
hockey and doing well . If someone had said to me three or four years ago, with the help of doctors and
therapists your son will be able to play hockey much less at the Wachovia Center in front of thousands
of people I would have thought them to be saying this just to make me feel better about the situation,
but seeing is believing. I hope to have more memorable experiences like this one as time goes on.
17 My Son was diagnosed at 7 years old with PDD, also known as autistic spectrum disorder. It was a
relief in some ways to finally know why he behaved in the ways that he did, but also very sad and
heartbreaking at times to realize that this is not going to go away and this isn’t something he will grow
out of. I was eager to go to his psychiatrist who specializes with kids in the spectrum, thinking we were
going to manage this and everything will be better because he is so high functioning. The meeting was
one of the saddest days of my life. I just wanted to cry and hold him and move far away with him to
protect him forever when she told me that we are at the beginning of a very life long journey. I thought I
was done with the beginning; however the journey had just begun. I am a parent who has always known
that something was not quite right. He had colic, was aggressive with kids, wanting to squeeze them,
and push them. In preschool and kindergarten, he would say all kinds of things that didn’t make sense
when he was in the company of strangers. He began having a hard time making friends. Kids were afraid
of him, because they did not know if he was going to squeeze or push them. I worked very hard with the
preschool and his current elementary school. I would email the teacher every time he didn’t sleep the
right amount of hours, or was sick, or was having a difficult morning. I believe I did this to protect him,
and make sure that if he acted out that there was a reason and if I could just get him to sleep right, eat
right, get him to a park to get his energy out, then everything would be ok and get better. I actually lived
my life like that for about 4 years. I can’t believe how much pressure I put on myself and my child. My
husband and I had to make a very difficult choice once he was tested and diagnosed, and that was to
consider medication. This was the most difficult decision we ever had to make. I again started to tell
myself that if I was a stronger parent, I could just deal with this and not have to give him medicine. I felt
it was more my inability to handle his moods that was going to be the reason for giving medicine. I
waited a bit, and watched his behavior and his inability get in control. I began to realize that I had no
idea how to help this child stop tantruming because school was long, or it was too loud all day, or the
smell of food in the house was distasteful to him. I could go on and on about all the endless reasons for
him to start tantruming. Shortly after that we had another Appointment with his Doctor and at that
point something clicked. We were watching him in her office, have such a difficult time, asking the same
question over and over and starting to yell because he couldn’t go to an indoor play place at dinnertime
because he wanted too. It was just irrational thoughts. He knew that I was going to say no, but he was
so frustrated and uncomfortable that he needed a reason to go into his tantruming session that she
finally looked to me and said that it wasn’t fair to put so much pressure on him. She stated that he gets
“stuck” and when he does, he will tantrum and tantrum until he gets tired of yelling, screaming, hitting
which lasted on the average of about 45 minutes. She stated that he hasn’t learned anything other than
to scream and yell when his body has had it for the day. She stated that that is all he knows. We decided
at that point it was time to try. I could go on and on about how difficult it got as we tried different
medicine, and watching him experiencing different side effects, and having the medicine only work for a
couple weeks and not work anymore. I said to myself this is what she meant about being at the
beginning of a very long journey. We were finally able to stabilize his behavior and were able to see the
benefits he was experiencing. Schools was amazed at the difference in his ability to focus more, and
start to learn how to read. He also had a very supportive academic team, which worked very hard to
help him experience small victories on a daily basis. The most memorable experience this past year was
when my son came home and read to me. He started the year off emerging into a kindergarten level.
Seven months later he is reading at a level 1 solid first grade level. He jumped 2
17 grades in seven months. He is making friends at school, and he started little league. He has many
challenges daily and continues to tantrum at times; however he can stop after 5 minutes or less, and
apologize and feel empathy. His doctor told me last week that she feels very hopeful for him to be
successful. When I pick him up from school he can’t wait to tell me about his day. We have new
challenges now which are due to wanting to be like everyone else. He gets embarrassed about his
writing ability, and his ability to catch a baseball, but now that we are not so mentally drained from all
the screaming in the past we have a lot more patience and work with the school on small victories and
celebrate them so he will continue building his self esteem.
18 My son accomplished "Eagle Scout" in the Boy Scouts of America; 100th year of scouting. For his
Eagle project he choose to present the Eddie Eagle Gun Safety program to children in the Highland Park
and North Topeka areas. The Eddie Eagle Gun Safety program teaches children what to do when they
see a gun. (Stop!, Don't Touch, Leave the Area, and Tell an Adult). He choose this project because when
he was three; we had a six year old Foster Child and younger sibling placed in our home because this
child had seen a gun and accidently shot and killed his five year old sister. My son will always remember
this and wants to reach out to others by volunteering to teach the Eddie Eagle program. He has earned
about 45 Merit Badges without having to have any of them adapted. This is from a child who has many
special challenges besides autism and in 2nd grade was still using Picture Communication System. He
has spent most of his schooling at home and has accomplished many other great moments. He is a CERT
(Community Emergency Response Team) volunteer, a senior junior patrol leader for NYLT which is the
Boy Scout National Youth Leader Training program where he trains other boy scout in leadership skills.
He does not let his Autism get in the way of community service. I am very proud of my son and the
wonderful example he is to all he comes in contact with. My son is 16 years old.
19 Last year on Mother's Day my 10 year old Asperger's son told me that he would try his best to make
it a great day for his mom. Little did any of us know that the children's church director would
misinterpret our son wanting to warm his hands on the window (in a freezing cold room), and assume
that he was playing with the blinds. To cut the story short, this poorly trained (or make that lack of
training) volunteer church staff took it upon himself to try to prove to our son that he was not going to
be allowed to play with the blinds. Forget calling the parents out of church to deal with this minor
incident----just make it into a HUGE problem. Our son was scared of church and children church for a
very long time after one brief encounter with this person who thought he knew how to deal with a child
who didn't fit into that little box that everyone seems to always want our autistic children to fit into. Our
son cried and cried, stating "I'm sorry I ruined your Mother's Day Mom." We all ensured our son how
much we love him, and have tried harder than ever since that day to make certain that everyone in our
son's life is trained better in understanding why he is doing the things that he does. He is such an
awesome boy. He has had many encounters in school with others, who have not given him a chance to
explain why he was doing certain things. After many roadblocks, he is finally in a school environment
with teaching staff who love and care for him (not those who just try to make him fit in their box). We
love our son and thank God for him daily. We hope that others will learn to give our autistic children the
chance that they deserve.
20 my most memorable moments happen all 2 often. since my son has problems sleeping , those nights
when im having a hard time sleeping ,he bursts into my room with big hugs and a few kisses and sleeps
with me as if he knows mommy has had it up 2 here.lol.....my little man. mmmmwah
21 I would like to comment on the huge effect that my daughter, Kelly Baker, has had on our entire
family as a result of her awareness about autism. From the time that my grandson, Kelly’s son Evan, was
very small, Kelly began to question why he had certain behaviors. She began to suspect that he might be
autistic and started extensive research on the subject. Although our entire family kept reassuring her
that Evan was fine and he was just developing at his own rate, she insisted that he be evaluated for
autism. At age 17 months, Evan was diagnosed on the autism spectrum with Pervasive Development
Disorder. Right after his diagnosis, Kelly sped into action. She immediately put Evan on a gluten
free/casein free diet. Our whole family noticed a difference in Evan almost immediately. Evan was put
into speech and occupational therapy and is making great strides. The most recent thing Kelly did was
have Evan’s yeast level tested. The results showed that Evan’s yeast level was quite high. He was put on
Nystantin and once again, Evan has shown great process. Evan is now 20 months old and progressing by
the day. He is such a happy child and such a joy to be around. I contribute all of this to Kelly’s research,
hard work and undying love for her child. Because of Kelly, our whole family is going to participate in the
Walk for Autism in Arizona in October. This journey has been a very eye-opening experience and we
have all become educated about the escalation of autism in our children. We owe all this to Kelly. I can
say without a doubt that if I were a child and had been diagnosed with autism, I would want Kelly to be
my mother!
22 At about 18 months of age, my son Charlie stopped talking. Although he had only a few words in his
vocabulary at that time, he lost the ability to speak those words and was only able to utter the sound
"guh". After months of denial, I finally took him to see a neurologist who diagnosed him PDD NOS with
Aspergers/autistic tendancies. He told me that Charlie could be facing an uncertain future. A speech
therapist also diagnosed him with apraxia of language and told us that Charlie would be unable to speak
unless he received intensive speech therapy and, even then, would possibly never be fully verbal. But
these specialists didn't know or recognize my son's inner strength and determination. He immediately
began Early Intervention and at age 3 (September 1998) began attending a preschool disabled program.
That same October in 1998, I turned 38 years old. Charlie gave me the best birthday gift I had ever, or
will ever receive. When my husband and older son began singing "Happy Birthday to You", Charlie
interrupted the song. He got right in my face (sound familiar?) and held my checks in his two little
chubby hands. Then he uttered 3 of the sweetest, clearest and most perfectly formed words that I have
ever heard: "Happy Birthday mommy". I began to cry tears of joy and he looked at me with puzzlement
and said "Sad mommy?". I told him that sometimes mommies cry when they are at their happiest.
Charlie has added joy to my life while also teaching me important life lessons like: 1. Everyone - people I
know, people I don't know, people I like, people I could live without, people who are difficult and even
people I dislike, have the God given gifts of inner dignity, grace and courage. As such, I am obligated to
do my best to honor the dignity of others by treating them with respect; 2. Patience is a virtue to be
embraced - it benefits me and all who come into contact with me; 3. A full, rich life is available to
anyone who seeks serenity and joy in everyday life; 4. Embrace and befriend people who are unique
because they will make you a better person.
23 Our most memoriable experience this past year was when my daughter who is three said "I want
cake!" She struggles with conversational language and to hear her able to express her wants and desires
was music to our ears. She now does request for simple items, but on the top of her list are I want ice
cream and I want remote. I cherish every little word that she speaks. She gives me my Mother's Day
everyday by just being herself.
24 MY DAUGHTER, BARBARA D'AMORA HAS DEVOTED HER ENTIRE LIFE TO MAKING 'A LIFE' FOR HER
SON NICHOLAS.(MY GRANDSON). HE IS NOW 13 YRS OLD. RECENTLY I ACCOMPANIED THEM TO AUSTIN
TEXAS, WHERE WE MET A WOMAN WHOSE TECHNIQUE FOR ASSISTING AUTISTIC CHILDREN WAS
SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT THAN WHAT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO HELP! WHAT WE FOUND OUT ABOUT
NICHOLAS CAN BE TRULY DESCRIBED AS AMAZING. WE FOUND OUT ABOUT HIS "AUDITORY LEARNING
SKILLS" FOR WHICH WE PREVIOUSLY WERE UNAWARE OF.THERE HE WAS FOR THE WEEK SHOWING HIS
MATH SKILLS AND LISTENING SKILLS. WE FOUND OUT SO MUCH MORE ABOUT HIM. MY DAUGHTER
BARBARA WILL SEARCH EVERYWHERE FOR ANYTHING THAT WILL ASSIST NICHOLAS. SHE HAS
ARRANGED FOR A TRIP BACK TO AUSTIN TEXAS FOR A WEEK OF LEARNING THE TEACHING SKILLS
NECESSARY FOR MORE ASSISTANCE TO HER SON. SHE IS DETERMINED TO HAVE NICHOLAS ENJOY AS
MUCH OF A NORMAL LIFE AS POSSIBLE!
25 My name is Iliana and my son Richie is 16 years old and has moderate autism. This past year has
come with great improvement for my Richie. His communications has greatly improved and the "little
things" have been showing up more and more. I am proud of my son. I recently was honored with an "I
love you" from him. I don't know if he was echoing some line from a movie he has watched (he loves
watching movies from his dvd collection) or if it just came from him but it was the most precious
moment of our life together. My daughter also had the pleasure of being told I love you from him. I have
been waiting for this moment for 16 years and it sounded glorious. Better late than never. Love you
Richie.
26 I am so proud of my 3 year old son Kevin. He just transitioned from home services into part time
special needs preschool this September and I was terrified because Kevin has limited verbal skills. We
could not have conversations about how he felt about being there. The first few months were rough. He
was not adjusting well to being in school. I felt like he thought I was punishing him by sending him off to
school while I stayed at home with his baby brother. I would go visit his class each week and watch him
through the 2 way mirror and wish I could sit with him and comfort him when he cried for me. But as
time went on he started to enjoy being there and all of the activities they had available for him. There
was a day I visited his class after a parent group meeting and he caught a glance of me when someone
opened the door and he ran over to see me. I was so scared he'd cry and try to go home with me, but to
my surprise he didn't. He gave me a big hug and kiss and said bye bye mommy and went back to playing
in the class, I cried in the car on the way home. My little boy was growing up and had adjusted to school
so much quicker than we had thought. It was a good day to be a mommy.
27 My son who is 17, has no sense of social skills, and he struggles horribly with anything that involves
using common sense. The man living next door lost his job, his wife came down with cancer, and one
evening they came over and told us they were going to have their electricity turned off because of the
inability to pay the bill. Imagine our astonishment and our pride when our son marched into his room,
and came back out with money, his own money, and gave it to the neighbors to pay their electric bill! He
may not eat bread because to him all bread has "cricket legs" in it, only hot dogs buns do not, and he
may never wear socks because they feel "weird to him, BUT he has a heart bigger than any teen
I have ever seen, and he makes me so proud!
28 I have identical 5 year old twin girls who are non-verbal and have severe Autism and developmental
delays. Every day is a challenge and by the end of the day my patience has worn thin and I am
exhausted, sad, and at times angry. One day last week after an especially trying day I noticed that the
girls were "talking" to each other in jibberish, giggling, and holding hands. After a minute or so they
hugged each other!! Of course I wasn't quick enough to capture it on video, but I was so excited I called
everyone I could to tell them about it. It made all the frustration and sadness of the day melt away
immediately.
29 I am mom of a four year old boy named dj He's has autism an speech delay .i work hard for him to get
all the help he needs.so i have had to stop working an never have money to do something for my self or
for my mom.thank you for listening to my story an please consider me or my mom.
30 My name is Denise Keefer and my 10 year old son Roger was diagnosed autistic 6 years ago. We have
had many memorable experiences together this past year so it is difficult to choose one but this is the
most recent.... Roger has always been withdrawn from members of the family especially during family
gatherings. He often will stay close by my side or next to my parents until he warms up and feels
comfortable to talk. My family is very informed about Roger and has learned to accept his distance but
welcome his love with open arms when he shows he is ready. To my surprise on Easter my grandmother
had asked me if Roger would say the prayer before dinner. He seemed a little nervous but in his "big"
voice Roger stood in front of the entire family and said our family Easter prayer. He was amazing!!! I was
so proud of him that I cried. Wow what a memorable moment.
31 Hello!!.I have four children 8,3,15month,and 2 months.My son Xavier Zimmerman was diagnosed
with moderate autism in Feb 09.For the first four years of Xavier's life it was just him and me.My
husband worked for commercial hvac and so therefore was gone all the time.I really didn't know that
there was a problem until he was 3 and wasn't really talking and had his own language and would play
with the wall and rock back and forth.So once I excepted the fact that there was and issue I got in
contact with the Hamilton county school system and began to get him tested.He has blossomed and is
not even the same kid.He talks in complete sentences and carry's on a conversation although mostly it is
about movies.But Xavier is the most precious and wonderful child.Xavier and I have such a tight bound
and even if they said "there is cure for autism and we can make your son completely normal" I would
say no thank you.Because he has taught me so much and the Lord makes no mistakes.He knew exactly
what He was doing and I love my son so much.I would never trade anything for the way he is. One of the
experiences this past year would be Xavier participating in the children's choir at church during
Christmas time and he was just singing his little heart out had the microphone in his hand and
everybody was so proud of him and that was such an exciting night ti see him up there. Thank you for
this opportunity and may God bless you and all the mothers.
32 I was raised largely by my grandmother and even before I was old enough to understand what she
meant, I sensed the depth of it’s importance when she said, “I wish you enough.” I have three of my
own children now, all three have disabilities. My oldest son who is 15 has Asperger's Syndrome and of
the younger two, my 10 year son is squarely on the Autism Spectrum. His twin sister, the youngest by
two minutes has dyslexia and two brothers with autism. Along with her own challenges, she often must
take a back seat to their more intensive needs. Despite this, they look out for each other sharing the
acute pain of isolation from both peers and adults who do not understand. Like the Velveteen Rabbit,
who longed to be real they long to learn as easy as their nuerotypical counterparts. But, I agree with the
Velveteen Rabbits friend the Horse who advises the longing bunny: “Once you are real, you cannot be
ugly, except to those who do not understand,” My kids are without exception misunderstood, but it
does not stop them from understanding others and these moments are the ones I see through. These
are the moments I remember most. When other parents of special needs children, learn I have three on
IEP's. A good majority comments that one child necessitates so much work they cannot imagine how I
do it with three. How I do it is with enough and this enough comes from those with whom we are
connected. With authentic connection emerges understanding and being understood has become
enough to help them reach out to others. A recent trip to a bookstore illustrated this quality in my
younger son who is the hardest hit of my three kids. Although it is only in the past few months that he
has begun to refer to himself as “autistic,” he does so with confidence, modeling his older¬ brother.
Recently we had an opportunity to see how his connected confidence in action helped another child and
in turn it strengthened him. My three kids and I were readying for our summer home school adventures,
stocking up on education paraphernalia at the local bookstore’s going out of business sale. Each kid
carried a basket replete with academic books quietly wincing as I walked by the video games, movies
and toys. They know the post school hours home schooling routine is rooted in doing everything we can
to surpass the difficulty learning that is inherent in their autism. Out of the blue, a parent of a 5 year old
approached my 10 year old twins with her grumpy child who wanted a toy versus a book. The parent
asked the twins if reading was important. My younger son went into detail about being patient when it's
hard to learn and gave suggestions to make it more fun. The child was wide-eyed and calmed by his
compassion. The parent noted to him how smart he must be and being several years behind his peers
academically, caused him to beam like the sun was shinning out from him. For several moments, he was
cognizant that this parent had no idea he was autistic. She had no idea how much be lags behind his
peers and how much it hurts him. Like the Velveteen Rabbit who longed to be real, my son longs to
learn just like his neurotypical peers. He could have left it at that neurotypical moment keeping it in
front of him like a golden carrot but I could see him thinking as his twin offered her advice. He stopped
beaming and I could see the sun loosing it’s shine but not altogether. When he seemed to make a
resolute decision, he introduced brother, sister and himself naming each of their disabilities. He said:
“In fact, I am autistic and have to work very very hard to learn.” The parent did not say anything and
from a moment of sullen silence, a few adults passing by who heard the conversation gave cheerful
admissions of their differences and how they grew up just fine anyway. Rather than being someone he is
not, he accepted who he was and learned through authentic connection to others, comes hope,
possibility, understanding and good enough. In the moments when I am so twisted in pain fearing for
them, that I cannot see straight we do in fact have an advantage. We have each other, and with every
breath I take, be it smooth or gasping, it's enough. It’s more than enough. And to all the moms out there
parenting autism, I wish you enough too.
33 Our son Noah has had issues from day one. He had surgery on day five and was in the NICU for
several weeks. He was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at 9 months, although we had figured it out
ourselves much earlier. He was diagnosed with severe ADHD at age 3. We knew we were missing
something, and based on our research, we were fairly confident he had high functioning autism. In spite
of numerous specialists and hospitals, we were repeatedly told that his deafness and ADHD were his
issues. When we moved two years ago, we sought out new specialists and hospitals. Noah has since
received a pretty long list of diagnoses, including Asberger's Syndrome. We were concerned about
receiving this diagnosis so late, at the age of seven. We've continued to seek out every service available
and Noah has made a lot of progress. The most memorable experience this past year is that Noah now
leaves his selfcontained classroom, when he earns privilege time, to assist the preschool autism teacher
in his school. It's his favorite part of his day. He is so proud of helping the little kids. We couldn't be any
prouder that our autistic son who every specialist has told us is "the most complicated kid they've seen",
is "giving back." We know Noah is lucky to have parents who have advocated since day one for him, but
we also know we are lucky to have such a loving, funny, smart, remarkable son who has given us a
whole new perspective on life!
34 One of the most memorable experiences of the past year is watching my sun participate on his high
school's Unified Track Team (Special Olympians are on the same team and compete against typical
peers.) Watching my son run his events and being cheered on by his high school teammates is beyond
description. Yes, it is heartwarming, but also something else. He is not seen for his disability but for all
his ability. Barriers are broken and he has also discovered something about himself and the importance
of community. Hooray!
35 I can’t point to one specific experience in this past year, rather it’s been one wonderful validation of
why we as mom’s push (gently most of the time), but in an unrelenting manner, with our kids and for
our kids. Through the support, encouragement and guidance of “our village” that surrounds our son,
we’ve been watching him blossom into a happy, confident young man. “Our village” which includes our
friends and family, school staff, the autism community, Special Olympics volunteer coaches and sports
partners, as well as our faith family, have worked with us to bring our son to a whole new level of
functioning and confidence. I can’t begin to count the number of things our son is doing today
that someone had once told us he’d never be able to do. To use the spring analogy, many of the seeds
we planted long ago have now begun to sprout. Within this past year or so, he’s blossomed in so many
ways including: emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually. We’re seeing a success in one area
fuel his confidence and independence and give him the courage to try other new things and the cycle
continues. None of these successes would have been possible in this last year alone and it’s only coming
to pass now from all of our previous efforts. Our kids grow and develop on their own unique schedules,
and in the end, they are teaching us many life lessons like patience and persistence. It’s why we, as
moms don’t give up, we can’t give up. We haven’t reached our final destination yet, and I don’t even
know where that will be, but our journey continues!
36 This might surprise you but im the mother.My name is Mr G. Flores and my daughter has been the
Light that God gave me to change and turn my life around. I use to drjnk till she pulled my hand down
and made change one. I use to get mad at drivers that needed to go back to class, but now i just shut my
mouth and ask God for help. My daughter's name is Keyuna soon to be 16. I started to raise he alone at
2 1/2. She alsoover came they said she might not walk. With special foot n ankle inserts braces to help
her try and walk, and the use of a walker . God and keyuna over came that obsticle. To this very day I
wake up every hr checking on her account one other obsticle she has to over come. Keyuna has not
spoke, but she is and well. Everyday when I see Keyuna's Face it lights up my day and reminds me that
God is Real. I have to stop now account that everyday she struggles n i have to stay wealthy for her as
long as he allws me. And Blue is my favorite color. Thank You n God Bless.
37 Our daughter, Ava, is 4 and was diagnosed this year. Instead of it being something that could have
affected us in a negative way, we have embraced understanding and found that we can see ways to
connect with her. I now realize why she can and can't communicate with her in different ways. We are
blessed that she communicates significantly. One of my best experiences this year was when Ava had
fallen asleep on a couch next to my best friend and I. My best friend looked at me, after just learning our
daughter's diagnosis and said "I see amazing things for this child. She has gifts and talents you don't
even understand yet." With that, every day has been a new blessing.
38 Cole is 13 and started Middle school this year at Riverbend Middle school. Needless to say that it
started off very HARD. A new school, new teachers and new freids. The first 9weeks was very stressful.I
was being called about every day for something that had went "wrong". But Cole had a wonderful 7th
grade Social Studies teacher Melinda Hamilton, she worked with Cole daily and I continued to work with
the school, and Cole's doctor. Then we started to see a change Cole's grades went from C"s & D's to A's
& B's (1 C in Math his toughest subject). He has done so well that this next week we are going to
Washington DC with the JR BETA Club. You see Cole's favorite thing is US Presidents and US history so
this trip is a DREAM come true for him. He read every Presidents book he could get to prepare fro the
trip. As a mother all I can say is NEVER NEVER give up and NEVER NEVER stop believeing in the CHILD.
Each child has something woderful to give and share you just have figure out what "really works".
HAPPY MOTHER"S DAY TO ALL MOTHER"S.
39 Andrew always amazes me! He will be 13 in a few weeks. His memory is outstanding, He never
forgets a face or name. Andrew always helps me with directions when I am driving. He will say, Mom,
are you sure you want to go this way. I usually ask him am I going the wrong way and he says yes and he
is usually right! I am so glad that God gave me him!
Apr 30, 2011 6:26 PM
40 My most memorable experience with my son Joshua, 5, just happened tonight. We were eating
dinner and he had a plate with the Pilsbury dough boy on it. He kept calling it the dumb boy. Without
thinking my daughters and I were talking about other words he says wrong that sound cute. For example
he says Winnie the Poop, and calls Elmo's fish, Dorothy, Dorky. All the sudden Joshua started to cry his
little heart out. This is something he often does and we never know why. I tried asking him what was
wrong and he said "I am trying. I am trying!". I started to cry. I think he was upset that we were talking
about him. He understood what we were saying. It was the first time he has ever really showed us that
he understands what we are talking about, but just can't express it. I was mordified that I talked like that
in front of him. I now know that he understands and I am careful what I say. I will make sure his teachers
know too. He has come such a long way since he regressed into autism 4 years ago! HE teaches ME
more and more every day.
41 We were parents to a 9 year old boy with autism, who sadly, to our dismay died 4 years ago from
complications from the flu. Last year my husband and I decided that we could still provide love to
children with special needs, so we became licensed foster parents in October 2010, and have provided
respite for two children who have autism.
42 The most memorable experience I've had was recently. On March 4th my 8 yr old son played the
piano at a talent show in his school. He was the only child with Autism/disability that entered the show. I
was so proud of him because I didn't expect him to do so well, especially in front of so many people.
Everyone was surprise because they didn't know he could play the piano. I was a very proud mom.
43 My most memorable experience with my child was when he learned to ride his
bicycle without training wheels.
44 There is one experience that popped into my mind as soon as I read the Autism Speaks e-mail. My
son, Alex, was three and a half years old when we found out he has Asperger's Syndrome. He's now
fifteen and is a wonderful young man who has accomplished more than I thought he could. The first step
is my most memorable experience. He was five and it was a beautiful summer day. My nieces and
nephews were over with Alex and his little brother, Adam, playing in the backyard. Alex did well for
most of the afternoon but he reached a breaking point with all of the stimulation. I know that breaking
point well. I spent hours holding him, talking softly to him and comforting him until he was calm. It was
exhausting for him and for me and my heart ached for him as he would fall to pieces. On this day, Alex
sensed that he was overwhelmed, took off his shoes and proceeded to shuffle his feet gently across the
top of the grass. He walked around alone feeling the sensation, in his own world, why my sister and I
watched. After a while he lay down on the ground and pressed his cheek into the grass, sweaty and
exhausted. Jack, the dog I brought home about one year before, walked over and lay down next to Alex
and kept him quiet company. I snapped a picture of that moment! It was the first time Alex had found a
way to soothe himself without help. He was developing those coping skills that his therapists said he
needed. It was the very beginning of Alex finding his way, learning how to calm himself. I think that any
parent of an Asperger's child knows that once that first step is made, those moments come more and
more frequently. He now has many outlets; music, art, swimming to name a few. He still comes and
leans on me when he's stressed! But that day was the turning point... That picture is one of my most
prized possessions... Thank you for allowing me to share Alex's story.
45 No matter how stressful our 18 years have been, my son is still the sweetest boy I could ask for(his
sister not so much-long story)he still tells me he loves me and will give me a kiss on the cheek(no
embarrassment like most teens).He'ss taught me alot (and I ended up learning why I have my
'idisyncrasies, as my mom put it, she was a RN and knewe something was different about me but in my
day autism/Asperger's was hardly understood).He graduates this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It may only a
certificate of completion, I don't care, HE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
46 Our daughter Stephanie McBride is a true heroine. If the definition of a hero means that you have
courage and persistence in every day routine, trial and repetitiveness, then she has certainly met the
requirements for the title. Stephanie has 3 children with PDD-NOS and other integrated concerns. The
youngest, Ryder, is the most severe. He is nearly 8 years old and has yet to speak. Her husband was
diagnosed at age 37 with Aspbergers, and other multitude issues. Every day is draining, demanding and
difficult. Stephanie also has assisted in major ways to keep a local chapter for Autism Awareness and
Aid going, but that has proved to be extremely challenging as most of the people who would/could
attend are too busy trying to deal with their own families who also struggle! Stephanie has created a
blog entitled Spectrum Spectacle, the web address is "[email protected]" and she
uses it to help others. She has a large group of followers from around the world who comment and
share experiences. She has done much research and blogs about these as well as some of her own
personal and poignant stories. Being a heroine also entails sacrifice. Her time and efforts are all about
her family and their Autistic needs. Although it is always time-consuming, she still has time to listen to
others and help with their informational and coping concerns. She is well known in the area for
"knowing a lot about the subject and knowing the best people to go to locally for help". For staying
constant, compassionate and charitable to all who deal with this incredibly draining disorder, she is my
ultimate example of a heroic Mother. I am humbled and honored to be close to her, to share her days
and to be her friend. If there was ever a more devoted Mother, I do not know. She is, simply, the very
definition of "Mother", friend and advocate.
47 Earlier this year, our three year old son, Daniel was diagnosed with PDD-NOS. As a mother, the last
thing you want to hear is that your child has something "wrong" with them. For the first few weeks, all I
could do was research. I wanted to know all there was about his condition and what steps we should
take to make him "better". We started services and things have improved for the entire family. We
recently participated in a walk in support of his school and the services they provide. For me, that was a
real eye opener. The love and support of our family members and the community was overwhelming. I
have since realized that having a child on the spectrum is a gift, a blessing you might say. I have come to
see the world differently, through the eyes of my son. I am learning to think like he does. I don't take the
little things for granted, as I once have. I have also realized that there is nothing "wrong" with my child.
He's perfect just the way he is! I now celebrate life and all it has to offer. To me, the greatest lesson I
have ever learned is from Daniel. His journey has truly put things into perspective for me. His resilience
is amazing! Our family has pulled together and we've grown closer because of it. Daniel has taught me
acceptance, unconditional love, patience and understanding. Afterall, to me, that's what being a MOM is
all about!
48 I am so very proud of my son Jp. He is 11 years old and has come a long way in just the last year. He is
in a very good school. His teacher is the greatest and her paras are the greatest too. He is in an autism
class and is progressing well.He has friends in school which he never really had before and he plays with
his classmates which he really didn't do before. He goes to regular classes fpr art,PE,music and luch
which he could not do before without getting upset and the biggest is riding the school bus. I wish
everyone knew how bright children with autism are and they are our future and can be anything they
want to be. We love our Jp. He always has us laughing with the cute and funny things he says and does.
It has been a long road but I wouldn't have it any other way because Jp has brought us so much
happiness to our lives. He is a great mother's day gift for me every year.
49 I have a five year old girl that has Autism. Her name is Cielo Estrella. She is surprisingly intellegent for
a child, PERIOD! She completely understands emotions without explainations. In movies, she will
comprehend the sadness or fear the others are feeling in the movie before my other children
sometimes. Earlier this month, on April 9th, my mother passed away. I normally try to control my tears
in front of the children because they will join in on the crying and be glume the rest of the day. Cielo
caught me crying about a week after my mother's death. She rubbed my back, pushed my hair away
from my face, dried my tears with a napkin she found on the floor, and told me, "It's okay Mommy. No
be sad. It's gonna be alright.". That made me feel so much better, and I even chuckled when she said it.
She followed with, "See, boo boo all better! All gone! Yeay Mommy!".
50 I really would like to appreciate my sons special teacher, Ms. Sherrie Carlton. Timothy is going into
the 11th grade and Ms. Carlton has gone above and beyond the call of duty to help Timothy succeed. If
everything goes well, he will GRADUATE with the class of 2013! She plays out some scenarios for
Timothy to help him learn some what ifs, i.e. if this happens what do you do, or what happens if "this"
happens, etc. this helps Timothy think about what to do in certain cases or how to act in public, such as
in crowds of people or at the store, just different things he might encounter in everyday life! She has
made such a big difference in Timothy's behavior and in his maturity. I just wish we could "keep" her
forever. But, alas, there will one day be "moving" on, which is still a part of growing and maturing into
adulthood. But, when that "walk" across stage does take place, I do not believe I will be the only one
"whooping and hollering", I beleive Ms. Carlton will be right along beside me. This makes me so proud!!!
51 I would like to send a special message about my wife, she is fighting several medical issues and for a
long time, and still manages to get to all the iep meetings,phone calls,emails, and many more duties that
come with raising a child with autism.i'm very proud of her and would love to make it noticed. shes a
wonderfull wife and a wonderfull mom to my 3 children. as for memorable moments, we could be here
all nite, ryan is a special child as all children with autism are. thanks for listening. keep up the great
work.
52 this is such an nice thing to do .Well inspite of our hardships we do have lots of laughs my son is
twelve now and he is full of humor we watched an episode of I carly and on the show they were looking
for big foot well they were trying to catch him on tape so they could prove that he exisits and so when
the episode was over my son daniel went to the next room only to return and show me his rather large
foot( which is a size 11 ) and his sock was off and he had a piece of scotch tape on it i was looking at him
while he was showing me this and i didn’t understand what he was trying to do so i asked him what he
was doing and his reply was big foot caught on tape that was so funny he has lots of memorable things
like that i just wanted to share that with you.HIs world is full of creativity and he looks at everyday
objects differantly than any of us which makes it quite interesting and i often wonder why i didnt see
that well thanx for giving me the opertunity to share that.
53 Well I have to say it's been a wild ride from the beginning. My son Jacob is now 18, and he has a form
of autism. This year is beyond memorable. My son decided to go on his senior trip to New York, and I
was so proud and impressed that he took on such a challenge. He came home and it was so awesome to
see how wonderful a time he had. It did so much for him. He is graduating in June, and it''s been a long
struggle to get him there. He attends technical school and is in the engineering program. It's been a long
year for him. Last May I had thought autism was the biggest struggle my son would have, until he came
home one day with some pain in his ankle, and within days I was told he was dying and if he lived 48 hrs,
we would be lucky. And here he is. He is so strong and I am so proud of him., after five surgeries and a
month in ICU, and six months of rehab he never gave up. So to pack his bag and send him on that trip,
and try on his cap and gown, it means so much to me. I don't know what I would do without him, I
always knew he was special, and not just because he has a little extra thing called autism. Yes he will
always be my baby no matter what! I have four other children as well and it's not always easy, but I
wouldn't change him for anything. Such an awesome child.
54 At the time of the new SpongeBob Squarepants movie my son Nicholas, 4, was a very quiet child,
who laughed very infrequently. My husband and I and daughter and Nicholas were on ouer way to the
store. We have a minivan with a DVD player in it (playing Spongbob Movie). All of a sudden Nicholas
started screaming "MY EYES, MY EYES" . My husband and myself immediately freaked out, pulling over
the van on the freeway, to find Nicholas pointing at the screen and laughing uncontrollably about the
bad guy in the movie getting soap in his eyes.
55 I have three sons. Conor (28) and Daniel (25) have severe autism and mental retardation. John is a
gifted writer, and is diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. At the age of 9, Daniel decided to start
sleeping in the basement. He had been sharing a room with Conor who had recently begun spending
hours each night trying out his 12 year old changing voice. We put a bed in the basement for Daniel, and
a nice room has grown up around him over the past 16 years. In June of 2010, our basement flooded. Six
inches of sewage oozed into the basement. In the midst of surveying the damage, I realized that Daniel
would be out of his room for at least a few weeks, and I was really afraid. Change is difficult for all of us,
but I worried that Daniel would be devastated. For two days, we had him sleep on the couch. On the
third day, we squeezed his mattress and boxspring into our room. Each night he went to sleep there
without complaint. I frantically tried to find a contractor who could help us repair the floor. At the end
of 17 days, the new floor was in, the piano, the computer and the TV were back in place. I told Daniel
that the new rug would be here in three days, and then he could move back to his room. Without
missing a beat, he bellowed a wordless sound of anguish and anger that said - "I've waited long enough.
I move back in tonight, or you will all be sorry." No words, but that sound was very clear. I yelled to my
husband - "Get the bed frame, and I will get the mattress." Ten minutes later, the bed was in place. He
fell into bed almost purring. I gave him his own Ipod for his bravery, and his favorite song on the Ipod is
"Hero." He is my hero.
56 My son, Alex, has reached so many memorable milestones over this past year it is hard to pick just
one. However, there is always that one that really touches your heart. In the beginning of our journey
Alex was non-verbal. After an emotional diagnosis and months of therapy, I still vividly remember when
Alex said is first sentence. We were all sitting at the dinner table, and Alex said, “My name Alex, What
your name?” I stared across the tableat my husband in disbelief as the tears started rolling down my
face. Did I hear what I thought I heard! I asked the obvious and before my husband could answer Alex
said it again, “My name Alex, What your name?” Alex has two older, and one younger sibling. With out
hesitation we each went around the dinner table (more than once I might add) and said……”My name is
Mom, What’s your name?” and Alex proudly said each time “My name Alex, What your name?” It was
one of those priceless moments that you will never forget.
57 In December, my Grandfather passed away. It was especially difficult for me because I have grown up
with him and helped to take care of him during the last two years of his life. I was dropping my 6 yearold son off at school two days later and as I was unbuckling his seatbelt, I burst into tears. I tried hiding
my face but he saw me. He said "Mommy, why are you crying?" I said "Mommy is just sad because
Pampa died." He said "Mommy, stop crying and dry your tears, Pampa is in Heaven, it's gonna be okay."
I was in complete and total awe. His response was timely and I was so happy that he grasped the
"Pampa is in Heaven now" conversation we had the day before. When I got back in the car, I felt an
amazing sense of relief that came over me. Each day I provide my son with the support he needs but I
never thought he would be in a position to give me support in my time of grief, just when I needed it the
most. If I had this "mother thing" to do all over again, I would choose him again a thousand times! I feel
blessed that God chose me to be his Mommy. On this Mother's Day, I feel blessed and am thankful for
him, his challenges and milestones, the lessons he teaches me are far more than I could ever imagine.
58 My Son teaches me something almost every day, I think every day for me is a memorable experience.
He teaches me about patience, kindness, and laughter; he is my inspiration. He has the sweetest
disposition and people love him. I am not sure if he knows exactly what autism means, but he
understands that he has certain challenges and he tries so hard not to let anyone be inconvenienced by
them or at least that’s how I think he sees it but the amazing part is that he touches everyone he meets
and he is so appreciative of their time... If I had to pick a person in my life who has given me so much
and asked for so little in return, the only person that could ever be would be my amazing wonderful 8 yr
old Son. I am so lucky to be his Mother! Children with Autism are a gift given to the people that are
worthy enough! He is my Hero as I would never be able to deal with everything he has had to during his
short life and still have nothing but smiles to give to every person in his life and every new person he
meets. My entire life since my Son was born has been Memorable for me, and I suspect it always will
be... Anthony, Mommy loves you to infinity and beyond!
59 What a memorable experience it was to see my child who has Asperger's take part in communtiy
service. She played piano for the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament at the St. Katherine Drexe Shrinel
during Christmas time. She participated by giving treats out to the retired sisters. I thank God for the
special gifts he bestowed on my child. She has accomplished many things due to patience and
perserverance. I never gave up on her. It has been a challenge!
60 I am a mother,grand mother, and great grand mother and one of my most remberal tjmes is when I
had all Of my kids together for the last time,Because I lost one son through dreath and one son lives in
the west so Im only with my to girls and grandson. My youngest is marring this June and We now have
even bigger family. So to just pick one time is hard. I have meny times to say my best time.
61 This story is memorable because it involved not only my own son, but members of his school
community and why it is never a bad idea to educate peers in a general education setting. When my son
was in first grade our family made the decision to educate his general education classmates about his
autism diagnosis, how it impacted him in the classroom, and what the other students/parents could do
to help in his recovery. We explained his GFCF diet and the responsibilities of his 1:1 aide who attended
every school day with him. This action was met with a lot of support from educators and parents of his
typical peers alike, but many other parents of special education students we knew had doubts about
piercing the veil of confidentiality in such an overt way. They feared negative repercussions and "labels"
that would alienate our son from his classmates. The school year was the exact opposite -- it was a very
positive experience for all involved. When 2nd grade rolled around, we also informed the parents of his
new classmates as we had the year before. The tragic death of our son's 1:1 aide not two months into
the new school year sent a shockwave through our school. She had been an integral part of the
classroom, and explaining her absence to all the students was a challenge for the school administrators
and classroom teacher. Our son had a nebulous grasp of the concept of death, but he had never had to
experience it with a person before, much less a person he saw on a daily basis. Two weeks or so after his
aide's death, our son's behavior took a violent turn. He lashed out at his teachers in the classroom and
the other students when on the playground. Substitute aides were either sent home or skipped out
midway through the day. Fearing the worst outcome, I offered to our school principal the option of a 10day removal and review period, but she thought we could work through this challenge. My son's
classroom teacher asked if she could keep him in the classroom at recess so he could have some quiet
time, and hopefully remove the impulse to engage other kids in negative behavior. I told her that
sounded fine with me, and offered to come to the school to sit with him during this indoor recess time.
She said she had another idea: she asked one of his classmates to stay in class with him during recess.
No pressure to play or engage, just be with him. The classmate agreed, and everything was fine.
Afterwards, she said he seemed markedly calmer during classroom time, and elected to keep him in at
lunch time recess as well. The difference is this time two students offered to stay in with him. They
played simple games and read books together -- no structured activities or goals to be met. His
classmates continued to volunteer to stay in at recesses with him for an additional 8 days. No once was
forced to stay inside, it was always my son's choice to do so, until he asked if they could again have
recess outside. There were no further violent incidents, and the addition of a wonderful replacement
aide made all the difference in the world. I think it helped them all collectively work through their grief
at the loss their classroom family had suffered, and I know it helped my son immeasurably. This story is
a testament to all mothers. As the mother of a child with autism, I felt there was nothing to be gained by
letting people guess what my son's educational challenges were, and that there was no one more
qualified than myself to educate them. The mothers of all my son's 2nd grade classmates also deserve
major kudos because I know they shared with their kids what they learned about my son and how each
of them could play a positive role in his life. I knew that any good will and empathy I could bank on my
son's behalf would be invaluable, but I never could have predicted how his peers -- given the
opportunity -- would be able to practice compassion and draw together around him when he needed
them most.
62 Every year is special I never know what my son is going to come up with. He gave me flowers that he
planted himself, he was so proud. Then planted them in bigger pots and he talked about them until they
finally died out in fall. He is so precious to me I don't know what my life would be without him. He Is the
best Mother's Day gift.
63 My names is Kathy Williams i am the Nana of a 13 yr. old young man of autism. Ten ( 10 ) years ago
Robert who was 3 years old at the time started living with my husband and I , Roberts parents are not in
the picture we have raised him. I was working at the time and Roberts dad needed our help raising
Robert so we did so.. I stopped working and started taking care of this wonderful little boy , who at the
time was non verble. I am Roberts step Grandmother but he calls me Nana. Having Robert in my home
has taught me so much raising him and getting involved and living in is world is the best thing that has
happened to me , this has been the best ride ever and will continue. Robert is my rock he keeps me
going and my life and his are so good we are best frends he says and the Love he shares , i wish
everyone could share with us. i would not know where I would be if it where not for Robert , he has
taught me more than I could ever teach him in a life time. Wonderful Life we have together. As I wrote I
am the Step Grandmother ( Nana ) but I am Roberts ( MOM ) his mom has not been in the picture for 8
years. I have loved being with Robert . i hope this quilifies me .. I have gotten involved with Autism
Speaks and we have made the Walk here at the Ball Park in Arlington the past 4-5 years and we raise
money and I sponsor Robert, great for us both and our families.
64 I would like to thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity to share such a blessed moment.
My grandson Ziare Moore is a 10 year old student in the Arrow Head Elementary school in Setauket NY
Ziare has a classification under the Autism spectrum and we have been fortunate enough to never let
this stop him . His parents and i just recently received the great news that ziare will be mainstreamed to
a regular gym period in the next few weeks with students from general ed with the promiseing hope
that he will eventually be mainstreamed in other academic areas as well. Now for a family that has
never been exposed to a child who has Autism this might seem like a small deal but if you have any idea
what it can be like you are jumping for joy like we are. Ziare has taught us to pray and appreciate the
small things in life and appreciate the free things like talking, and laughing which came as a big price for
him. Every time he looks in my eyes i thank God for that window that i thought we would never see thru
and I do the same when i see his teeth he can never smile bright enough or talk too much for me . I cant
imagine my daughter birthing him in any other way, but i will say that when he says Ma i know she hears
it because it's the expected that we take for granted yet the unexpected we tend to remember in a
special way.
65 One of my most memorable experiences was attending the Fair. Since my son has been very little we
have gone every year to small local festivals, some years we just walked around because he didn't want
to ride the rides, sometimes he would be almost on a ride and then just wouldn't be able to get on. We
always tried to make it be a fun time, walking is okay, riding is okay, eating at the fair is okay, going
some where else to eat is okay. I'm sure you understand! Last summer we went to a county fair in the
town where I grew up and gramma and Papaw are still located. It was a great time for my son, daughter,
Gramma and Mom. Del told me what he wanted to eat and which vendor he wanted to use. He laughed
and posed for pictures with his sister, rolling his eyes-just like any teenager would at the antics of a
younger sibling! But, best of all was watching him ride the scrambler with his sister, he was laughing out
loud and he was so happy and in the moment experiencing everything fully. It brought tears to my
eyes as I watched him- (he has to work so hard- and we spend so much time giving him information
about how to act, talk, whats okay in public whats not, it seems so negative although that is not the
intent.) The beauty of this day was being able to watch his joy and share it with him. We went back after
dark, to see the fair all lit up and Del said he wanted to ride in the dark!!! And we did! Del is 14 and in
the 8th grade this year. Thanks for the opportunity to share!
66 Well to start with I would like to say I have a wonderful Daughter who will be 15 in July Her name is
Megan. She also has Prader-Willi Syndrome along with Autism . My most memorable experience this
year was only a couple of weeks ago when Megan brought hm her report card and had made a " A" in
Science I remenber her getting off the school bus and having that Big Smile and her being so excited she
had worked so hard to receive that " A" . Not only was she happy about that 'A" but she had also
received 5 other " B" and made the A, B honor roll something she had worked all school year to do. I'm
very proud of Megan .
67 Hi my name is Vanessa Speed and I live in Lawrenceville Ga. I am he mother of a (9) year old artistic
child name Robert Speed On July 11th 2010 my house caught fire in the basement, My grandson whom I
was raising at the time that is only (8) months apart from Robert started it by knocking over a lamp. I
was devastated, hurt, overwhelmed and lost as to what was next for Robert and I, we stayed in Temp
accommodations until the house was done, Robert had limited vocabulary at the time and stress was at
an all time high for me as a single mother raising three grandchildren, a son with autism and my
daughter how at the time was mentally ill, my 83 year old mother who suffered a stroke in 2001 due to
the 911 incident which left her paralyzed. Struggle for me has always been my life, I had to at some
point gear my faith to an all time high to make it thru each day, The house we were staying in Robert
loved the kitchen and dread going back to the house he identified as the fire house, during the course
of it all we had to split up, My daughter went into a shelter and took the (9) year old and her son, I kept
my oldest granddaughter to help me with Robert it was just an overwhelming experience for me at the
time. When the house somewhat was ready Robert refused to go back to the fire house, so I took some
funds I had and hired a contractor to remodel the kitchen the same as where we were staying even
though I knew I could not afford it, I had to find a way to get my son back into our home, and it worked”
we changed the colors to brighter color and built an addition to the counter top like where we were
staying Changed the color outside & inside so Robert would not fear the firehouse, I was struggling to
try my best all alone to make a better transition for ROBERT, WHILE STILL a little angry at my grandson
for causing the fire, even though I knew he was just a child, I thought it best if he would remain with my
daughter.. When we relocated back home I allowed my grandson to visit on weekends and when it was
time for him to go home Robert would become very upset, I did not know how to explain to my son that
I was scared of the firehouse also if my grandson remained I could not get rid of that fear of that
incident at 6am on a Sunday morning the fear was just to much for me, I loved my grandson but fear
kept me from saying the house is ready come back home now.. I had fought for so long and so hard with
so many in tow needing my assistance I would always weep for my son Robert, I felt he was not getting
the undivided attention he so desperately needed, and just maybe I had taken on to much
responsibilities which in turn was effecting Roberts progress, after the fire I felt hopeless, Hurt, and
confused, I had to spend every dime of Roberts trust fund to rebuild the house, so I was hesitant to
bring back a child who might very well do the same thing again, because Christian had always been a
problem child due to losing his mother from crack addiction, he was an angry child and I just did not
want to chance it, So I felt weekend visit would comfort Robert but it didn’t, He just kept saying
Christians my best friend Over & Over, My story today is to let everyone know that thru all things if we
believe in a higher power things will be OK My son Robert would not allow the separation of a love one
so if he could not get my attention with his repetitious words he discovered a new way, he believed the
only way to get my attention was to speak in full sentences, and it WORKED!!! Robert came to me
March of this year out of nowhere and said in a full sentence mommy we have to talk!! This young child
that spent most of his time staring at the ceiling wobbling back & forth and making stemming sounds
came to his mother and said Mommy we have to Talk, I thought I was just thinking he said it, just maybe
it sound like he said it but didn’t, So I asked him again Robert what did you say? He took me by the hand
and repeated it again we have to talk Mommy, I got right down on my knees so I would not miss a word
tears falling without a sigh from me to scared to say another word or breath to hard to distract him from
talking to me, an I replied what do you want to talk about honey, and Robert relied Christian is my best
friend, its my fault mommy I’m sorry I did it, now can Christian
67 come back? I began to weep so hard because Robert was sleeping right beside me when the fire
happen so he could not have started it, but he was trying to get me to see that he needed his best friend
to come back and he thought I was punishing him for doing wrong, It was at that very moment I began
to pray asking God to please remove the fear and he has and Roberts best friend is coming back home
soon as school is out to stay for good, Robert now speaks full sentences and he talk a little to much now
J He has always been the peace advocate in our household, He taught me to look fear right in the eyes
and say I am not scared anymore, because fear separated a family where love was overwhelming even
in the worst of times, So this year My journey with my son was a lesson to be learn about FAMILY, LOVE,
FEAR and sacrifice for your love ones It took Tragedy, Pain, and love to allow Robert to fight within his
Mind, spirit, and the determination to get me to understand that he needed his best friend, which is his
biological Uncle, He fought to reach the surface of his ability to communicate Christians mom is in rehab
and my youngest daughter is getting better thru therapy and meds I started a little business selling
Malti-Poo's which I donate 10% of all proceeds to autism, So this year has been a rewarding one for us
all Thank you for allowing me to share my story.. THIS IS MY STORY FOR MY SON Robert Speed, letting
all know that there is nothing impossible when love is the key… Pray for my family that we all will
overcome the many obstacle that has plagued our family for many years God Bless All…. The Speed’s
Family of GA
68 When we first heard that our son David had Autism, our heart sank. We thought about what his life
would be like. We imagined all those dreams of little league, dates, college just fade away. I feared so
much but deep in all those thoughts fears of never hearing my son tell me he loved me shook me so
much. The first time David told me he loved me sounded so rehearsed tha eventhough it sounded
wonderful, it also seemed unnatural. Then one day he was drawing his magnificant pictures and colored
a heart with an I and U above and below it! I still have this paper very nicely kept and have the image
engraved in my heart! He didn't even have to be told to say, or rehearse saying it; he just wrote it. I <3
u, too, David! Love, Mommy
69 My daughter Steph is Mom to nine year old Trystan. As with many children on the spectrum he has
sensory issues that extend to the food he eats. His diet has always been extremely limited but with all of
the other therapies to focus on this has been a bit on the back burner until recently when Steph decided
to take on the challenge of changing his eating habits. This has been terribly difficult requiring extreme
firmness from Steph and the ability to withstand whining, screaming and temper tantrums. Her patience
and persistence have paid off as we sat down to Easter dinner and Trystan ate some of everything that
was served. Throughout the lengthy process I watched as Steph countered every excuse and refusal and
even the occasional threat of bodily harm with good humour and ease. I pondered how she was exactly
the right Mom for Trystan and how blessed he was to have a mother who understood that love is doing
the hard things and helping your child to do the hard things too.
70 As a mother of 2 children one of which is autistic, my wife Amy manages our familes finances, day to
day operations and all else while I conitnue my career in the military. While im currently deployed to
afghanistan she is both mother and father to a child who continue to strives while struggling, he is in a
private school but, has no social skills. A moment I can remember when all went well is when after being
in his new school he came home with all a's and b's and 1 c and the fact of how proud she was of him.
She constantly strives to improve her knowledge and also gives back as well through fact (families of
autistic children in tidewater) were she volunteered and now works on the staff. She is able to do this all
while running a household with 2 children 10 and 12. She is an amazing woman and I wouldnt change
anything about her. Everything she has learned she has taught herself.
71 My son Alex is 4 with PDD-NOS and was sick with the flu in february of this year. He was sick for days
and I was sitting there next to him on the couch he leaned his head on me, looked ME in the eye and
said "Your the best Mommy ever". All the work me and Alex's wondereful therapists had finally came
shining through and I cried right there and then. I never realized how much he loved me until that day.
72 I am not only a teacher of but a friend of an individual with Autism. As Mother' Day is near, I wanted
to especially congratulate a wonderful mother, who makes a difference, who not only gives her full
heart but also her soul to be the best mother she can be. She not only nurtures a welcoming, happy,
healthy family, and ia a loving mother with a child with Autism, she does everything in her power to
make sure all of her family needs are met. Whether it's juggling homework, outings, taking care of three
children, or work. She does it all. She doesn't complain. She welcomes each day with open arms, no
matter the challenges it may bring. Above all, she doesn't expect anything in return. She inspires
originality, through encouraging all of her children and others to think for themselves, to use and
explore their individual personalities. She inspires others, such as myself, to get involved, be active
particpants, with respect to the fascination of exploration of Autism. For all of her endless contributions,
I wanted to honor this deserving mother, Mrs. Kimberly on this very special day. Happy Mother's Day to
you and all!
73 HI MY NAME IS STEPHAIE AND I'M A SINGLE MOTHER OF FOUR. THIS YEAR MY BABY GIRL WAS
DIAGNOSED WITH HAVING AUTISM. SHE'S A BEAUTIFUL FOUR YEAR. BUT THROUGH IT ALL I CAN TRULY
SAY THAT I'VE NEVER FELT SO MUCH LOVE FOR A CHILD. I KNEW THAT I'VE LOVED ALL MY KIDS WITH
MORE LOVE THAN I EVER THOUGHT I HAD, BUT I'VE FOUNDED TRUE AND UNFOUNDED LOVE TO HAVE
BEEN BLESS TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THE ROLE OF RIASING A CHILD WITH THESES KIND OF CHALLENGINGS.
MY OLDEST DAUGHTER HAS COMPLETED HER FIRST YEAR IN COLLEGE. AND HER OTHER TWO SIBLINGS
SHE HAS WILL BE ATTENDING HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL. BUT MY MOST EXCITING
EXPERIENCE THIS YEAR CAN WHEN I FINDALLY EXCECPTED THE FACT ABOUT MY DAUGHTER SITUATION,
AND EVEN THROUGH I'M NEW AT THIS AND I'M STILL SADDEN SOME DAYS, I TRULY THINK THAT MY
MOST MEMOABLE MOMMENT CAN WHEN I MADED UP IN MY MIND THAT I WAS GOING TO GIVE HER
MY ALL AND SEE HER THROUGH LIFE AS LONG AS I LIVE, WITH ALL MY MIGHT AND STRENGTH, TO LET
HER KNOW THAT HOPE IS STILL ALIVE AND WELL, THAT EVEN IF I'M THE ONLY ONE STANDING RIGHT
NOW THAT AS LONG AS SHE HAVE ME, AND HER SISTERS AND BROTHER THAT WE WILL OVER COME
AND THAT SHE WILL LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST AS IT IS INTENDED FOR HER TO DO. AND I PRAY THAT ALL
FAMILYS DEALING WITH THIS WILL PULL TOGETHER AND STAND STRONG THROUGH THE GOOD AND
BAD TIMES. EVEN IF YOU ARE A SINGLE MOM, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND FIND THE STRENGTH THAT IS
WITHIN YOU AND KNOW THAT YOU WILL NEVER BE PUT THROUGH ANYTHING THING THAT YOU ARE
NOT ABLE TO BARE. SINCENLY STEPHANIE
74 This past year when John was 3 was the 1st full year since being diagnosed officially and he has came
a long way strating to say some words and trying to potty but not 100 % successful yet.I was pregnant
with our 2nd child and we were nervous what the secondc hilds diagnosis would be and how Johny mark
would react.I think our biggest moment of the last year was when johny hugged me and kissed my belly
and said baby hugg1It told me it would be ok
75 One of my most memorable experience raising, Zeke, has to be the first time he went to the ocean.
When he saw the awesomeness of the water, he jumped right in and layed down. The pure joy I saw on
his face and the excitement coming from every inch of him will be engraved on my heart forever!!!
76 My most memorable experence this year with my 5 1/2 year old son with Autism
is as follows: My son has never slept in his own bed his whole entire life and well
at 5 1/2 he just started to. We used to have such sever behaviors that lasted so
long just to sleep in my bed that since I am a single mother of 2 children I gave in
due to being sleep deprived and well had to get up to get to work the next day.
He can throw tatrums for 4 hours at a time. Well we just got a W.I.T. worker who
is amazing and with her help and what may work within a week my son was
sleeping in his bed without having to bed in mine. He now goes to bed at 7:30
pm and will fall asleep with in an hour without any meltdowns or anything. I feel
so blessed to have this wonderful woman working with my family. It is through
Touchstone behavioral health and the program is called W.I.T. (what ever it
takes) and they are specially trained and have worked in the field a long time
and they know alot of helpful info and they are eyes that can see things that our
child(ren) may have behaviors over due to smell, noises, and etc. She is also
here to help during the day with transitons and eating. We are slowing making
great progress and without her I am not sure that we would since I was at a dead
end and my son would just not do as he was instructed or asked or anything he
would only do what he wanted when he wanted type of things. But now he is
able to handle being in a class room even if it is pre k behavioral class but
neither the less he is able to handle the day with mainly green days and alot of
green yellow days. We are no longer at red......such a great thing.... I love
when my son learns something new and is able to handle anything new or out of
the order of his normal life. I am so greatful that there are so many awsome
programs out there to help and support our children.
Apr 29, 2011 1:51 AM
77 I'm Maria's mother. Maria is an adorable 4 year old girl with autism. She is nonverbal
and has not spoken one word in her young life. My co-workers, friends
and family saw how much I desperately wanted Maria to have a voice and
pitched in to buy her an iPad. I was so deeply touched and felt like I wasn't alone
and Maria was going to be ok. It was a good day. But the best memory this year
is when Maria initiated a conversation with me while using her iPad. I was getting
ready for work. Just styled my hair and was putting on my make up. I thought
Maria was doing a puzzle on her iPad or looking at animals. The volume was low
so I couldn't hear what she was looking at. She kept looking at me from across
the room. We smiled at each other and she came to me and put the iPad on my
lap. She touched the screen and there it was. She had found the words "hair",
"shoes","make up". The one that made me cry was "beautiful"! She told me I was
beautiful. We hugged and I let her explore my make up as we went though each
item one by one. Talking about colors and textures. It's a memory I thought I
would never have and a future of memories to come.
Apr 29, 2011 12:25 AM
78 It was another night of broken sleep. Jeremy woke up at 12am and didn't fall
back asleep until 5am. I should have went to bed with him at 10pm, but I needed
some time to unwind. Needless to say, I didn't get to go to bed until 5am! At
9am, Jeremy was bright eyed and ready to start his day. I just couldn't bring
myself to get out of bed. As he pulled on my hair and made the most annoying
sound in the world, he stopped and said, "nilk"! It took me a minute... Did he just
ask me for milk? He has never asked me for anything, let alone say the word
milk. I didn't think I heard what I heard, so I laid there. A few minutes later he
said it again, "nilk"! My heart swelled. I cannot compare that feeling to any other
feeling I have felt before. I, of course, got out of bed and poured him some milk. I
even gave him a cookie for breakfast and praised him over and over. It was a
rough day, but that one little word, incorrectly pronounced, gave me the energy I
needed. The multiple cups of coffee helped too =)
79 My name is Rosalie and I have a 7yr old son who is mildly autistic. Now lets see,
something that happened to me this year that is memorable. Well my son John
did something in school that I thought would not happen for awhile or ever. He
asked some of the kids in his classroom if they wanted to play with him :). I know
that may not be much but to my husband and I it was pure happiness. I texted
him right away and told him GUESS WHAT JOHN DID haha. He was excited.
Our son is learning so much this year its amazing. He is learning to ask
questions, he is playing with the other kids and he has friends. This year is
awesome so far and it keeps getting better. When I look at him, you can see the
love he has for you. His words saying I LOVE YOU MOM is priceless his big
hugs he gives are unforgettable. His brother and sister just love him so much.
People would blame God at times, saying why did you give me this life its hard
but honestly its not. You just have to have the PATIENCE and LOVE to raise an
autistic child. I would not change my life for anything in the world. I love it. :D
80 My name is Rosallie Moore and my Grandson Brandon was diagnosed with
asperderm just a few months ago. He is being raised by my daughter and her
partner (who is his biological mother. He is the smartest grandchild that we have
and we have 25 between us. Brandson is turning 6 on Friday, April 29th. There
is no TV in his bedroom, and the girls read to him every night (at least 3 books).
That is how Brandon goes to sleep. We were there for thanksgiving, at which
time my daughter informed me that he was to read 200 books for the school
year. Brandon had already read 150 books. The first time we visited them in No.
Carolina, my husband Bob commented to me that there was so much love in the
house. How true! My grandson is into animals, and can name every one of them.
Last year my husband and I treated the girls, Brandson and my granddaughter
Natalie (who is 1 year older) to Animal Kingdom, Disney and Seaworld. They
had a blast. We are truly blest to have Brandon for a grandson and thank God
every day for bringing him into our lives. Kudos to Angela & Sue for the
wonderful job they are doing with our Grandson. We are so very, very proud of
these two woman who have accepted this challenge which has come into their
lives. Brandon is still the same Brandon that we have known for the almost past
six years and we all love him very much., He is so fortunate to have my daughter
and her partner for parents.His kindergarten teacher told the girls she wishes
she had 20 more like my Grandson.
81 My most memorable experience this year was when my 8 year old son, JoshuaBlake (who has autism and is nonverbal) grabbed both of my cheeks, looked me
in the eyes, smiled and said, "Mama". I still can't believe it. He hasn't said an
audible word in 3 years! He is my joy and inspiration. Whenever he is ill with
bronchitis, he still tries to play, go to school and have a wonderful day. I learn so
much from him about suffering in silence.
82 I remember being so anxious for my son Kalib who is now 6 to start calling me
Mommy. When he finally began speaking at 4 , my heart was overwhelmed with
joy not only because I knew my child understood who I was and now called me
by name; but moreso because it showed me that he's progressing and that with
time, practice, and hope he will overcome many of the barriers presented to him
by the autism and continue to become more independent. Kalib is now a big
brother to my one year old son, Kyree. While Kyree haw not been diagnosed and
is developing accordingly thus far, I am so proud to say that Kyree looks up to
his big brother and Kalib is great at both protecting Kyree if he senses he might
be doing something dangerous and teaching him things, like "that's Mommy!"
83 I am just so blessed now to have my son Brad be where he is in his life. He's at
that teenage fun age of 15. But not just that, he is rolling his eyes at me,
stomping his feet, telling me how unfair things are and you know what? I LOVE
IT =) Strange response from a mother is it not? But for me, to hear this.....to hear
him go off on me on things , tells me one thing! My son is on track for his age!!!!
Finally! He was diagnosed on november 11th 1999 at age 3 as being
SEVERELY Autistic, possibly, most surely retarded as well. I was told I'd be
lucky if he ever spoke to me. Lucky if he got to be in a regular classroom. Well, I
was NOT going to take that !!! Early Intervention at the time saved us. Saved
brad.. got him on track then... After years of work w/ different schools, teachers,
helpers and of course my work with him, Well- He got to be integrated into a
normal classroom w/ typical peers by grade 3! So encouraging!! And now, by the
time he got to high school where Brad is at this time-Hes a Freshman ;) He is
now totally on track for his age... This is something I never thought would
happen. He has always been a few years emotionally behind. But not anymore.
My son is mouthy, can be ornery and rolls his eyes at me and I LOVE IT. lol..
Who'd have thought I'd ever admit that!!! I love that son of mine. Brad is my
miracle boy... Hes made so many strides in his life. The hardest working kid I've
ever known. He does not just want to be ordinary. He tells me all the time "Mom,
I want to be someone who's thought of being Extra Ordinary and not just
ordinary"... To me, My dearest Brad.. you are EXTRA EXTRA ORDINARY.. love
mom
84 There have been so many wonderful moments with my son Cort since he was
born 16 weeks premature 6 years ago, but a recent moment stands out & always
makes me smile & laugh out loud. Cort was diagnosed with Autism almost 2
years ago & the diagnosis came because I was at the end of my frustration with
not understanding why he had outbursts the way he did. Now that I know of his
diagnosis it is easier to be forgiving of his frustration at the rest of us. I caught a
glimpse of how his mind works at Christmas time. We were roasting
marshmallows & Cort of course was determined to do it by himself. Suddenly he
yells " Yay! I got one!" I look up to see his marshmallow in flames. He couldn't
have been more proud! He thought we were fishing for the fire! Made perfect
sense to him! And now, thanks to him for showing me to see things differently
some times, it makes perfect sense to me as well.
85 My daughter Barbara D'Amora has been such a driving force in the life of my
Autistic grandson, Nicholas, that I would need to write a book to describe her
devotion to him. Recently I accompanied her for a week of training in Texas. she
went there to find out if there was more information about Autistic children that
she can apply to Nicholas (who is now 13yrs old and without speech). well did
we find out more information about Nicholas' condition. He is an audio learner,
he knew how to spell, he knew how to do some Math, and more understandable
speech started to come from him. my daughter and I learned so much more
about Nicholas! Barbara is returning to this learning center next week to be
trained by them! She will then be able to apply other techniques towards
Nicholas' development. I am so proud of her and of course my grandson. There
is so much more we all can learn, and my daughter opened my eyes even more!!
86 My name is Roseann Dillon. I would like to share with you one of my most
memorable experiences with you regarding my son Trevor. Let me just start by
saying that there are many memorable experiences that I have witnessed over
the last 12 years of my sons life. Each and every one of them are cherished and
holds a special place in my heart. This past year has been an amazing journey
for both Trevor and I. The most memorable experience this past year was when
we were at his elementary graduation ceremony (mind you he graduated with all
the 5th graders from Hobart Elementary) he received 3 awards for his
outstanding performance. The 1st award was for achieving Merit Roll, the 2nd
award was a music achievement award for the best recorder player and the 3rd
award was for outstanding abilities in both Technology and Drama. When Trevor
was called up for each award he was so happy, after each award he stood up on
stage and held each one and said Mom look I did it. I was so very proud of him
for achieving to such high standards. I stood there with a smile from ear to ear
trying to hold back the tears of joy ( but of course nature took it's course). Over
the past year my son Trevor has made tremendous progress and I am expecting
him to continue his road to success. My life as a mom with a son who has
Autism has had it's ups and downs. I would like to end by saying I wouldn't trade
not even a single moment of being Trevor's mom.
87 This past year has been one filled with a very special surprise. After being on the
waiting list for The Cleveland Clinic Lerner School for Autism for a year, we were
told that there would not be a spot for him again this scool year. Two weeks
prior to school beginning, we received a call that Tim would be admitted to The
Lerner School. This was the highlight of our year, knowing that our son would
finally get the services he so desperately needed. Raising my son with autism
(and Down syndrome)has been a blessing. In my 13 year journey with him he
has taught me patience and to savor the journey not worrying about the
destination. He has brought people into our families lives that we would never
have had the chance to meet including teachers and therapists that have worked
with him. One of the greatest gifts though, has been the wonderful group of
other mothers with special children that my son has "introduced" me to. These
ladies not only share their knowledge and personal experiences but also have
been a source of constant support.
88 My daughter and I had a wonderful visit to the Childrens Museum in Palo Alto on
a day they had for special needs kids. It was wonderful. She played with a
mouse, and despite her super loud laughs and excited screams as the mouse
crawled on her oh so sensitive skin; no-one stared at us, or asked us to leave,
they just smiled and let her be herself. I felt like an un-burdened Mom that day.
Not because my girl is a burden, but because helping others understand our odd
behavior is constant and tiring. I did not have to explain a thing, it was just plain
fun!
89 On march 2nd, 2011, my son was watching a dvd I brought at the 99 store, Let'
talk about animals with Puppy Dog. At the end of the show, the dog and the
kids always say bye, bye. To our surprise my son started to wave his hands and
started saying bye, bye. We are so happy. He continues to say single words ,
which makes his and our life so much easier. I will for ever cherish that moment.
90 I hope it ok that I respond. I am Jajuan's grandmother but he is my blessing. He
lives with me and eventhough he doesn't talk, he lets people know that this is
home . Three years ago Jajuan was living with his mother in Fayetteville, NC. I
was very concerned that he wasn't getting the education that he needed to grow.
I went to the alter and prayed to my Lord. "Dear God, I am so concerned about
my little grandson. I know that he is in your hands. If his mother can give him
what he needs in NC please just allow me to be able to visit him. But, if she is
not able to take care of him please dear God bring him to me and give me what I
need to help him to grow." The next year Jajuan's mom was asking me if he
could come live with me. I knew that God had answered my prayer. I love
watching him grow. Every night before he goes to sleep he prays to God and he
says "Dear God help me to talk", Dear God help me be good in school". Amen.
These are the only two sentences that Jajuan says. I know he has more and
when he is ready they will come out. He calls me nana. I love him very much
and I don't know what my life would be like without him. He is my first grandchild
and the greatest gift that I have ever received.
91 Hi my name is Maria and I have a 9 year old son with autism- his name is
Carlos. The most memoriable experience for me was the first time he told me "I
love you mommy" with out having anybody to promt him to do it. Every night
before bedtime we read, pray and then I always say "I love you" to him. One
night on Dec. 5, 2007 after we did our rutine I turned out the lights and said "I
love you" and then I heard the most beautiful and sweet words coming from him
when he said "I love you, too". I could not believed it, so I went back to his bed
and gave him a big hug and kissed him several times. I was so happy and
excited that tears were coming down my cheeks. I will never forget that nightthat
moment was so special and unforgetable. He really surprised me and I felt I
was the most happiest person in the whole wide world.
92 My brother, Jason and his wife, Amanda both have a lovely one year old, Maya
with autism. Maya will soon be a big sister as Drs, Jason and Amanda Purnell of
St. Louis, MO announced this past Easter Sunday. Their many relatives and
friends share in the joys fulfilled and soon to come.
93 Well what can i say.... My name is Marsha Blue and my daughter Daeja this year
has gone through so many changes and the most memorable one for me has to
be the day she walked up to me, just out of the blue ( no pun intended lol) and
gave me a hug. I dont mean a "hey there" hug but a "oh my goodness where
have you been" hug. It felt like heaven. Felt that the clouds parted and i was
finally in the same room with her. I will never forget it. The feeling will always will
be with me.
94 hi,my wife is too shy to write something and realy dont know why im doing
this,but i woulk like to say that my i wish to my wife a HAPPY AND
WONDERFUL mothers' day,i dont think we had a good mother day since we got
married{2002},we have 2 kids a girls who is 5 and half and she is a liver
transplant we where so busy with her shes went thru a lot too many stay in chop
etc...since then we forgot about anything ,all our fun was gone we where very
stressed and scared and now we have our son who is 4 and has autism we just
find out,im sure there is other parents like us or worst. i would like to wish to all
parents with child who has autism or any..............A WONDERFUL MOTHERS
DAY,FROM ME MY KIDS AND "GOD".
95 I have a wonderful memory of my son Christopher when he was in 1st grade.
His class was in there annual Thanksgiving day program at the end of there
program they had each one of the the children come up and say what they were
thankful for when it was my sons turn he walked up to the microphone gave his
teacher a funny look then turned towards me and said I am thankful I love my
mommy so much . Then of course the proud tears came to me, his teacher came
up to me and smiled and said that wasn't what Chris had rehearsed, he was
supposed to say he was thankful for the rain forest. And she started tearing up
too. I am blessed to have such a wonderful son ! Christopher is 22 now and
everyday he makes me proud he has overcome so many obstacles with allot of
support from his family, doctors and some wonderful teachers. He is taking some
college courses and has even got his drivers license after taking drivers ed twice
and the tests several times . Christopher never gives up and he is never afraid to
try new things he is my Hero ! Thank you for letting me share my memory. Janie
96 I have many special memorable moments with my sweet David, but most
recently it was when he called me "mama." David is 3 1/2 so this was a long
awaited wish or hope. He learned quickly that when he says it I will pick him up.
Apr 28, 2011 6:32 PM
97 Hi, my daughter is a single mom and is trying to raise 4 kids. She has 2 11yr old
twin girls, a16 yr old authistic son and a 19 year old. she works as many hours
as she can get but she doesn't get child support from any of the dads. The three
youngest their dad is in and out of jail all the time so she doesn't want him
around the kids. The oldest one doesn't know who his dad is and has caused
alot of grief about that. She pays all her bills at the first of the month and the one
with autisim will eat a whole box of cereal and carton of milk in one sitting. She
works as the manager of a home for mentally disturbed adults and has to
change their pants all day, give them baths, cook for all of them and the pay is
not that good. She has lost alot of days of work when her son has one of his
days and attackes the other kids with a weapon or with his teeth. She lost her
car in January and then in April she ended up in the hospital from a bite she got
at the special olympics while sitting in the grass. 3 days later she is in the
hospital with her white blood count at 20,000 and 130 temp. They tried to control
the swelling with antibiotics but it took the doctors 5 kinds before the found one
to break the fever. Her autisic son David had prom that Friday night and that's
all she could worry about how she would get his tux and how would he get to the
shcool to meet the limo that was picking up his whole class. Her sister took him
the day before and had to have one altered because he has a 17 inch waist and
is tall with big feet and little tiny skinny legs. But she got the tux and videoed him
and his friend getting into the limo so Sandy could see her son going to his 1st
prom. They had to do surgery on her the next day. She was resently let out and
is receiving home care because they can't shut her wound and it has to be
packed every day. She'll call up and ask if I would bring the kids food but never
wants to tell you that she is hungery. She still helps the kids with their homework
even though it hurts her terribly to sit up. Because the left inner thigh is one big
open wound packed tight with gauzes and irritated by tape being pulled off
everyday. But she still makes sure that the kids eat and that David doesn't miss
out on anything. Easter as bad it hurts to come down stairs and sit in a bumpy
car she got her sister to bring her over here so that David and the twins could
hunt easter eggs and we could cook out for them. She was in so much pain
because she had to put pants on her leg to come out and sit for a long time on
the couch. But she put that aside because she wanted her kids to have a great
easter. I bought a bunch of candy and baskets and she even stayed up instead
of taking her pain pill and relaxing so she could make the baskets up after she
got David to bed. He is a hard one to get to sleep. Even with his sleeping pills if
he gets excited he might sleep for an hour and be up the rest of the night. So
here is a mother Sandra Dees that has had nothing but bad things happen to her
since the start of the year and she still manages to make sure her kids especially
David who really believes in the Easter Bunny and Santa Clause are happy. She
is now worried to death about how she is going to pay the bills in may because
she has been out of work since the first of April and her work will not pay her, but
she still keeps a good front up for the kids. I would love to see Sandra Marie
Dees win she lives 306 Stuart Ave. , Fayetteville, NC 28301 Phone number is
910-607-5034. She really does have a hard life but she loves her kids and will
do without when she ask for you to get something for them. Also to work with the
mentally challenged and go home and you have an autistic child and more kids
to take care by yourself. That alone should say something about her. My
grandson is the reason I volunteer for the Special Olympics now. I've done it for
2 seasons now and I love it and the last one is where she sat in the grass and
was bitten so bad she had to operated on. So she paid her dues for that day.
God bless all of you and God especially watch over our special children ( the
normal ones too) but more so the ones that can't really tell you what is going on
all the time. I love them and think that anyone that has one of the special
children really have more love that you get from a normal child. I have never seen such loving children
as I did at the
Special Olympics, I was even ask out by one the boys to be his prom date. And
they love to hug normal kids get a certain age and think that's not cool I go to
David's classroom and they all get up and hug me. They have a special kind of
love and I feel lucky to have that kind of love in my family. My only wish is that I
could have a normal confersation with my Grandson. Just one day to ask him a
question and He would answer in a way I understood what he was trying to say.
98 My favorite memorable moment this past year I can not narrow down to one. A
few of them are the following: When my son, Joey, 9, played the National
Anthem on the piano for a fundraisr for Autism Speaks called Guns and Hoses,
which was held this past winter in Arlington, MA. Another one was when he
finally hit a baseball for the first time in his Challenger Little League game. I am
such a proud mother, and my son amazes me every day by teaching me
something new.
99 My greatist moment with my son Joseph is... here is a little history, Joseph was
born at 30 weeks on March 28, 2008. He was a baby that I could not hold. He
still dose not want to be hugged or held. Joesph can't speak but a few works. He
is three and says dada, up, go, and Andy from the toy story movie with out
knowing of who or what he says. His father has never met or talked to him. So I
kept saying to him Mama or mommy. He would not say it, nor did he
acknowledge me with a look. He would gesture to me with his cup, toy or other
objects. This made me look into testing. The testing came back that Joe had
Autisum. My heart sunk. Being a single mother without work, I was not sure how
I was going to help Joey. So I turned to the school system for help. They helped
me get Joey into school so he can get the education he needs. Well, he has
been in school for a sort time but on, April 28, 2011, while we were shopping,
Joey wanted my attention so me called out "mama". For the first time in three
years my son actually spoke to me. I ran over to him and hugged him. He did not
push me away. I started to cry. A lady asked what was wrong and I told her. She
gave me a hug and praised Joe. I talked with the lady for a bit and she told me of
her son who is 9 and don't say a word but uses sign language for every thing. He
has Autisum as well. She told me to keep doing what I am. We talked about how
she got information from Autisum Speaks. A place that I have been to myself,
that was suggested by the school. Although Joey has only said "mama" two
times, It is all I can think about. Now I am sure that he loves me.
100 My daughter,"Jessica Bell" has fought her whole life with Kidney Disease..and
was told that getting pregnant could take her life. Her love of children outweighed
the odds..after years of trying she was blessed with Mazen! We soon
discovered he was Autistic..she has always put herself aside & we all know how
much extra care it takes with an "Auti"! My "MOST MEMORABLE
EXPERIENCE" this year was watching her patients and compasion at the "Walk
for Autism Speaks" (Portland).Mazen was having a REALLY bad time, and she
managed to calm him down... We just found out a couple weeks ago that her
youngest son "Lukas" has been diagnosed with "Aspergers"..She is my
"HERO"..
101 Raising a child with special need is a real chalenge. But it also makes me feel
like a happiest person in the world when I hear a new word from my younger son
(3), or see an activity accomplished without any help.This past year was hard for
my family, but in those moments when we saw progress we knew it was worth it.
We also have an older son (5) who is really carring for his brother, has lot of
understanding for his issues and helping us every day with therapies and it
makes me happy to see how mature he is and what a good heart he has. I'm
proud of both of my boys!
102 My most memorable experience with my 20-year-old son this past year was
when he finally learned the concept of using money accordingly. He does
community outings everyday after school as he helps us with our errands. He is
in charge of buying our bottled water, cleaners, post office, fill- up gas tanks in 4
of our cars, and shop for groceries. He goes in these outings with his aunt who
is trained in autism intervention and who assits him with the transportation and
coaching him throughout the process. A big thanks to her...without her my son
wouldn't have learned so much as he did. Great support! During this past 16
years that I have advocated and worked intensively with him, I noticed that he
learned so much and all due to my efforts in fighting for services to treat his
autism. He is partially verbal and taught me a lot about autism and how to be
RESILIENT in general. Whe I got his diagnosis, as a recent immigrant from
Brazil, I din't speak English. As soon as I understood the seriouness of autism,
and what it would take for me to raise my child with autism, I got so much energy
and drive; empowered myself; and became involved in my local autism support
group. And, to cut the story short...today, after only 16 years living with autism I
have learned English proficiently, earned my bachelor's in psychology and one
master's degree in child development, and a second master in marriage and
family counseling, and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology all to help families
like mine, helpless and affected by the frightning monster called 'autism". The
BEST part of my academic training is that I have been working with families
providing behavioral intervention utilizing applied behavior analysis since 2002,
and now I'm getting my Board Certification in Behavior Analysis and soon I will
open my own agency that will honor consitency, integrity and loyalty in treating
our special people with autism. Though my son's autism, I have reached many
families and have seen many of my clients progress so much that it brought
tears to their parents eyes ( not to mention mine)! I will continue to use my
personal and professional knowledge to better serve our very special community
being touched by autism. And, I thank you my son, my Spencer for making me
able to speak for autism.
103 hello like teachers i need job work want yes i right i yes thank you good ok
104 My daughter is almost 18 years old and we have muddled through the maze of
autism and Tourette' Syndrome challenges, trial and tribulations together since
she was diagnosed at age 4. My most memorable experience with her this past
year was a few months ago, after a particularly trying time of being bullied, when
she told me that I was her best friend and that she was lucky to have a mom like
me. It was memorable not only because I could feel my heart swell with
immense love, pride and joy, but also because it was the moment that I realized
what a gift she has been to my life-what a gift ALL of these kids on the spectrum
are to our lives-and I knew in that moment that there wasn't anything that I would
change about who my daughter has grown to be. She is the most wonderful,
"perfect" child a mom could ever ask for. Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms
out there who celebrate our unique, creative, loving, funny, and yes, sometimes
trying children who need not be defined by their disorder, but for the blessings
they bring to our lives. Love and Light to You All-Terra Garcia
105 Being the mother of three boys with varying degrees of Autism has led to many
memorable moments. Both highs and lows. My lowest would be the battle to
recieve an accurate diagnosis for my oldest son, now 9. He had to undergo an
MRI and EEG and EKG at 6. He was originaly misdiagnosed and put on the
wrong medications. These caused him to have a breakdown. Which led to a 2
week hospitalization. Now, after years of therapies he is doing so much better.
The other day in fact was one of my highs with him. His grandmother had called
his name several times with no answer. When she walked into the room he was
playing in and asked him why he hadn't answered, he replied " I couldn't hear
you because I have Asperger's". My other two children, 7 and 4, have PDD and
Classic Autism. They have definetly brought there fair share of moments to my
life. But, getting that first diagnosis will always haunt me.
106 I am the single mom of 5 boys (ages 21, 20, 11, 11, and 6) - 3 of whom have
autism. My 11 year old twins Logan & Aaron have severe autism. They can not
bathe themsleves, dress themselves, feed themselves. Aaron is completey non
verbal but toilet trained, Logan is verbal (manding) but not toilet trained. My 6
year old, Connor, has Aspergers. I have known for a very long time that my
twins will never attend college, get married, or live independently. One of my
worse fears is who will love them. Who will understand their needs? I know
when they need to eat, or what they want, when they are gettting upset and why.
I know the tools needed to help prevent that massive meltdown. I have lived
with Autism for so long that it has become intuitive. This past December Logan,
Aaron, and Connor each received an iPad courtesy of the HollyRod Foundation
and The Talk. It is amazing the change I have seen in them. We have utilized
the ABA Apps for their therapy, we are using the game apps (i.e. tic tac toe) to
help with social skills and turn taking, and most importably we are using
Proloquo to communicate. And as great as these things are, it is just as
wonderful to see them watching a movie together on their iPad courtesy of
YouTube. It has made my boys bond. They may never have friends but they
will always have each other and that is the greatest gift I can give them.
107 Raising a child with Autism forces you to stop and smell the roses - you don't
have a choice:) I remember how long it would take to walk to the bus stop to
pick up my sons, as my daughter would hyper focus on the tiniest things. A
quick 5 minute walk took 30 minutes daily as we studied each blade of grass
growing in the cracks of sidewalks and the ant hills being built around the blades.
We didn't need an ant farm in our home, we spent enough time studying them
outdoors. The lengthy examination of Sweetgum balls could delay us another
five minutes but I now know the detail and color changes of the seedpod of a
Sweetgum ball! With a child who doesn't hold their head up until a year or walk
until two, who say your name for the first time at four years old and swallows
solids at five, you learn to celebrate the tiny milestones that may have been
overlooked with a neuro-typical child. A reaction to your voice, a flip of a page of
a book, a hum to the rhythm of a poem - all are major celebrations. I have
learned so much about neurology that I feel I could earn a degree. I have a
passion to help others around me who are beginning their personal journey,
these families I may have overlooked before. Each step, each change is growth
and progress in their lives and our family's. Our daughter is a blessing to us,
and we have grown tremendously along with her.
108 My 13 year old son, Joseph has Autism. He attended a public school and was
not doing well in the school. Either he was being bullied or in trouble for
defending himself from the bullies. Every day Joseph would come home crying,
upset or hide in his closet. A miracle happened about 4 months before the end
of the school year. Pepin Academy gave Joseph an opportunity to attend their
school. Pepin Academy has been a miracle for Joseph and they have helped
him more ways than I can say. Joseph is not being bullied anymore and is finally
coming home from school with a smile. It's been a long time since I heard
Joseph talking about his day at school and new friends that he met. I give my
thanks to Pepin and all their Teachers.
109 I have two special days. The first came when my son was three years old. He
just started his second year of special pre-k in September. Toward the end of the
month he came home from school and kept saying mommy to get my attention.
That was the first time I have ever heard my son say mommy, usually he
"grunted" for my attention. I cried that night for the joy of hearing that single
word. The second great day happened about 3 months ago. My son is 4 now
and has started to say many words, but the 3 little words that have meant the
most to me was "I love you". He was just playing with his sister and he ran over
to me and out of the blue he said "I love you" then ran back to playing. I was
stunned. Now every morning and night he runs to tell me he loves me and does
the same for daddy, his sister, and his baby brother. My son has taught me how
to truly love and he has taught me how strong the human spirit really is. That is
why everyday I tell my son he is my hero.
110 Hi my name is Karen I am the grandmother of Tomas age 3 whom has ASD. I
can't really put my finger on anyone thing that is the most memorable because
Tomas is the most amazing little boy and everything he does is memorable.
What I can say is everyone says how lucky he is to have my husband and I to
raise him and fight for the things he needs. What I want is to tell anyone who
dose not know I child or adult with autism is that we are the lucky ones. If you
don't know the faces of Autism your are missing out on the most wonderful
amazing people in this great big wonderful world that God has blessed us with.
Tomas has taught me the truest meaning of unconditional love and acceptance
and how to see thing though his eyes. Even if he has looked at something
before the next time is always just like the first time for him. What a wonderful
gift to never take anything for granted. Wow and to have the patiences to teach
me how he needs things to be has given me the best gift of all. Patiences for all
others! If he could teach everyone this lesson wouldn't that make the world a
better place. That is what I wish every mother for Mother's Day the gift of
unconditional love and patiences weather it be for their children their spouse or a
stranger. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
111 My mother is the most brave, courageous, fair person I know. Mother and other
outside the world she lives in could only imagine what she goes through
everyday. That world is autism. My twin sister, Amy, was diagnosed with
Asperger's Syndrome when we were in fourth grade. Asperger's is said to be
higher-functioning, but, none the less, every day is filled with pain, struggles,
rewards, and hope for the future. The think I admire mom most about, this year,
was agreeing to take on homeschooling Amy. In a way, mom had a choice,
though, I guess she really didn't. One thing with AMy was that we couldn't find a
school that met all of her needs. A little over a year ago, she was at the local
public school with mainly A's and B's. She was doing great academically, but the
school environment was simply too much for her to handle. We ran into issues
with her getting upset and getting in trouble as well as not getting the services
needed that we requested. Even when something was added to her IEP after
much negotiation, it was not always enforced. At the beginning of this year, her
8th grade year, she was at a small school for students with special needs. While
she still got upset easily, they were able to handle her baehavior for the most
part, and she was happy. Sadly, we quickly figured out that it was not the right fit
academically. Amy aspires to become and electrical engineer at the same
school as her father, but, at this school, she would never make it there.
Academically, it was very lacking, and many of the teachers didn't realize what
mom always knew about her abilities- Amy could do anything she set her mind
to. My mom wanted Amy to reach her dream, so mom pulled her out midway
through the year. Homeschooling Amy has been very challenging for my mother,
but I think it has been rewarding. Mom is with Amy almost constantly, so she
never gets much of a break, but mom knows she is doing the right thing. Mom is
so sure of my sister and her abilities that she will not give up on her. For next
year, mom is working tirelessly to make sure Amy can go to a high school with
her peers. She has turned into a lawyer of sort, reading up on legislation and
rules to make sure she gets Amy any services she needs. I don't know anyone I
look up to more than my mom.
112 This is my first mother's day after my daughter's diagnosis 8 months ago and I
couldn't be prouder of her! She is an incredible soul. Despite not having the
words to tell us how she feels, she gives hugs when asked now. Looking back at
this time last year, or even 6 months ago, she would not give eye contact- let
alone hugs or kisses even when prompted. I treasure the smallest victories my
daughter has each and every day. When she lost all her words and signs except
for 'no', I kept fighting and refused to give up hope she would come back. And
she has- and this is what taught me to look for the smallest amount of hope.
When she started spontaneously using more than 10 words I told everyone and
anyone who would listen! She has taught me so much about how to be a better
mom and a better person.
113 Since my nephew was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome many years ago;
my sister Irene, a single parent has done wonders for Him....She found groups
which my Nephew could take part in, clubs, therapies etc. He met with former NJ
Gov. Corzine which was a great honor, recieved a proclaimation from the State
of New Jersey and became a very productive member of society over those
many years....We went through many frustrating, sad times...my Sister NEVER,
EVER gave up ! My Nephew who just turned 21 is really proof that a Mother who
is totally committed to her child can make miracles happen.....This is why my
sister is a worthy candidate of ANY HONOR which may come her way. Thank
You for the opportunity ! Anita Murphy [email protected]
114 As a mother with a child with Autism who is non-verbal, I have hoped and prayed
that I would one day hear my son say "Mama". That glorious day came this
year, when my 9 year old son began to say some words for the first time. I have
been saying "Mama" to him since he was born, and one day I decided to try
again. He looked me in the eye, and said it as clear as day, "Mama". Tears
welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't control the teary flow of joy that I felt at
hearing that simple word. I hugged my son a thousand times, and got him to
repeat it to me over and over. I posted it on Facebook, I texted it, I called people
and put him on the phone to say it. It was one of the best days of my life; for so
long we have struggled to get my son to talk, using everything in our power to
bring him into our world. I don't mind that he would rather be in his world, I just
need a "Mama" every now and again.
115 My son has PDD NOS and absolutely loves Legos. He plays with them from sun
up till sun down, usually has a mini fig or two in his pockets every day. During
Spring break this year, we took him to Legoland. As busy as it was and as
overwhelmimg as it all was, he loved it. It took a little time for him to be
comfortable going on the rides and the aquarium they have, but once he did he
had a great time. I will never forget the smile across his face as he layed in a
inflatable tube outfitted with Legos, floating down the lazy river. I am so grateful
to be able to provide outings like this for my son.
116 I have many milestones/ memorable experiences. The one that I will share is my
son Vincent wanted strawberries. I usually wash and cut them in half for him. I
happened to be busy on the phone, when he asked for some. I asked him to be
patient and wait. He insisted, so I told him to take the strawberries out and wash
them. When I got off the phone, he washed the strawberries, cut them in half
and was eating them. He was so excited that he accomplished it on his own. I
was proud of him! We want our children to be as independent as possible, this
was a sign to me that he is capable of many things.
117 When Brendan was 5 and just becoming verbal and my mother was still alive, he
went out to her ranch for a visit. When they were going into town for dinner,
Brendan was singing, and Mother asked he where he learned the song. Brendan
smiled at her and said,"In my mouth." This has been my favorite Brendan story
for almost 17 years.
118 I have something to share. I have the most wonderful daughter-in-law in the
world. This last year we found out that our grandson had autism. She went right
to work doing everything that she could help him. She read books, look up all
that she could on autism, the thing she could do to help him. She cooks all of his
food gluden free, and reads the ingredents in every thing that she lets him eat.
The sad thing is that he can not have milk, so naturally she looks for every thing
that does not have milk in it. She is the most wonderful mother in the world. Her
name is Jessica Bass. I just want to hornor her and let her know how much we
love and treasure the fact that God sent her to us.
119 My mother is amazing and awesome. When me and mom were outside in Africa
I saw a camel and I wanted to ride it. So my mom put me on the camel and I fell
off, she put me on again then I fell off we were laghing. I love my mom!!!!!!!
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL MOTHERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
120 I am a Grandmother of a 4 year Old with Autistic Spectrum Disorder he has been
diagnosed with PDD/NOS and one of my several memorable Experiences, was
when me and my Grandson, was sorting through so colored number cards they
were different number and colors and i had a number 7 that was blue and he had
a number 12 that was blue, now to me the most obvious differences was the
number which makes the cards different but to my grandson, they look the same
all he saw was the color, never mind the differences just clinging on to
sameness, how wonderful the world would be if we only , when view each other
could do this, never mind specific differences but being able to see a common
similarity in all, that may be hard for someone to understand, but to me it hit
home in so many ways.
121 My 11 year old son David was diagnosed with autism when he was 3. Eight
years later we were in the developmental pediatrician's office with his 2 year old
brother Aidan. As we had suspected Aidan received a diagnoses of autism as
well. Upon returning home David said to me "I did not want my brother to have
autism", he paused and then said, "but mom"I can help him because I have
autism too". A year later David asked, "mom, will Aidan ever talk?" I
answered, I asked God the same question about you. He smiled and said, "oh,
yeah". David loves his brother dearly and is a great role model. He has
worked hard and overcome many challenges. David will attend middle school in
the fall. He is a boy scout working to become an Eagle Scout. He is also a 2nd
degree black belt and assists the younger students at his tae kwon do school.
Aidan is a beautiful loving little boy. He is a joy in the lives of many. Aidan also
works very hard with his wonderful therapist. Aidan will be attending pre-school
very soon. We are very excited and happy for him. My boys are blessed to
have each other. "Brother's for Life". (Our walk team) Love letter to my boys...
Time forever gone but never forgotten.... Where has the time gone May the
passing of time never fade my memories Of each day I have had with you May
each season bring hope for new life without allowing past memories to wither
away May spring and summer be a keepsake of those precious moments of
celebration for another year in your life While winter and autumn carry with them
the memories of watching you run through the leaves or the look on your face
when you first held snow May time never be victor over those precious scenes
playing out in my mind of all your accomplishments and triumphs nor of the
quiet moments which would allow me just the time needed to capture those
expressions of wonder that came across your little face May the rising of each
new day never be thought of as a prelude to what will come Instead may each
day be experienced and lived for the moment where I can see the blessings of
God again ....through your eyes I will always long for one day more when I first
held you in my arms Yet I will hold on tight to the encore played in my mind
when I close my eyes and experience it all over again Encore, encore, my
forever encore
122 One of my favorite memories of my daughter, Jenna (an Aspie), was when she
was just 10 years old and sitting in the back of our family SUV in the middle of
July in Missouri. It's so hot outside and the air conditioning is blasting away and
out of the blue Jenna says, "Momma, you should do the Christmas shopping
today." Mind you, middle of summer in the Midwest with temps in the 90's and
she is thinking about Christmas? I was listening to some music, I turned the
radio down and asked Jenna, "What made you think about Christmas!?"
Expecting some off-the-wall comment, my little girl responds, "Well, every
Christmas you complain about how cold it is when you do your shopping and
since today is hot, wouldn't it be the best day for you to do the Christmas
shopping?" The mind of a child with ASD is very logical - it is our non-ASD
brains that screw things up!
123 My son, sitting on the kitchen floor, rocking back and forth for hours pleading for
my love. "no one loves me" he'd say repeatedly. "I know you don't love me
mom". He would do this for months, and hours on end. I'd lavish him with my
words of love and acceptance, often offering hugs, but he'd always turn them
down. I'd cry in silence, and dwell on the illness he lives with. "How horrible it
must be to live believing you aren't loved, not even by your parents", I would
think. Then one day, as I stood in the kitchen, my then 11 year old son walked in,
standing tall, looked me in the face, and said "I love you mom", and I said "I love
you too, Garrett" then he smiled as large as his face could handle it. It was the
moment I had been waiting for and the moment he longed for, but didn't know he
could feel for all those years. It was a moment as pure and beautiful as the
words we spoke. It's the memory I'll always hold dear to my heart. The moment
only shared between the two of us, and so special.
124 I know you asked for memorable moments from this past year. As a mother of an
autistic son , who is now 23, I would like to share the following from 1993. A age
5 ,John had shown no emotional attachment to anyone. He neither let us hug or
kiss him. He didnt want holding or any comforting of any kind. This was
especially hard for me. I loved him with all my heart and his coldness stabbed
me in the heart. We entered John into physcotherapy at the start of kindergarden
that year. Although he wouldn't look or talk to his therapist we held hope for the
future. After several months we stopped at a favorite pizza place to get a take
out order. While my husband wentin to attend to the food order a voice came
from the back of our van as we waited. Mama, I need a hug! Then and there i
recieved my first hug from John, I will never forget that moment and today it
makes me cry the same as it did that night 18 yrs ago.
125 Hi.... what a great way to express my feelings as a mom of 6 kids.... 3
"neurotypical" and One with Aspergers, One with ASD and One with ADHD/BIPolar/
ODD...... Well... my days are crazy... EVERYDAY. But, I have to say each
are memorable in their own ways. I will either learn something that "triggers" a
meltdown, a sensativity or joy. But EVERYDAY.... I love my children, despite the
daily challenges and lack of "family" support. However, when I say "family", I
mean blood related. I have much in the way of family with my friends who
deeply care for my children, their "issues"/"behaviors". Even at our worse days.
My h ouse is loud.. my house is busy. But...... it's home. My oldest
"neurotypical" son plays travel ice hockey. During the In season, we are gone
twice a week and all weekend. My other two older sons play on a special needs
hockey team. They LOVE it and its a great organization. Even after having one
kicked off a previous "special needs" team for aggression issues. UGH. Never
a dull moment. And ALWAYS on the look out for flying objects in our presence.
I LOVE to watch my kids interact on a "positive" note with one another. That
doesn't happen often. But, I have to say, that THAT would be the most
memorable times. Just to watch them all play together, without fighting or having
objects thrown at each other is fantastic and I could watch for hours. However...
it doesn't last for hours. Sometimes only minutes. LOL Another memorable
moment......as much as my two sons can't tolerate one another EVER, my son
that suffers from bi-polar will sometimes get into rages that can last hours... he
will scream for myself and my husband to call crises for him... and the one that
he doesn't get along with will say "mom, please don't call crises... I don't want
him to go away"..... we never have. But to see that emotion come from a child
with aspergers...... priceless. Especially towards a brother who he will claim "he
can't stand" daily. And afterwards... when all is calm, they will still go back to
"hating" one another. But.... I know, they couldn't be apart from one another.
Today, my son (with adhd/bi-polar) brought a gift home for that brother (Richie)
for his birthday tomorrow... and a gift for his oldest brother (Matthew) for his
birthday today. Things that he earned for his own good behavior at school....
that he put thought into and saved for these days. My heart fills with joy knowing
and seeing his caring side. Well... there is plenty my story and many
memorable moments. Those are just a few. Thank you, Robin McIntosh
126 I think that the most memorable experience for me was when I realized that my
mostly non-verbal three year old, who knows the entire alphabet by sight, spelled
his name out loud for me when I asked him to. A few days later, I thought, I
wonder how hard it will be to teach him a couple three letter words. I spelled
CAT for him a few times, asking him to repeat it to me, then I would say the
word. I did the same with DOG. We practiced for a few days, and I decided to
write the words down and asked him what they said. He was able to tell me what
the words were. So, we are on the way to teaching my beautiful little guy how to
read! I could feel the pride swelling up within me as I listened to him read the
words out loud. Sure, they were words I already knew that he could say, but
now, he can spell them and recognize them written on a piece of paper. I am
excited to know that he is able to show understanding of something, even when
he is unable to speak a full sentence or tell us how he feels...
127 My most memorable moment with my child with autism was when he recently got
his patch for his orange belt in karate. He was so proud of himself.He asked if I
was proud of him. He has come so far since he joined his karate school. Not only
has his following directions improved, but he is gaining perseverence in his
school abilities. We have made great strides on his speech and cognitive
abilities. I AM SO proud of my little man!
128 My son was diagnosed at 3 years 3 months and did not qualify for EIBT because
of his age. He is 4 now and has recently begun seeing a behaviorist. He is
making gains and I am so proud of him! He is totally non-verbal, but I have
learned you do not have to 'say' I love you to say it. He tells me every day in his
own way :) I suppose my most memorable experience of this past year was very
recent. I put a blanket out in the lawn to sit on and he cuddled up to me a smiled
the biggest smile. Summer time is fun time.
129 Being a mother of a six year old with autism and significant global delays, I have
many memorable experiences, as everyday I have the opportunity to celebrate a
"first" or moment that parents of typically developing children tend to take for
granted. However my "most" memorable event occured on May 20, 2010. It
was not a day that I was expecting to be memorable, as my son was at home
from school that day because he was sick. My son Jayden had a very limited
vocabulary (and ability to communicate) at the time, only speaking a few words
pertaining to his favorite foods. I knew that Jayden "knew" me as Mom, but he
had never spoken that word. I had prayed for years that someday he would call
me Mom, or anything similar that set me apart as his Mom. My husband had
also begun to pray for this as he knew how much that would mean to me. I must
admit that with all of his therapies, my own selfish goal was to hear him call me
Mom. After five years of waiting to hear the most wonderful word a mother could
ever want to hear, my son finally called me "Mom". And, it wasn't an accident.
He looked directly at me and said "Mom." I jumped up and said, "did you say
Mom?" He then repeated it again. That was the best sound I had ever heard.
With the tears flowing, I gave him the biggest hug ever. He made all of the
struggles we had faced together so worthwhile--he had finally called me Mom!!
My heart melted all over again as he looked at me and said it over and over
again that day, and everyday since then. While some might be annoyed by a
child calling out, "Mom, Mom" I will never be annoyed by hearing that precious
word from him. When you have to wait five years to hear your child call you
Mom, you can never get of it!
130 I think it is important to commend all of the mother's; they are tireless advocates
who continue to work hard to find what is best for thier children. I am not able to
stay home with my own children but feel blessed to come to work and help so
many children. I feel fortunate that I have met so many mother's who are willing
to share their children with me so I can help them reach their goals. I teach a
pre-kindergarten class for children with autism and I know it is such an
overwhelming time for parents and their children. Parents are courageously
learning about and accepting their child's diagnosis. At the same time planning
to send them to school. As a mother I can't imagine how overwhelming those
feelings are and I thank all of my current, former and future families for letting me
help your child.
131 To all mothers,present and would be: Mother,in some countries are identified as
"ma","ama". The first lovely words ,that come out of a four month old baby
are"mama"!So lovely. A mom's biggest possession is a child. Once my son,six
yrs and my daughter three yrs, were sleeping in a room adjacent to my room. It
was past ten in night. Some neighbor knocked my door.she had an emergency
in her home,as her one yr old daughter was crying and inconsolable.I went out to
her house,after pushing my door. My son got up, and not finding me, woke up
his sister and both, half asleep, went out of my house, in my search.After ten
minutes, when I came back, saw my house door wide open, and my kids
missing! What a shock!I started crying.It was so lonely,blank dark road.My inner
"MA",my love,my fear of loosing my kids, gave me strength, and I took out my
car and rushed out.Within five minutes of my drive ,I found, both, hand in hand,
walking down the lane. As I picked them up, my son's first words were "ma,
where were you, we are searching for long?" No answers, with me, I just hugged
both,thanked God, for giving me two two "new "j
132 Recreation aides by Living Hope, Inc., for my son, Mark, 30, with autism, give
me respite care. I then do homework; write Strayer University papers for classes
for a Master's degree in public administration; read textbooks; see my Mother;
go to the grocery store all by myself; get my hair cut; see my friends; go to a
mall; see a movie; eat in a restaurant; get prescriptions; have tea; see TV; read a
newspaper; do laundry; dust; visit neighbors; run errands; organize items; do my
taxes; spend time with his brother; read my AOL or relax. When the aides come
get him, all goes well. I lobbied for 4 years for them. Mark likes the aides. I like
getting respite care from them since it lowers my stress level greatly. Marie A.
133 My son Matthew is 16 years old and fully included in the 11th grade with a oneonone aide. Two weeks ago he was inducted into the National Honor Society. I
was so proud, as was he too! He has worked so hard to get to where he is. I
wish I could show off both him and his many educational and personal
accomplishments to the doctor than initially saw him 15 years ago and said, "I
am sorry, he is autistic and you shouldn't expect him to develop much further
than he is right now." Matthew has always proved that his desires and dreams
direct his paths. I am such a blessed mother with him in my life.
134 HELLO MY NAME IS CHERYL , THE FIRST TIME MY SIERRAH SAID MOM.
SOME PEOPLE MAY THINK THAT'S STRANGE BUT BY HER BEING
NONVERBAL HEARING JUST THAT ONE WORD MAKES ME FEEL LIKE A
MILLION. SHE IS NOW 7 ANS NOW HSR FAVORITE WORD. IS NOW EAT.
135 My 5 year old son, Price, is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum
Disorder/Aspergers. Recently his preschool class had a lovely Easter special
planned. I know that he can not tolerate music class very well and does not
participate therefore I had planned for a speedy exit if needed. On the day of the
program I stayed in the back near the door. As his class arrived and the other
children went to the front to sit and wait to perform, Price came and sat with me
and his brother. The first song started and I was braced for the worst, purse in
hand. He looked down and twirled, arms stiff by his side with a low growl. Then
he looked at me and said " I want to be with my friends" . Mouth agap, I
motioned him down the aisle where he joined his class. All the precious teachers
held their breath as the music teacher continued in song and positioned him mid
verse. To my shear delight and amazement, my son, not only sang with his
class, but he knew every hand motion and word. He was the loudest roaring
dinosaur up there! It was one of the most beautiful moments I have had as a
parent. Tears filled my eyes and his teacher's as she ran to me and said " Did
you see that?". After his SECOND song was complete he proudly put one hand
behind him and one to his waist and bowed. He then assumed his place up front
with his peers and clapped as the other children performed. What a blessing!
136 My son hayden whom is 9 yrs old and has high functioning autism has never
been able to read or barely write his name .This has been the first year has
attended school for a full day in a special eduction class. We havent seen any
progress with anything until my most memorable day in feburary 2011. Hayden
was sitting on the floor and he spelled out" H A P P Y" !! Then he said the word
out loud! I was so amazed and stunned and HAPPY I started crying instantly! I
couldnt be more proud of him and his accomplishment! And of all words"
HAPPY" , it was a gift from him to me I will never forget! i will always remember
this day for the rest of my life. Hayden is my hero and a great gift to me everyday
he shows me his special gifts . Im very blessed to have him in my life!!
137 Both my mother and my brother who lived with autism are both gone now but
that does not mean the memorable experiences have left my memory.My brother
Jim and I were the closest of all our brothers and sister. I was the only one who
could reach him. His form of autism was not yet given a name when he was
diagnosed but today it is now known as Asperger's. I have three most many
memorable moments but these three stand out the most. When our father died
Jim was 12 and he did not participate in any of the funeral arrangements or
services. When our mother died however he was in his 40's and it was an
entirely different man. The night we were called in, he insisted on going in. As
soon as he walk in and saw her, he said "That isn't our mom" he went over got
her glasses and put them on her and then said, "that's mom" He came up with
the opening line to the eulogy. He stood at the front door and greeted people
who came to pay their respects and then directed them to where she was. This
was done all on his own. A couple of weeks later, I decided that Jim, Jeff our
other brother and myself had to have a household financial meeting to set up the
house budget. I wanted everyone to lay their expenses and incomes all out on
the table so we would know what we had to work with. So one night I made a
really nice dinner and right after we would have our money pow-wow. Well, Jim
hurried up and ate, cleared his part of the table, got a calculator, writing pad and
pencil and sat there and waited for Jeff and I to finish. When I asked what are
you doing? He said, waiting for the financial meeting. I looked at Jeff and we
both decided to strike while the iron was hot. The three of us planned it all
out.fair and square. From that point on, Jim would come over and ask to see our
house checkbook every once in awhile and look over it. He would voice his
honest opinion about household purchases. His opinion saved us a great deal of
money. But the most memoriable, admirable and what I model my life by now is
the last 15 months of his life. He was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer when
it was at stage 4. The doctors gave him only about 5 months. Jim was the
youngest, was born with a club foot, life gave him a raw deal at the very
begininng and it is giving him one at the end. But life did not know Jim. When I
went in to tell what he had I did not tell him it was terminal. We deciced to let him
have this time as best as he can. So I went in and told him what it he had and
what caused the paralyzsis. His respons was, "Well lets go get it". So I told
him, ok we will but you have to remember one thing, you control what you can
control, let the doctors control what they can control and with the combination of
the two of you then nature will have it hands full on what it can control. With that,
he became the model patient. he was never fond of needles but when he had to
get shots to prevent blood cots it got to the point where he would just pull up his
shirt with one hand, keep eating with the other, and tell the nurse, "I have lost
track just put it anywhere" she would give it to him while he was feeding his face
and would lower his shirt when she was done. It was so well rehearsed. He
went through so many tests and treatments and never complained. Only one did
he feel sorry for himself because he was confined to a nursing home. I was able
to pull him out of that with a short talk. God has taught me how to live, but Jim
has taught me how to die. The day he died he was in fine spirits, he was
checking a new nurse in the afternoon eyeing up and down and asking her if she
is going to be around for awhile, she sai yes and he said that's good. with that in
his mind, his body started to shut down, My sister and I were there when he
breathed his last. All I said to him was "It is ok Jim, you did a great job, mom
and dad are waiting to see you, we will be fine." he smiled and breathed his
last.; Those things will never leave my mind. I could go on but I am not his true
mother but pretty darn close.
138 My daughter has a 3 year old autistic son. It is so difficult for a Mom not to get
affection or recognition. He never seems to care that she might be leaving for
work or coming home from work. Often my daughter would say, I wish he would
just get excited when he sees me. He would repeat Momma when prompted but
never volunteer it on his own. Last summer we were at the beach. One evening
we had been out for dinner. We were all in the car ready to drive home. My
daughter left the car to look for something at the restaurant. She seemed to be
gone a long time. Finally, we could see her approaching. Her son got so excited
and started saying Hi Momma. What an awesome evening! Rewards for all the
hard work do come.
139 my son was a member of the team usa basketball special olympic 2007 world
games watching him and his team members win a silver medal was one of the
greatest moments of my life
140 My sons are amazing teenagers with Autism! When something goes right they
are always so excited! I just stare in amazement at just how proud they are of
what they have done! In brief I couldn't be more proud of them for there growth
at there new school. I now want to make more changes in there days to keep
that excitement going and them growing. Just the other day one of them had a
tantrum and it was just because something didn't go his way and I asked him
what we should do about it? His exact words where, "Mom I'm being silly and I
do know better, but I enjoy being silly, is it ok if we are silly together?" Of course
I said to him with a huge laugh so we where silly together. They are so
amazing and have grown so much in the past two years. I couldn't be a prouder
Mom than I am today! It's amazing to have the support of great teachers and
staff at there school. The best thing for me is that in the past year they are both
at the same school for the first time and the fight it took to get them there! I even
helped start the first PTA at the school, and have friends and can do activities
with the kids, on the same day!!!! This is a perfect Mother's Day this year.
141 Although my boys are not my biological sons, they have been with me for over
18 years. There have been so many "mini" achievements over the years, it is
hard to speak of just one! However, the one that stands out the most to me is
the day we were at the hospital for a visit. At the time my boys were around ten
and twelve years old. In the waiting room there was a child who appeared to be
a new patient around the age of 5 years old and from my guess was there due to
his autism. Although my boys are autistic, they are also profoundly retarded and
have cerebral palsy in their legs. My older son was, at that time, able to walk
with a walker and did not require a wheelchair. He walked over to this younger
child and said "hi" and threw his baseball cap (which is his ever-present security
comfort that very few have been priviledged to receive!) onto the ground! He
then preceeded to tell the child in his best vocabulary "look" and pointed to his
cap! The child almost immediately got up from the small play table he was
occupying, picked up the baseball cap and without a word, returned it to my son!
It was, to me, an incredible moment and apparently to the child's Mother, as she
confided in me her child had never made any attempt to interact with others!!
142 The best experience that happened this year was actually this past Friday. My
son, Coleman, is 5 years old and has a diagnosis of Autism/PDD/NOS and is still
not talking but is using sign language and an iPad to communicate with us.
Lately, he has been loving to use the MagnaDoodle to draw. He draws mostly
continuous circles. Last Friday he grabbed my friends 16 year boy's hand (Neil)
and put the pen in his hand and Coleman put his hand on his and guided Neil's
hand to spell out C-O-L-E. Since then, he has done the same thing for his
teacher, speech therapist, occupational therapist, teacher's aides and myself.
Just talking about it makes me want to cry because we know Coleman knows
more than what he can tell us, but just by guiding someones hand, he can spell
his name! That tells us so much and we are so proud of him!!!
143 My 9-year-old twins are so amazing in so many ways and I cherish EVERY
experience I have with them. Also, their "special needs" have blessed our lives
with so many beautiful, exciting people and experiences it is impossible to
choose just one "most memorable experience!" I can tell you my favorite things
that happen just about every day of the year. When you ask my sons "What is
Mama's (Mama, my favorite word!) favorite thing to do?" the reply will most
certainly be a resounding "SNUGGLE!" exclaimed in unison. Every Saturday
morning, I am awakened by my guys - Tommy & Jimmy - jumping into bed with
me to snuggle for "a few minutes" before breakfast. My heart sings every time!
And I absolutely love to pick them up at the after school program. When they see
me, they come running with ear-to-ear smiles to hug me. They are getting so tall,
sometimes I think they might knock me down on my keester - but that would be
okay as long as they were there to hold on to! This past year - we have done so
many things together. Saturdays playing Miracle League Baseball. Sundays to
Sunday School and Church. Wednesdays to Church. Tuesdays, Thursdays and
Saturdays to Karate (our whole family is purple now!) Fantasy Camp with Texas
Rangers Alumni. The Dallas Museum of Art with Autism Speaks and the Dallas
Symphony Orchestra. Flying with Challenge Air. Lake Texoma with Grandpa &
family. Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Ranger's Stadium. Tres Rios River
Ranch in Glen Rose. DSO Christmas concert. Overnight Cancer Relay. Church
camp at Riverbend. Easter parties with our friends. Together, we pray, cook,
play games, paint, draw, read, do homework, sing, discuss politics and history,
learn math (they teach us), take walks, watch baseball, read, exercise, look at
old buildings and gardens, go to the library, do science projects, find
constellations, fantasize about vacations...the list is endless. I can't think of
anything I would rather do than hang out with my guys - Tommy, Jimmy,
husband Greg, and our Boston Terrier Bugzy! Every experience with our guys is
"most memorable!" Wow! Thanks for making me remind myself what a truly
lucky Mama I am! Happy Mother's Day to all of you special "Mama's" or
whatever your very special guy or gal calls you!
144 It was summer time and as I was driving home past our neighborhood park I
happened to glance over at te basketball court. There I recognized some
teenage boys who were having a baskewtball game. I became sad, knowing
that if my son were not autistic he would have been one of those boys on the
court. Instead he is sitting home alone with no friends. This though remained on
my mind most of the day. During our dinner at the kitchen table one of my
children asked what was wrong because I was staring off into space. I repied, " I
was just wondering how different our lives would be if Frank did not have
autism." Then I threw the question out there, " How do you guys think our lives
would be differt"? My second son answered, "I wouldnt want Frank to be any
different" "I love him just the way he is". "He keeps all of us laughing at dinner
time, that sometimes I fall of my chair laughing". Then my other two children
chimed in and said they to would not want him any other way. Frank is fine just
the way he is! Those statements brought tears to my eyes. I ofter wonder if my
other children become hurt or even jealous do to how much of my time and
money is directed toward my autisic son. That really let me know just how close
of a family I created with love. I have never thought of the what ifs again.
145 My most memorable experience was taking my 13-yr-old son with Asperger's to
the HOPe program in Easton, Massachusetts for the first time. It was for a
program called "Snack N' Chat" where the kids get together, create the meal
together, and practice social skills over dinner. When I came to pick him up
afterwards, I can honestly say this was the first time in his life that I saw him
excited about something outside his typical video game world! It was so special
to see him happy to go somewhere without me and to be involved in a program
with peers his own age. I know that by signing him up for this program that I
made a good choice as a mom who has struggled to find something appropriate
for him that would fit his needs without understimulating him.
146 As a mother of two boys on the spectrum - each with their own battles to
overcome each day, I am so proud of all that they do. Every year, there is
always the next step, that next hurdle to pass and next wall to climb. And with
out fail, even with set backs, they surprise me each time of what they can do.
From potty training to say their first sentences to advancing in school, each step
is a such a joy to watch. Those moments can erase memories of meltdowns in
public, behavior crisis and physical issues that effect our kids daily. I sum up our
lives with two words, patience and empowerment. Patience is the key survival
tool to anyone who works with or is a parent to a child with Autism. Not easy as
well, each day, we must ask for patience and more of it. We also need to
embrace and empower our kids. As we seem them grow each day, we need to
exploit their stengths and see them as a part of society that possibly do not fit the
social norm, but have a place here on this earth. Jordan and Jon, remember to
reach for the stars and Mom loves you very much!
147 My most memorable experiance this past year is hard to choose. Jake was
diagnosed not too long ago, Oct. 29th 2010 to be exact. He was only two and a
half and I was devestated. I remember saying to my husband "it's not fair" as I
cried in the parking lot of his developmentalists office. I longed to hear him say
real words and imagined being able to understand his wants and emotions and
wonderful it would be; I wanted to gaze into his eyes and see him smile and hear
his little voice tell me I love you mommy. Well....right after christmas (after just 2
months of OT and Speech Therapy) as we were putting things away for the new
year my little man ran up to me wide eyed and smiling showing me a new toy he
was playing with. "That's a neat truck" I exclaimed and he smiled really big and
sing songed to me some babble I laughed and told him "I love you mo-mo"
(Jake's nickname) and then it happened; Jake beamed at me and said "I
luuuuyoooo" my eyes welled up with tears...my boy was talking and he has not
stopped since and you know what? I don't ever want him to stop, I love hearing
his little voice and watching him smile when he's excited over every truck on the
road...it's joy, it's elation it's......... Jake.
148 I'd like to share something special about a mom I have had the pleasure of
working with this school year. Kay is the mother of a 7th grader. I am Jon's
Intervention Specialist and have the privilege of supporting him as he navigates
his first full year in a new school district. Over the last year I have witnessed
Kay, a dedicated mom, be an integral part of her son's growth academically,
socially, and emotionally. Kay's commitment and ability to follow through with
the details and nitty gritty to ensure Jon's success is amazing, especially
considering that she is consistent over the long run. Parents can so easily
become too stressed, overwhelmed, busy, etc. and let things slip by. Not Kay!
She checks in with me and Jon's other teachers daily to stay on top of homework
assignments, projects, and changes in emotional stability. She asks specifically
what work needs to be done, and makes sure that he gets it done and has it at
school the next day. Kay also advocates in a polite, problem-solving way when
Jon has an issue or concern regarding a teacher. Kay is a positive, dedicated,
and loving parent who works hard everyday to help set her son up for success.
It shows in Jon's successful 7th grade year! He is an honest, caring, attentive,
responsible young man. All qualities that Kay has made a priority AND provided
the daily support necessary to develop in Jon. My most memorable experience
this past year isn't just one moment or experience. What makes Kay memorable
to me is her ability to continually, lovingly be there for her son and work in such a
proactive, productive way with the support team at the middle school. She is
ever present and involved in Jon's live in ways that will positively shape Jon into
the fine young man he is becoming. Kuddos Kay! I'm so fortunate to have
gotten to know you and Jon.
149 There are many memorable experiences but the one that stands out is most
precious! I recently got married and my sweet Hannah had to go through moving
to a new home along with me. Thinking that the transition will disturb her, my
husband ans i were pleasantly surprised. She now sleeps better, is calmer and
more happy. She loves my husband and jumps with joy when he gets home from
work and runs into his arms. Its amazing how the one rhing we were the most
worried about turned out to be the thing that worked out best!
150 Wow, Everything my Matthew does is Memorable. He is the love of my life.
Every day I think God for him. I do remember one time this year Matthew was
laughing out loud. I ask him what was so funny. He said one of his school
mates asked him what race was he. Matthew said that he was African American.
The Young boy was also African American. The young boy said you don't act
like you are black, So Matthew said do I have to wear my pants down to my
knees, and say yo yo dude to be black; The boy stood back and was
speechless; My Matthew knew It was okay to be different. Even with his autism,
he knew it o'kay to be himself. My Matthew is 13 years old and the kids do not
understand him in school. But I know my Matthew is going to be happy and
loved for the rest of life.
151 My son Zachary just turned 17 this past Monday. Zachary is diagnosed with High
Functioning Autism, Aspergers, ADHD among a few other things. While life has
been difficult and quite challenging these past 15 + years, I would not trade one
minute of our life. Zachary constantly surprises me and makes me smile and
laugh. He scored amazing on his SAT's and we have been visiting colleges
these past few months. Zachary is so smart and can navigate the NYC Subway
system better than an MTA eployee. Zachary cannot go away for college and he
may be living with us for many years, but all of his therapy and the amazing
school he has attended since the 6th Grade have given Zachary the ability to
make a success of his future. He is a very special young man and as his mother,
he is my greatest gift. I celebrate Zachary on Mother's Day!
152 My most memorable experience this year in regards to raising my son Taylor
who is on the Spectrum had to be just last week when he spent the night at a
friends house for a sleep over. This was his first time he has ever done this ever and he had a wonderful time. Needless to say I didn't get much sleep at all
worried about him but all for no reason - he did great. Oh did I mention Taylor
just had a birthday too - he turned 18.
153 This was our most difficult year ever. The loss of my father, Jacob's grandfather,
the loss of our dog, and then the loss of my own income due to work injuries.
However, in a matter of 6 weeks, our Autism Speaks Team, Love4Jacob, Lehigh
Valley had doubled in size from 15 to 37 walkers, and the team managed to
raise in such a short period of time, over $4000. Considering it was only our
second year as a team, it was one of the happiest moments for our family. I
must say the most heartwarming moment this year, was that my son Jacob, who
is 13 years old, actually walked in the walk regardless of his sensitivities to
weather. For my son to walk, just melted my heart. He finally was a part of and
understood what I have been doing for the past two years regarding the walk. It
brought me even more joy that my elder teens walked as well. As last year they
did not. This year finally brought our family to a closer understanding of Autism
and the support we received was phenomenal.
154 Twyla Felty, mother of twin 19 year old young men both diagnosed with Autism
at an early age, sent both boys off to Texas Tech University in the fall. This
university is a plane ride or about a 6 hour drive from their home. One is an
engineering major and the other is business. Twyla is the mother of four. Works
full time at our school. Her husband is the band director for our school district.
She helps out with the band booster club. Twyla is a dynamo. She inspires me
daily with stories of her sons' successes and defeats. No not defeats. She would
not want me to use that word. Stumbles might be a better word. Helping her
sons to be as independent as possible is what Twyla has worked towards all
their lives. They will return home in mid May with their first year away at college
a success.
155 Being a mother of an autistic child is sure a challenge. With my son, I had to
keep things so structured at home, sounds down in the home and at times that
was hard since I had two small children who were younger then my son. His
older sister was great, she take the two younger sibblings into a room, put on
music to intertain them so my son could do his homework. As the child grows the
challenges become harder. My son is now 24 and at times he makes my life a
nightmare. He wants to be normal like other adults. When he was a kid, he
wanted kids not to make fun of him. So he became the class clown. But as
autistic kids grown become teens and adults, it seems to be so much harder on
them, they want so much to be normal and life in our world not theirs. My son
just wants to be able to keep a job to take care of himself. He has such a hard
time with that. My son has a mild type of autism. Wish there was groups that
help these kids when they get older. Seems to be there for them when they are
younger but not when they start to grow to be teens and adults. Most memorable
experience for me when my son was a child, how sweet and loving he could be
and always did things for others. He still does. He still gives away his own money
he earns to help out a friend. He even has given his own winter jacket to
someone he did not know who need to keep warm. He is something else, just
wish he except his mental illness and move on and do his best. That is all I want
from my son, is to work hard, do his best and if he does that, I am very proud of
him. I remember how he was a teenager and all he wanted to do was fly. He
asked his friends at school he attended a private school since the regular school
system word not work with him and kids teasted him so much he just did not
want to live. At the private Christian school he had great friends, any way, he
wanted to fly so he came up with this plan, he walked the gym room came back
and asked his friends to swing him around six times and then let him go, he
knew he could fly across the gym room. He had it all figured out except for one
thing, what would happen when he landed. His friends swong him around six
times and let him go, he flew across the gym room just as far as he thought he
would and down he went. He hit the floor. I got a call at work, my son was
knocked out. When I got there, he had a two black eyes and his head hurt but he
said to me, mom I flew. I just laughed. What are you to say, autistic kids live in
such a different mind set then we do. There sure is a lot more to tell about
memorable experiences with my son Zach. He always came up with so many
ideas and wanted them to work out, but seem not too since he could not stay on
task. He sure tries and to me, that is all that counts. Autistic children are a gift
from God, and when they grow up challenges before harder but you still keep on
loving them.
156 I have four children,three boys and a girl.Everyone of them a blessing in my life.
One by one each of my boys was diagnosed with Autism over a period of two
years.My oldest two boys are high functioning and though they have their
challenges they are making daily progress. My youngest son who is now 5 has
severe classic Autism. He is considered non-verbal despite parroting a few
things here and there. For the first few years of his life I longed to hear the words
"Mommy,I love you." We worked endlessly with his speech therapist among
others to get him to learn simple phrases. By age 4 he was finally beginning to
say a few things but still not the phrase I longed for. I praised him for all of his
achievements but my heart hurt. I watched children at playgrounds and at church
and school functions. I saw how carefree they were and how effortless
communication was with their parents. About 6 months ago youngest son began
hugging us and giving us kisses which was very new territory. I of course was
delighted,well,we all were. Suddenly out of nowhere he came to me one day
wrapped his little arms around my neck,squeezed tightly and said, "I love you
mommy." Then he let out a sigh,like the kind you make when you are
overwhelmed with joy. I cried, I was at that moment the happiest I have ever
been. I was also so grateful for his teachers and therapist that worked with him
and knew this mother's heart. I am forever changed and grateful.
157 My son, Jesse (12), was only recently diagnosed with PDD, NOS. He has feared
water since he was a baby. It's a sensory issue for him. Bath time was always a
struggle and summer fun in the water was limited because he could only sit in a
small pool with the water waist high. He has also struggled socially. Making
friends, understanding social cues has never been easy. This school year he
started yet another school. His third elementary school....with a pool. He has
had tremendous help through services and has come such a long way since
before being diagnosed. He used his skills that he learned and was able to
make friends and for the first time, actually enjoyed getting on the bus and
heading off to school. It was such an accomplishment. But, then, 'pool time'
came and the anxiety, fear, tics came back. The school district has been difficult
to deal with and knew from the beginning that it would be an issue and they
promised HIM that they would help him in any way they could. Full of anxiety the
morning swimming was to start I sat in the Guidance Counselors office arguing.
They finally accepted a note from his Pediatrician that if he could not participate,
he would not be failed. HE made the decision to try putting his feet in the pool.
As each day went by more of 'him' got into the pool. By the end of the month he
was able to totally get in to the pool and play Pool Volleyball. It was such a huge
accomplishment for him. I was and am so very proud of him and more
importantly he is proud of himself. Water was a huge hurdle for him to overcome
and he did it. The Teacher is to be praised also because he encouraged Jesse
and gave him incentives and rewards for each small step that he made. Jesse is
now looking forward to summer and will be attending a camp that has a pool and
his fear is gone. Some people may think "big deal,he got in a pool", but when
you watch your child struggle while trying to wash their face and understand that
it's a sensory issue it is a HUGE deal for him to overcome that type of fear. You
love your child no matter what. This has given him confidence that he's never
had before. I'm so very, very proud of him.
158 Being a single mother is not easy. It has its advantages along with many
disadvantages. The responsibility of caring for another human being in this day
and time can be challenging and frightening. Although, I love and enjoy
motherhood, caring for child alone can be overwhelming. I love my daughter
more than life itself and would give my life to make her's better. So what I kind
say at this point is to enjoy life and embrace it and know that God has the last
word ...... Coricia
159 In November 2010, I was stressed out, looking for a new job and dealing with the
fact that my 4 yr old son, Malik, was diagnosed with autism. One morning, as I
was getting Malik ready for school, he turned and looked at me. He stepped
closer to me, put his arms around me and said, " I love you, Mom." I gave him
a big hug and replied that I loved him. I can honestly say that this moment will
stay with me forever because at the time, Malik never said anything more than
"want chicken?" or "Want Juice?"
160 My most memorable experience this year was watching my daughter Zariya who
is eight years old and has Aspergers as well as Epilepsy play and sing with her
classmates for family fun night at her school. Zariya was having the time of her
life, cause she is no stranger to singing or dancing because her favorite
recording artist is the king of pop Michael Jackson! She listens to Michael and
also watches him everyday! She was singing and dancing with her classmates in
front of the school staff along with parents and other family members, she was
very happy! It bought tears to my eyes to see her sooo excited! She was even
excited to see the other classrooms sing their songs for family fun nite. I Love my
daughter so very much and she has good days and bad days, but this was a
wonderful day for her and the rest of the family. All went well and we were proud
of Zariya and had a great family fun night!! Thank You Latara Parker
161 My son has severe MR, is non-mobile and non-verbal in addition to an autism
diagnosis. We are pretty stressed, but our sense of humor enables us to "keep
on, keepin' on". While Matt cannot talk, he lets out the most joyous laughter
when ever he hears someone fart. And with a brother, this is not uncommon,
especially since we all love the reaction! One day, his brother asked, "How does
he know that farts are funny?". Then and there, we decided Matt's sense of
humor was NOT developmentally disabled!!! Keep up the good work and Happy
Mother's Day back!
162 This question really got me thinking.... I posted the following in my blog, and
thought I would share it with you as well: What's my favorite moment with
Michael? Was it when he was born - holding him for the first time, looking at
him, and feeling with every fiber of my body that he KNEW me? One of the most
amazing and unforgettable things I have ever experienced. Was it his first
smile? His first step? Or was it when he said "momma" for the first time at the
age of 2 and a half? Or maybe during one of those early therapy sessions when
he had been practicing for a while and finally touched the cup on the table when
asked? Or, when we were driving down the road and he pointed at the stoplight
and said, "Mom! Red!" Like so many things, I don't think one can truly know the
feeling unless they have been through it. Having a child, who for whatever
reason is delayed in meeting their milestones makes the feeling of when they
finally meet those milestones all the more amazing. If you are just handed a
hundred dollar bill by someone, it's pretty awesome, I'm not going to lie. But, if
you wanted something that costs a hundred dollars for a long time and you work
hard, sacrifice, and scrape pennies to buy that item, the feeling is so different.
Both are great, but different. That's what makes seeing Sarah develop a little
bitter sweet. She is saying "Momma" and "Dadda" and even "Poppa" on
command along with other words. All of her milestones have been met on time
which is anywhere from 3 months to a year before Michael met his. Realistically,
I wouldn't be surprised, if at some point, she passes his abilities in certain areas.
His ability to understand is at just over a 2 year old and with her at 16 months depending on his progress, it wouldn't be out of the question for her
development to pass his. There are a lot of strengths a weaknesses that come
in a child with autism - as with any child. I say this as much to tell you as to
remind myself. It is something that I need to focus on - rather than on the fear of
Sarah passing him or him not being able to do what other typically developing
kids his age can do. The deacon at our church in a homily once said something
that stuck with me, "Tell fear to go to hell where it belongs." Fear is from the evil
one. Faith is KNOWING that no matter what God brings you to, it will be ok. I
heard a story once of a mother who lost her 20-something child. Through her
grief, God gave her the wisdom to recognize that her son's death was necessary
for her own salvation. In many ways, I feel the same way. I can look back and
see how this journey has caused me to fall to complete faith and dependence in
the Lord. As a teenager, I would often picture myself at the edge of a cliff and
taking the "leap of faith" off into God's arms with no turning back. I could never
do it. But now, I know I have. I look back at the time that Michael was diagnosed.
Sarah was 2 months old - to the day. I was still recovering from the C-Section
and dealing with the news that due to a dihisence our dreams of a large family
may not be able to become a reality. Peter's father was still recovering from the
heart transplant he had the day after Sarah was born and dealing with
complications of rejection. As well as other personal matters that were causing
Peter to be gone many nights a week - leaving me home alone with a newborn
and a child with the ability to understand at an 11-13 month old level but with the
gross motor skills of a 4 year old. In hindsight, I can see even more clearly God's
hand - guarding and guiding us through the multitude of feelings we had. Now,
over a year has gone by and we have adjusted to our new normal. My complete
and total dependence on God has been what has gotten me through this. He has
given me the grace to turn to Him in struggle which has caused me to be more
like the mom I want to be. The tremendous amount of patience, fortitude,
diligence, trust, and prayer this last year has taken would not have been possible
had I not deepened my faith. And, would I have deepened my faith had Michael
not been diagnosed? Would I have finally taken the leap had God not allowed so
many things to happen all at once - as if whacking me over the head with a 2x4
and saying, "See, you can't do it by yourself!" I've heard that when the alcoholic
162 gets into a drunk driving accident and is paralyzed that it isn't God's punishment,
it's God's mercy. Is Michael God's gift of mercy to me? So, to answer the
question, my favorite moment in raising a child with autism is this one. It is right
here, right now. It is everything I am because of this journey. It is everything
Michael has learned and the infinite amount God has taught me through him. It is
seeing both of my children progress. It is having such a solid marriage as we
work together to help Michael - both in time and finances. And it is knowing with
everything in me that no matter where this road leads, it will be ok.
163 My almost 3 year old son Jeremy was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
on October 24, 2010. While the days are often challenging, the joy of his smile
always puts a smile on my heart. My most precious moment came just 3 weeks
ago. Jeremy has a tremendously difficult time going down for bed at night. On
this one occassion, after getting he and my 5 year old in the bed (they share a
room), as customary I said "Good Night Jeremy." And, as I turned out the light
an was closing the gate with my back turned I heard him say "Good Night MaMa!" My heart literally jumped a beat, and tears began to stream down my face
as I savored every moment of those sweet words in my head. In fact, I am in
tears now just recalling the sound of his voice. This was you see, the first time
that he EVER said good night to me. And, what made it extremely special is that
he didn't just repeat my words, but he was saying good night to ME. It wasn't a
simple act of echolalia, it was a sincere emotion and wish.... and it was mine. I
will always remember this moment. The perfect good night gift.
164 When we received the diagnosis of autism for my 3 year old son, I felt like the
world would end. I felt such an enormous sense of grief and loss. Now, just a
few months later, I have learned so much from my little boy. He has become my
teacher. I've learned to be patient with him and everyone else. I've learned that
his meltdowns are worse for him than they are for me. I've learned to have
compassion for the woman in the grocery store with the screaming child. I've
also learned what it feels like to be that woman. Most importantly, I've learned to
not take anything for granted. Every time my son says a word spontaneously,
my heart does flips and I celebrate with him. What might seem like a small thing
to a mother of a neurotypical child can keep me floating on a cloud for weeks.
Every experience with my son this past year has been memorable. Some of the
memories are good and some are bad, but I wouldn't trade them for the world.
The most heart-warming memory has to be the first time my son, Aidan, kissed
his sixth month old sister on the forhead. I cried with joy because he let her into
his world. I am lucky to have a teacher like Aidan. He has made me a better
mother and a better person.
165 As part of the onset of Andy's autism, he became essentially non-verbal over the
course of about 6 months, from age 20 months to almost 2 1/2 years. He
stopped calling me "Mama" as part of this progression. Yeah, that was pretty
tough. Andy is now 4 years old. About a month ago, he suddenly became able
to say "Mama" again...and he really does mean ME when he says it! What an
incredible gift from my most precious gift!
166 It was spring break and we planned to take my 6 year old son to Sesame Place
to an event specially organized for children with autism. I told him the night
before that he would get to see Elmo and Big Bird but he didn't fully understand
what was going to happen. The next morning we got delayed getting everyone in
the car and leaving but I decided to not fret over it and we sang songs and joked
around till we reached. In the parking lot my son broke his silence saying ``I want
roller coaster" as he had spotted it. Great! Once on the roller coaster he was a
bit scared and clung on but we could see he enjoyed it. As we walked towards
other rides, costumed Elmo and Cookie Monster suddenly came out of a building
and stood near us. My son was so amazed he kept looking up at their faces and
touching their furry bodies. He had this most ecstatic face when they hugged
him. He obviously thought they were real! Later he waited a long while for his
turn on the spinning cup and saucer only once asking to be picked up. He loved
this too. Then on to the fish ride, the looong mega slide and then waited again in
a line to buy food at the Elmo restaurant. He was all smiles eating not-his-usual
foods, even the soda was different but he didn't seem to mind. He waited
patiently, without running around, for the rest of us to finish eating. My husband
and I even got to chat a bit as we ate our lunch. Wow! I could not believe my
luck. Then on to the rope maze and then the yellow bouncy floor with pressured
air coming from under the floor. I was anxious that he would love it so much that
he would not be able to stop and come back when his group of ten kids were
done but he did- yes, we had to call out his name a few times to get his attention
but he obeyed and ran back to the entrance to put on his shoes. We felt bold
enough to sit and enjoy the parade before making our way back to the car. My
daughter was delighted to get Dad's iphone to play with and my son was just
happy looking outside. What a great day! A relaxing, enjoyable day at an
amusement park. All of us had a great time. For real!
167 Whne my grandson walked up to me and said Hi Grammie for the first time. He
is 5 and I was in the kitchen. He walked around the corner and Hi Grammie!
168 I am a Service Coordinator through Progressive Community Services in St.
Joseph, MO that works with individuals and their families who are effected by
Autism Spectrum Disorders. For the most memorable experience for the past
year, I would like to mention a mom, Jamie Bachman, who has worked very hard
with getting the local school district to provide the appropriate programs in the
school for her son to be successful. Well, her hard work finally paid off and her
son was re-entered into the school district earlier this school year. He is doing
great with all the supports in place which is a huge relief for his family. So, let us
give Jamie the recognition that she deserves. Thank you.
169 I am the mother of Jamie, she has Autism, one of my most memorable
experience is when she started breathing past her trache, the doctors decided
that it was time to remove it, and finally hearing her cry, I cried! The other most
memorable experience is when Jamie first started walking, she rolled around on
the floor until she was about four years old. What a miracle.
170 I was a little over 3 years ago I learned of my son's diagnosis of autisum. This
news came in the midst of a very painful and agonizing time in my life. For, I had
just lost 3 immediate family members who all died very tragic deaths. At the
time, I did not think I would or could ever recover from such devastation that this
all caused to my heart and mind. I thought for sure, I would never feel joy or be
able to laugh again. As I went forth on my journey to discovering more about
my son's condition. I did so with not much hope of any kind that things would get
much better. He was completly non-verbal, withdrawn and had many violent
outbursts. He also had an incident at daycare in which I discovered he was
eating rocks in the playground and became very ill due to the staff's negligence
in this matter. Needless, to say, I removed him from daycare, resigned from my
position at a university in Indiana and took on his cause full-time. Since then he
has attended many programs through easter seals, pre-k, and now at the LUDIC
program at Lee University. Through these endevors he has been able to partake
in speech, behavioral, and occupational therapies and has now flurished into a
bright and talkative 4 yr old. He is preparing for kindergarten and speaking in 6
word sentences most of the time now. My most memborable and precious
moment so far happened just about 2 months ago..when he uttered the words I
had been waiting to hear for so long....I love you too mama. I laughed and cried
so hard all at once for the first time in a very long time. He is my inspiration, my
hope for the future, and my reason to laugh again.
171 I would like to tell you about my girlfriend & business partner Tracy. From the
time we meet I knew we would be fast friends but I had no idea what a "Wonder
Mom" she was. Mother of two, Hope & Joshua she balances school events,
dance lessons, dances etc. for Hope and then runs several times a week with
Josh to therapy, doctors etc. How she manages to keep a house going
(cooking cleaning etc.) is beyond me!! She is always on the run somewhere for
the family and still manages to give Josh who has aspergers everything he
needs! Her family has become "my family." Josh is an amazing 7 yr old and it's
all thanks to her (and her family) for everything they have done for him!
Together we run a business "Hope For Special Needs" and yes Josh's needs
were how we got started in what we do! Tracy amazes me everyday the way
she handles lilttle or big "bumps in the road" concerning Josh. She is what
Mother's Day (and every other day of the year) is about!!!
172 For the past three years, I've had the privilege of co-chairing the NYC Walk Now
event. My family has participated for the past six years, from the time my son
Brandon was two and my daughter Cady was just a few month's old. This year,
Cady started to question why we ask her to do certain things (like brush her
teeth independently) that we don't ask of Brandon. I asked around for advice on
how to explain to Brandon that he has autism. To my suprise, a couple of
professionals actually flat out told me they thought he wasn't ready to know. I
felt that, regardless, Cady deserved an explanation, and to me that meant that
Brandon needed to know too - I didn't want the first time he heard the word
autism in reference to himself to be out of his little sister's mouth. I still don't
know how much he actually understood. What I do know is that when we came
home from this past year's walk, he had to do his "What I Did This Weekend"
homework. When we asked him, he proudly exclaimed "I went to Autism
Speaks!", and asked us to draw him walking. I also know that Cady went to
school the next day eager to tell her friends all about the walk she had been to
for her brother, who has autism. I was so proud of both of them - learning early
that autism is a part of Brandon, and being proud of who he is. It doesn't get
more memorable than that.
173 Moving to Winnipeg. When my second son was diagnosed with autism, I hide in
bathrooms at works to cry, I took long showers to scream my frustration and
anger at God in whom I believe. Then I remembered a quote I read from an adult
with autism to his parents...” Autism is not happening to you, it's happening to
me" So I got it as "together" as I could to help my boys. It's their battle, no time
for pity. I had done researches before on this disorder with my first son. I had try
so many things, diets, vitamins, almost tried detoxification but because of safety
concerns, I did not. So I went back to Google to find ABA therapy. Put my son on
the Ottawa's waiting list for ABA therapy. After 1 year and half, I was told it could
be another 2 years. I got discouraged for about 1 minute, looked in my sons
gorgeous eyes, and found hope. I went back to Google, read that CBC news of
a couple who moved from Nova Scotia to Winnipeg for the St Amant program.
Read great things about it. Called them, was told there were only 5 kids on the
list versus 76 in Ottawa. Talked to my husband whose faith in God for a bright
future for our kids gave me strength?.We decided then, we will move to
Winnipeg. People thought we were out of our mind, even some family members
thought it made no sense. We looked at our sons again and decided that, if there
was any chance out there, they deserve for us to at least try. Our youngest had
about 5 words at 4 years old, was not potty trained. 4 months after we arrive in
Winnipeg, Marshall started ABA therapy. Today 16 months of intensive ABA
later, one on one, in your face 40 hours a week, Marshall is potty trained,
Marshall makes short sentences to request any food he wants, Marshall sings
about a dozen different little songs, Marshall knows how to search any of his
favourite PBS videos, so yes Marshall can type with lots of focus. Marshall can
use an IPAD effectively. So, yes it is an ongoing battle. I am no longer angry at
God. I realized that he is helping us fight this "AUTISM". There might not be a
cure per say, yet, but there are workarounds. And as long as these workarounds
are safe, I will fight for our sons, I will fight with them. Next workaround: stem
Cell Treatment...lots to read…But sure promising stuff
174 Every day seeing something new from my son's point of view, I learn something
from him every day. If he can not find an object or thing that he wants or need
he would create it on his own by drawing and cutting it out. He is the most
creative kid I know. That is just one way I see through his eyes and learn from
him.
175 My 6 year-old son has been in a therapeutic riding program for several years.
Usually he has two volunteers assisting him as well as the teacher, but at his last
lesson, no volunteers were available. It was a quiet day around the stable, so
the teacher took him into the ring and led the horse herself. Then, towards the
end of his lesson, she tried to have him ride around an obstacle course off the
leadline. He kept tentatively squeezing his horse and saying "walk on," but the
horse didn't pay any attention. His teacher wouldn't let him give up, though, and
finally, he got mad and *kicked* the horse soundly, which did the trick! He held
his reins tight and made the horse walk around the course. It was just me and
his riding instructor who saw his achievement, and I'm sure if anyone else had
been looking on it wouldn't have looked remarkable, but we both knew how far
he had come since the days when he couldn't hold the reins or follow the
simplest intructions and tantrums were a regular occurrence. To see him riding
on his own, even for just a little distance, was amazing. He has grown up so
much!
176 My Sister is the Mother of two beautiful twin boys both have Autism. They are 6
years old now. When she was pregnant with the boys she had to have surgery
as one twin was taking all the fluid from the other so she needed a twin to twin
transfusion. She worked very hard to get her boys here. We found out at the
age of two that they had Autism. She has enrolled them in every program
possible to help them learn and grow and deal with the Autism. I have watched
these boys go from not being able to speak at all with daily melt downs to
holding a conversation and weekly melt downs. These boys are the cutest,
sweetest boys you will ever meet. They are the most popular boys in school !!!
They play baseball and love video games. They watch out for eachother on a
daily basis. I give my sister a lot of credit as rasing three boys two with Autism
she has her days full. She is very patient and kind and deals with alot on a daily
basis. She keeps her spirits up and goes above and beyond to make her
children feel normal and special. She feels that her boys can do what everyother
healty kid can do. The most memorable experience so far this year was on
Easter. She hid 8 eggs for each boy and when one of the twins could only find 7
eggs the other twin replied "that's okay you can have one of mine" The other
twin then replied "I love easter but I love my brothers more !!!" That right there
makes my heart shine. Although she has her challenges every day with them
she keeps her chin up and gives those boys every bit of love that is inside of her
as does the rest of our family.
177 I dedicate this to Tee for be an amazing mother to her two amazing sons. I work
with both them and the joy and acceptance I see in her of her beautiful and
brilliant boys is wonderful to see!
178 My most memorable experience was when my son said "I love you" for the first
time. He was completely non-verbal until he was 4. I always knew he loved me,
but I thought I may never hear him say it. I will never forget that moment when
he looked right at me and said, "I love you Mommy!" and then he gave me a big
hug.
179 My beautiful daughter, who is approuching her 4th birthday, has had a rather
eventful year so far. She had eye surgery in February to help with her
Strabismus. On her day of surgery she was a little nervous, but was an amazing
trooper. She won the hearts of everyone that worked with her that day. The
entire family was very nervous, and we all went with our daughter to be there
and show our suport. Our other daughter (14 months older) came back several
times before surgery "to check on" her sister. She showed tremendous care and
love for her sister. My husband was very supportive and caring, as expected.
Since the surgery we have seen our daughter notice things she never did before.
She is trying to learn signs to help with communication. She is an amazing child,
as both of our children are. I was told I would never have children, and have
been blessed with two gorgeous children (I use "gorgeous" in explaining how
wonderful they are - not their appearances). The love they share with each other
and the concern and caring my older daughter has for her sister all brings joy to
my heart. We don't make much money, so going to Walmart or other stores we
turn into an adventure and our children remain well behaved, and we are
complimented often on their behaviour, their politeness, kindness, and ability to
win the hearts of everyone they meet. Our daughter has struggled with
communication, but is starting to realize that being "verbal" is not the only way to
let us know what is on her mind. Everyday is a good day when our daughter
smiles at us.
180 My most memorable experience this past year was also a bitter sweet one. My
husband and I had been fighting. After the fight had ended my son, who
unfortunately witnessed the whole fight, came over put one arm around me and
pats my back saying, "It's okay Mom. It will be okay. I love you." I wrapped him in
a big hug, kissed him, and thanked him.
181 Wow, There are so many memorable experiences this past year for me as my
only daughter Angelia (out of 5 children) has blossomed so much this year with
her communication, social skills and sensory issues. It is almost like she is
growing out of being Autistic even though there are many years to come since
she is only 9. She is still delayed in her speech however this past year has been
amazing. My most memorable experience as a Mother of a child with Autism
would have to be how over the past year she has improved her communication
skills so well that we can now have Mother and Daughter coversations that I
never knew if they would be possible. She now asks and answers questions as
well as replying to questions in full sentences that I can understand. She sings
songs to me and tells me stories. My overall experience having a child with
Autism has made me a much more patient and loving Mother. I raised 2 typical
sons (twins) who are now 34. I had my 3rd son when they turned 18 and my 4th
son 2 years later. I wasn't going to have any more children however I lost my
Mother when I was 39 and since she gave birth to me when she was 40 (I am
the12th out of 13 children), I approached my husband about "trying for the girl"
since I would give birth when I was 40 just like my Mom. I feel extra blessed with
this little girl who I was chosen to be the Mother of. I couldn't imagine life without
her and her special needs because her Autism is why she is so unique, different
from all of my other childres and my granddaughter who is a typical 6 year old
little girl. She is Angelia's best friend. Thank You Truly Sieli
182 I adopted a set of twins from foster care & they came home from the NICU with
our family. We knew early on that one of the girls had Pierre Robin Sequence &
that both girls would be mentally delayed. We were ready for the challenges that
we would face. We noticed early on that the girl with PRS also seemed
disconnected & didn't like to be held or cuddled. As a mom of a newborn, that
was very hard to swallow. She was tested at the Children's Hospital in the
Autism Clinic & was diagnosed with PDD-NOS & cognitvely a 6-8 month old (she
was almost 3 at the time). Our daughter will turn 4 next month. We haven't
seen many changes, but small subtle ones that tells us she's moving
forward......but very slowly. The memory that means the most to me is when she
came up to me, pushed at my leg & looked up at me. I picked her up & sat in the
rocker & she actually rubbed her head on me & then looked at me with her eyes
smiling. Finally, a connection!! I still tear up, thinking about it & when she does
it to this day. My daughter is non-verbal & does not sign. Communication &
knowing what she needs is a guessing game.......but when she looks at me, I
know she's telling me "I LOVE YOU MOMMY"!!
183 My wife and I have three wonderful boys and our youngest is on the Autism
Spectrum (PDD-NOS). We have been out smarted by our boys from the
begining so it wasn't much of a suprise to find our Zachary intentionally diverting
our focus off of keeping his favorite food items locked up and out of site when we
go deal with a manufactured crisis. Zach eats. Zach eats until he pukes. Zach
will eat non food items. Zach is one smart, determined boogar. Zach loves cereal
and is kind and resourceful enough to make himself a bowl or three. Zach
prefers to add cinnamon or syrup to his cereal if he can get away with it. Zach's
dad,(me) likes condiments and Zach's mom is a great and adventurous cook.
Zach has made creations with horribly bad ingredients. Zach made himself
cereal and milk and found a brown bottle in the fridge. He dumped it in and was
assaulted by the smell of it and it was either thrown or fell away from him and
spilled all over the counter and onto the floor. Maple syrup? Nope. Fish Sauce?
Yes! 1 teaspoon to a large cauldron of soup is all you need. We scrubbed for
days. Good times!
184 My most memorable experience this past year was seeing my PDD-NOS 5th
grader make the Honor Roll at his regular-ed school. I was so proud when he
brought home a certificate not once, but twice during this school year. This was
the first time he was in a regular elementary school in 3 years (he was at a
school for autistic students prior to that) and it seems to be working out
wonderfully for him. Just goes to show that our kids are capable of achieving
with a little hard work on their part and a lot of faith and dedication on our part. I
am a very proud mom!
185 My memorable experiences with Zac greatly outweigh the negative! Zac has
blossomed since starting preschool and it is so wonderful to have the rest of the
world be able to see the amazing, wonderful, smart, thoughtful boy that I have.
Having our third child really helped him open up. Zac has mostly been nonverbal
although with Liam starting to use some words - Zac is too! Zac is almost 4 and
Liam is 15 months and the two are just peas in a pod. They invent little games
that crack them up and also play nicely and quietly together. My oldest son Kyle
(5) adores his brothers but definitely plays the biggest brother role very well. He
tends to get frustrated with them more than not! The other day all three boys
wanted to play in a tent. I thought it would last about 2 minutes before the
fighting started. I actually was able to sit down a read (a book with no pictures!)
for a half an hour. When Kyle started getting frustrated, I reminded him that they
needed to work it out on their own. Kyle was encouraging to Zac and Zac
followed Kyle's direction and they were both so proud when it all worked out. It
was a little moment - and the fighting definitely continued after - but it felt so
good to see the boys all working together. Luckily I have been getting more and
more moments like this!
186 i think my favorite experiences with aaron is how his imagination is so vivid and
lively. he has such wonderful stories to tell....everyone...and draws pictures to go
along with them. he will start in the morning with a story and will continue it
throughout the day. it keeps getting more specific everytime he adds something
to it. as he is telling you a story he does all the motions and sound effects, which
will absolutely crack you up as you are listening to him. everyone loves to hear
his stories. he has such an innocence about him that lets his imagination run
wild. i would have never thought up some of the things he has. some things are
from movies and shows that he has seen, but he has added his own twist to
them to make them his. he is one of a kind, you couldn't pay me to have a
neurotypical kid. every day is an experience with him
187 My most memorable experiance when everything went well was the trip we just
took to Texas. We took our son Isaiah age 6 with PDD/NOS, SPD, ADHD, and
sleep issues on a 13 hour trip to Texas to see my best friend and her baby that
Isaiah used to spend lots of time with when they lived here. I was excited about
the trip but dreading how he would be in the van for that long. He surprised me
by being the best he could be the whole trip. When we arrived at my friends
house he went in and made himself at home like he had been there before. It
was amazing this child that has had issues in other peoples houses just made
me so proud that he felt that comfortable and relaxed on the trip. He had fun
playing with the baby he once knew that is now almost 2 years old. It was as if
they did not spend anytime apart. I enjoyed their interactions and how social he
was even though it is hard for him. I see him coming out of his shell more and
more everyday I am so proud to be his mom.
188 Someone told me once that I should write a book on all the funny things that my
son has said or done over the years. But since he has Asperger's Syndrome &
is very serious - I know he wouldn't like me to tell stories about him. Below are a
couple of funny things that have happened to my son & our family over the
years!! When my son was 3 1/2 years old & we were at the beach - he came
running over to our beach blanket from the group of kids next to us & asked if he
could have a knuckle sandwich???? I guess he was being annoying to the kids
& they asked him if he would like a knuckle sandwich? My son seemed really
excited to get one of these sandwiches. I had to tell him "NO" & he should just
stay near us at that point. On my son's first day of Kindergarten he came home
ALL mad. He threw his backpack down & said, "the moon is NOT made of
cheese". (Oh the horror of the mis-information we had been feeding him) While
riding in the car a Michael Jackson song came on the radio & my son (age 8)
says, "Mom whose this singing this song???" I told him "Michael
Jackson"....again he got ALL mad & said apparently you don't want to tell me the
truth. (I guess MJ's voice didn't sound like a man in my son's opinion??) One
day my son tried out for a local play & after the auditions I asked him how did
you do??? He said, "GREAT" but those kids did "TERRIBLE". When I looked
over....there was a group of down-syndrome kids sitting there that had just
auditioned too. Because my son has Aspergers he never sees any handicaps
in others I guess??? I could go on & on.....but like I said - my son would be
horrified if I were to speak of him to others!!! He keeps us smiling, but we cannot
laugh or he will have a fit. Signed, Anonymous
189 Hello my name is tawnya i am a mom of a 9yr old boy that has asp autism let me
say first he is the most amazing person i have ever met he is polite,a well
mannered little boy, i get so many compliments his teachers stop me in public
and tell how much they love him & how he brightens their day (how wonderful)
so i am very proud (: one day i am to him ...ya know i just love you,he says...
yeah i know thank you ...ahhhh my heart just flies I love him so and i thank god
for him everyday i wouldnt change a thing because it makes him who he is...dont
get me wrong i am sad for his stuggles but through it all he always amazes me
he has been a miracle from the start he was a twin pregancy through invitro and
his twin was born to premature in the 5th month they had separate sacks so they
wer able to sew the cervix and save nathaniel and it was rocky but i were able to
carry him to 37 weeks and he was born with no problem he didnt need oxygen or
anything he just ned to learn how to eat ha ha (boy he has that down now ) he
was able to go home one mo later my miracle boy
190 My amazing teenage daughter celebrated her bat mitzvah!
http://jewishboston.com/48-gateways-access-to-jewish-education/blogs/790swinging-open-the-gates-for-a-different-kind-of-bar-bat-mitzvah-training
Apr 28, 2011 10:05 AM
191 I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE MY STORY OF MY 6 YEAR OLD WONDERFUL
SON WHO HAS AUTISM. WE RECENTLY WENT TO FLORIDA AND I MUST
SAY I REALLY THOUGHT THAT BEING IN A DIFFERENT ENVIROMENT I
WAS GONNA HAVE MY HAND'S FULL. MY SON WAS THE MOST
REPECTFUL WELL BEHAVED CHILD OUT OF 6 CHILDREN. I BECAME ILL
ON THE TRIP AND HE WAS RITE BY MY SIDE WITH HUG'S AND WOULD
MAKE SURE I WAS OK HE USED THE MOST SWEETEST WORD'S TO
COMFORT ME AND I WILL ALWAY'S HAVE THIS WONERFUL MEMORY OF
HIS BEHAVIOR AND LOVE.. LAST BUT NOT LEAST 20 HRS OF RIDING IN A
CAR AND NOT ONE BAD MOMENT.
192 When my child who is non verbal said mommy for the first time.
193 One of the most memorable experiences for me, raising my son Kyle, was when
he first said his name. He had made an art project at school that said his name.
When he brought it home we hung it on the refridgerator for a while. One day he
pulled it off the fridge, and brought it over to me. He had been singing the
"ABC's", so I decided to test if he could recognize any letters yet. I pointed to
the letter "K" and said "What letter?". Kyle replied "K", so I pointed to the next
one and asked the same question. He kept labeling the letters properly! I was
so excited!! At the end, I used my finger to underline the name and said
"Kyle"....AND HE REPEATED IT!!!!!! It was the first time I'd heard him say his
own name. It brought tears to my eyes and yell and scream and shout...and tell
everyone I could! My Kyle is an amazing little man, learning how to function in
this world. He works so hard, and has made such great improvements in a very
short amount of time.
194 I'v raised eleven,childen three of my own, Jewel my sister has two boys with
medical condition and mental problems. They, moved into my home, you learn to
love them to the limits they can deal with.they have there good days, just like we
do, you learn, to enjoy there good days, with lots of fun, and hugs then on there
bad days you have something to draw on until another good day You learn to get
other family members to except them as a human being, with feelings. you let
things slide so you can take the time to show love and caring. But, always give
the same to other children.in family.Todd,my nephew is the one i welcomed into
my home.Had one son, living with Todds Mom. Visiting my sister. Brandon,
same as Todd, medical,mental problems. Trying to sleep , Brandon, kept
waking me up for hugs, he stays up all night busy as a bee.Auntie Shirley, Im,
hungry, need hugs. Not much sleep but lots of hugs and fixing what he wanted to
eat. Thats worth ,losing sleep,the hugs and showing him I loved him, and could
deal with his problems of needig attention that night. Maybe the next night would
be wanting to be by himself . So you lose sleep but you love them and give as
much as they allow.
195 I've learned to appreciate small victories. Last night, my husband came home
from work and our 6-year-old said, "Daddy, how was your trip?" My husband
looked confused. Our son said, "Was work fun?" He then rattled off the names
of all the kids in his class and the names of all his teachers, ending with, "and I
did great today!" I realized our son was attempting a conversation with his father
to discuss what sort of day each of them had and it brought a tear to my eye. A
child who a year and a half ago could barely speak a handful of words. Small
breakthroughs like these are big to us in the autism community.
196 First, I would like to wish a very Happy Mother's Day to all. My son Adrian Jr. is
almost 6 years old and is on the Autism Spectrum. When I became a mother
little did I know the road that was ahead of me. I do know that looking back I
would not of changed anything. I was meant to be his Mom for a reason. Each
and everyday I am touched by so many memorable experiences. I say that
because like most mom's who have children on the spectrum, when you see
your child accomplish something that you thought not possible it is a triumphant
moment in time! In speaking of one memorable experience, I can say it was
recently when I watched my son singing his his 1st School Play. Seeing all the
other children up there performing & knowing that my son was able to be there
with them & "fit" in and be part of something made me loose my breath and be in
awe. I am not sure of the future, but I am sure that my son will become
someone to remember in this world! Our Love for him will make us pave the road
& help him succeed to the best of his abilities. Once you have Hope...there is
NOTHING you can't do. Happy Mother's Day..
197 My special experience was when my son called me Momma...When he was
diagnosed with autism at two, he would not talk to anyone or look me in my
eyes. I cried a lot and I prayed a lot. God has brought my son a very long way.
He is now almost 4 and he started pre-school last fall and he has three amazing
teachers who work with 5 little boys everyday. He is talking, getting into
everything and he calls me Momma. I have to give God all the glory!!! He has a
long way to go but I know that with prayer and the support of family, friends and
his teachers, He will be fine. I want to encourage all mothers to just be prayerful
and God will help us and our children get through all the difficult times that are
ahead and we will also experience amazing moments as well.
198 My son is a high functioning austitic. One Christmas when he was about 10yrs
old,I decided to take him to the Dollar Tree, give him $20, and let him shop for all
the family. I left him alone to do his shopping and went to another part of the
store. I made sure he had his watch and told him to meet me at the front of the
store in 10 or 15 minutes. When we met he had his little bag of gifts. I asked
him if he had bought for everyone, i.e. his dad, his 2 sisters, etc., and he looked
up at me and said oh mommy, I only thought of you! He had bought 20 presents
for me! We went home and he wrapped them each individually and placed them
under our tree. That year I had more christmas presents than I had ever had
before! Charla Roberge
199 My most memorable experience the past year happened a few weeks ago! My 5
year old Autistic son, Marcus, FINALLY said mommy. Before calling me mommy,
I felt like an "outcast" because he said da-dee (daddy), gamma (grandma) and
gampa (grandpa), but never mommy. He never addressed me by any name
really until he started saying "tellmommy" altogether the beginning of the year. I
figured he got that because every time something happened or he tried to say a
word(s), I would tell him "tell mommy". At that moment, I was content if that was
going to be my name going forward. Then one of the greatest moments of all
happened! I came home from work one night and saw Marcus through the
window. He pointed out the window (showing my husband) and said "mommy". I
thought I read his mouth wrong through the window. I couldn't get up the stairs
fast enough! When I opened the door, he ran to me and said "mommy" again.
Tears stung my eyes and I didn't know whether to hug him, scream out loud to
the world, or just continue to stare at him in amazement. That moment will be
engraved in my mind and heart forever!
200 My son, Will, has always disliked to draw and color, for as long as I can
remember. He is now in Kindergarten. This year is different, though, things are
much better. I remember, at Thanksgiving, he brought home a handwritten
piece of paper. The words "I am thankful for" written by his wonderful Aide at the
top. Then, the word Mom came next in Will's familiar handwriting. I thought it
was sweet of his Aide to help him write that, but was curious enough to ask for
sure. It turns out that Will had written that all by himself, idea and all. I was
stunned, because Will can copy words, but doesn't generally write unprompted.
Sometimes, as mothers of kids with Autism, we wonder if our kids know how
much we do for them and how much we really love them. Now I know that Will
understands, because he told me on this piece of paper that I will treasure
forever!
201 Happy Mother's Day!! Happy Mother's Day to all mom's but especially to those
mothers of a child with Autism. My neice, Rachel, is one of those very speical
mothers. Her 8 year old son, Grant, was diagnozed within the Autism spectrum
and he has an older sister and younger brother. Rachel is a single mom, raising
these 3 children on her own while working 9-4 weekdays. She is a very strong
and faithful worman who works very hard to see that her kids have not just "a"
memorable expierence but a childhood of memories of fun and laughter. Always
doing fun things all together she also makes a point that Gran'ts brother and
sister have speical times of their own so they do not feel they are missing out
due to his Autism. I am contiually in awe of her of strength, patience and
courage. She is a very special mom who deserves a very spcial Mother's Day!!
202 It seems our darkest days are behind us and the future holds great things for my
son. Eric has over come many obstacles over the years and has continued to
grow and get better at so many things. His social life has always been a struggle
and probbally the thing that has bothered me more than him. He is a junior in
highschool and is invovled in FFA an agriculture program, that in itself is a major
accomplishment with his sensory issues, we never dreamed he would work with
dirt or anything outdoors. But agriculture and conservation have become his
passion. Every year we go to the awards ceremony and Eric sits with us. Even
when his FFA peers have said hello or asked him to sit with them he has been
less than friendly. First year he wouldn't make eye contact or even reply. last
year he did speak back, but sit with us and was in his own world. This year when
I arrived at the awards ceremony Eric was nestled in the middle of a table full of
his FFA peers, all having fun and talking. I asked him if he was going to sit with
his family and he looked at me like I was crazy. Of course not, he was going to
sit with his friends. You have no idea how wonderful those words were to me, he
was going to sit with his friends. This is so amazing and warms my heart. Not all
of his peers are accepting of him and his quirks, but as a group they welcomed
him in and more importantly he has opened up and let himself be a part of their
group. A few days later for his 17th birthday this same bunch of wonderful kids
all went out to eat for a celebration. For some this may sound normal, for me this
is the begining of my son being just a "regular' teenager. Most parents might
wish their teenages not be so "regular" but for us this is one of the biggest gifts
we can ask for. Eric will always be special to us, but to the kids at school all I
have ever wanted for him, was to just be regular. Something so small that
means so much.
203 This year has been full of memories but one of my most fondest memory is when
my daughter sang her ABC's to me for the very first time and w/no assistance!
Her pride gleamed & I saw true happiness beam from her face! I cried...my
daughter FINALLY after all the hard work can sing me her ABC's! I coudn't be
more proud or blessed. The cherry on top came right after when she LOOKED
into my eyes and said I Love You Mommy and gave me a hug! I HELD my
daughter, cried and cried...I was so full of pride, hope and love for her. Words
can just not express that moment and feeling. She has come SO far even though
there is such long way to go yet. The little steps/milestones are taken for granted
by others but are TREASURED by so many of us! I will continue to fight and
treasure EVERY moment I have w/my daughter but for now I am honored and
blessed that God has given me such a beautiful 7 year old little girl. She
overcomes challenges everyday and then sometimes those challenges are just
too great but she rallies back & shows us what true blessings and 'problems'
really are. Mother's Day is a celebration of the greatest daughters one can
have...I just happen to have 3 beautiful girls and cant be more proud to say I am
their MOTHER. I am blessed.
204 My most memorable experience this year....was just recently, my daughter who
is 3 years old has autism... I was in the basement and I left her in front of the tv
for a minute while I went to gather a couple items. Then I heard her voice at the
top of the stairs call out to me......"MOM"....my heart sank and I began to run up
the stairs and I could hear her say...."you in the basement"....I quickly realized
that everything was fine and that she was just looking for me....it was the first
time she had ever called for me or asked where I was?....my initial reaction was
to think something must have been wrong....when in fact everything was
right....my baby made more progess in her speech that day and she now calls
out to my husband and I from other parts of the house when she wants
us....something she never did. Im still new to this whole world of autism....my
daughter is very special and unique and we appreciate every little bit of progress
we see....things that parents of kids without autism probably take for granted, we
as parents with a daughter on the spectrum....celebrate.... Every milestone and
step gives us just that much more hope of her living a happy and productive
life....we dont want to change our daughter we want her to evolve, grow and
flurish....and with love, support and perserverence we see no limits.
205 Hi: My son Elliott was born blind and diagnosed with autism at age 8. One of the
hardest things for me as a mother was seeing that my son was cut off from
people. Being blind was hard, but the autism just put up a bigger wall that would
have to be climbed in order for people to get to know him. When I'd ask him how
his day was going, if he talked to anyone. The answer was always the same, no.
He ate alone, he played at recess alone. He basically lived alone. It broke my
heart. This went on for so many years, it became a part of our lives. Caitlin his
sister, went places, had friends over and was a part of groups. But Elliott was
alone. He had his cars and music, and once in a while he would let his family in.
But not often. Then it happened. Junior year of high school he came home and
asked if someone from school could come over. Of course I said, my heart
beating so fast I thought it would jump out of my chest. Anyone, anytime!! And
they came. Four friends from school, they accepted him. They didn't think he
was weird, or acted funny. He was just Elliott. Since then, he has had friends
over quite a few times and is even interested in a girl. His aunt my sister came
by just this last weekend and he actually came with us shopping. He cares about
how he looks. He wants doesn't fight us to take showers, brush his teeth or cut
his hair. My heart is over joyed. Someone other than me sees what a wonderful
person he is!
206 I am a mother of 4 boys, my oldest Nicholas has Downs Syndrome, second
oldest is my Football Player, third oldest is my Joey Bear with Autism and there
is my baby boy, my future Lawyer...we are a very close family and this past year
we went through being homeless for about a month and at the beginning of this
year we are now homeowners...we pulled through as a family with lots of love for
one another and we are closer than ever before....no matter what falls in our side
of the court, we have pulled through and we never fell apart, we learned and we
kept close to each other. It is amazing with a family like mine, with 4 children
and 2 are disabled, you come to realized just how Blessed we truly are and my
Dear Jesus Christ Our Savior does walk with us everyday. At our new house,
Nicholas wanted Joes to share room with him, it is amazing how they
communicate with each other and how they take care of each other...Nicholas
being the big brother, always hugs and kisses Joey good night and makes sure
Joey is covered up and Joey always cleans up after himself and after Nicholas,
they share everything......I am a Blessed mom. Thank you, Becky Sing
207 One of the things I love most about my four-year-old son (with PDD-NOS), is his
quiet, yet boundless compassion for other children with disabilities. This
Christmas season, this quality became most evident to me when my son
declared that he wanted to give a particular boy in his school a Christmas gift.
The boy uses a wheelchair, is non-verbal, and spends most of his day in the
resource room or the nurse's office. My son, Arlo, had been very curious about
this boy's abilities, whether he could speak, why he is in a wheelchair, etc. He
always seemed to be on his mind... We selected a small stuffed reindeer, and
on the last day before Winter break, Arlo was escorted by one of his teachers to
give this present to the boy. The boy was not able to speak in response,
however, Arlo had the opportunity to shake his hand. The other staff were in
tears, as they commented that no one else had ever noticed this boy, but Arlo
had. I am very proud of my son's ability for noticing so many things many of us
overlook, and his concern for others' well-being. He may not always have the
words to express his thoughts, but every once in awhile, an occasion makes up
for all of the other opportunities lost for knowing what's on my boy's mind. He is
my gift, every day.
208 This is a cute story: As you may know, many children with Asperger's often use
phrases they hear on TV, movies, read in books, etc. We call it TV talk, book
talk, etc. Many times we have no idea where the phrase he chooses came from,
we just know it IS being used appropriately (at least appropriate to context, if not
socially appropriate!) You can either laugh and use it as a teaching experience,
or get upset. We choose to use these opportunities for a quiet, inside laugh
(sometimes out loud!) and use it as a teaching moment, if we need to. As many
of you know, our children like most foods plain. PLAIN. Don't add things to it or
change it in any way, shape or form, if you expect it to be eaten. Just don't.
PERIOD. Well, for Easter, we had a pudding dessert (the kind in an 8x11 pan
with a crushed nut crust and layers of whip cream, cream cheese, etc). My son
walked to the table when we called him in for dessert, sat down, looked at the
dessert and said "Pudding, this is NOT pudding! What's with all the "STUFF" on
it! This is atrocious! I NEED A NEW AGENT!!" LOL!! We love you! Ok, so
maybe not the most appropriate thing to shout out at the Easter table, but really,
honestly, you may be right! Maybe you do need a new "agent!' who will
remember to keep an extra bowl of plain pudding for you in the fridge! A little
learning for him and for us, I guess!!
209 I have had many memorable moments with my son, Joshua, during this past
year, but this one, by far, is the most special. Joshua had been in an Austistic
Impaired preschool classroom for three years, and during his last year, he began
to spend more and more time in a regular ed Kindergarten class at his school.
As the school year came to a close, I was told that Joshua would be graduating
with the Kindergarten class and that there would be a ceremony and everything!
I was just beside myself! My son would march in and graduate with his peers WOW! On graduation day, my husband and I were sitting in the audience
waiting for the ceremony to begin. I looked at the program and to my complete
shock, there was my son's name - Joshua was scheduled to lead the audience
in "The Pledge of Allegiance"! I could not believe my eyes. As the ceremony
began, Joshua marched in with his classmates and when it was time for the
pledge, he stood up in front of everyone, held the microphone and recited the
pledge as we all repeated after him. Oh, what a miraculous moment! Just one
short year ago, he could not speak a complete sentence and now he was
leading dozens of people in reciting "The Pledge of Allegiance". There are no
words to describe the joy that still fills my heart every time I think about it. I
videotaped that portion of the ceremony and Joshua never gets tired to watching
himself. That's okay, though. I never get tired of watching him, either.
210 Something I will remember forever, is a comment made by Michael, a group
home house mate of my 20 year old son, William with very limited verbal skills.
For Christmas, William received a poster of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The poster kept falling down because it hung behind the door that kept hitting it.
I had the poster in the kitchen to take home, and Michael asked what it was. I
explained tht it was a poster of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and
explained to Michael that Snow White was William's favorite princess. Michael
immediately responded, "Oh, Mrs. ______, I thought you were William's favorite
princess." After all the years of caring and advocating for my son, that was one
of the sweetest things anyone every said to me, and I cherish that comment. I
always wanted to be a Disney princess, and now, I feel, I am. In the eyes of
those that need us most, we are princesses. That is enough for me. Happy
Mothers' Day to all my fellow princesses!
211 My experience.. The first moment I saw my baby girl I knew she was gonna be
special. She came into my life and changed it completely. She is so different
from my four other kids. I had read about autism and I always questioned the
doctors if she had autism and the would always say No she is just delayed.. My
daughter is now 2 years 3 months old and they are now telling me it's autism.
One of my baby girls favorite thing is that she spontaneously want to be hugged
so she just comes up to you an hugs you real tight and then she walks away.. I
love my Kendra
212 I rejoice when my fifteen year old son approaches total strangers and happily
states " Hi I'm Ari - what's your name?" I know that Ari sees every human being
as a magnificent creature who will share his joy in life. Each day presents a new
opportunity to view the world through Ari's beautiful eyes.
213 My 11 year old son Shane continues to take our entire family on this wonderful
journey called life. This past year has been pretty challenging: trying to
overcome the obstacle of re-customize his Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
that aligns with the state's academic milestones, utilizing the "required"
curriculum, while identifying Shane's cognitive strengthes and weaknesses.
Despite this on-going saga of trying to plan for this middle and high school years
- Shane continues to spend his time making us laugh. He comes from a family
of silly comedians (volunteer comedians) and I believe he has taken his comic
routine to another level by just about memorizing every funny scene in a variety
of cartoons and then begins his impromptu performance of acting them out sometimes using us as a prop, i.e. Tom and Jerry chase scene, why do I have to
be poor Tom.
214 MY unforgettable experience was when Russel was 4 1/2 years old and he calls
mommy and daddy with "MADDY" which is I think a combination of Mommy and
Daddy. I cannot forget the time when he was able to call me Mommy before he
turned 5...that is the sweetest word that I have heard from him!
215 I guess I would just have to say, my Autistic son getting through puberty. He is
growing up so fast, and he doesn't seem to understand that "hair" is suppose to
grow on a "mans" body everywhere. It has been a learing experience to teach
my son not to shave his arms and legs and under his arms. I love my son
Keegan so much. Thanks God for giving me Keegan.
216 My name is Perla. This past November my 2 year old daughter was diagnosed
with Autism. The whole time I was going to school to become a medical
assistant, coming home to watch them until the sitter got home, then off to work
full time. When I graduated from school, I got offered a position with a hospital
here in town, and had to turn it down so I can watch Lauren full time. She came
first and my career second. Putting my career on hold was hard, but being able
to spend those days with her make it all worth while. Perla Loma Linda, CA
217 My son is now 26 years old and has been diagnosed with Aspergers. It has
clearly been a challenge for me throughout is years of growth, especially the
unawareness, that was present during his years. I am thankful for the information
that is now available not just for my son, myself, but for other childen that I may
help. My fondest and most special times are speaking with my son on the
phone. His hyper-focus is directed on independent films and music. His
descriptions of films that he watches are so poignant and beautiful. The literal
interpretation and his focus on the innocence and the simplicity of what is being
presented is truly amazing. I do not often have to see the film, but have a strong
desire to after speaking with him. He calls it a slice of life. I am so proud to have
someone who is just so darling in my life.
218 My most memorable exprience was in May 2004 when my son who has Autism
won the state title for 0-4 years overall and centerfold title both in the same
Sunburst Pageant Maryland state finals he also won many other categories.
This goes to show that children with autism can succeed. Pageants are a good
way to buld confidence in autistic kids. My son also stays on the honor roll.
219 I would like to say that this year has been an exceptional year of growth for my
15 year old son who has Autism. Chris has grown into a responsible young
man. He is taking charge of his school grades, getting to tutorials on time,
managing coping skill and practicing awesome social skills with his peers. Chris
has been a member of his Nation Jr. Honor Society club and a Vice President of
his campus Crimestoppers group. He was elected an Alternative Ambassador
for our state and also received his green belt in karate this month. I am so very
proud of him and just know that next year, high school, will continue to be a great
learning experience for all of us especially my son. We love you!!
220 My son was diagnosed with Autism at 22 months. At that time, I felt that it was
the end of all dreams and goals for my child Manny. Manny was non verbal,
lacked social skills, and direct eye contact. Soon after, Manny started to attend
the Early Start program where he learned how to socialize and use sign
language to communicate. I believe one of the most memorable moments for me
was when he was able to actually say "Mama". Manny's autism has taught me to
appreciate the little things in life. Manny is now three and continues to surprise
me with all the growth he has accomplished. He is my Hero!
221 Hi, I'm Zach's grandmother and he is 15 years old. From the beginning he loved
movies about animals. Even before he was diagnosed, I would take him to the
movies. That was my self-appointed "job". When he was about 3 I purchased a
van and installed a video player so I could pick him up in Wisc. and drive him to
Illinois and it would keep him occupied. He was still not talking. I was still the
only person he would sit in a movie theatre with. When he did start to speak,
one of the first things he did was call me "Gramma Movie" .. he made it up all by
himself. And to this day, I'm still the only one he'll sit with thru a full feature film.
One of the things he learned when watching other movies was that a boy put his
arm around a girl, so now he'll sometimes put his arm around me (he's 6'2" and
I'm 4'11") pat me on the head and say "Good job Gramma Movie". We just went
to see "African Cats" and he loved it.
222 As my oldest son who could not communicate when starting kindergarten, I
didn't even fell like I started to "know" him until he was six years old. Now, he is
in seventh grade, in main-stream courses, on the honor roll every quarter. My
husband and I are working very hard showing him how to talk to kids, reminding
him with specific examples of how to initiate conversations, and going through
practice sessions on how to keep a conversation going by asking more about a
topic. Just as we've worked painstakingly on social skills, his physical
communication skills are challenged too. He didn't want to be held as a baby,
but he couldn't go to sleep without his crib in constant motion. He was always
on the move and a simple hug would feel confining to him. However, now as he
is transitioning to adulthood, he's learning the joy of contact. He wrestles with
his younger brother several times a week, and may even hug his sister. The
best experience that I have this year is that he comes to me to give me a hug
and a kiss nearly every day, with the "typical" teen-ager excuse that he does it
"because he knows MOM wants a hug."
223 My most memorable experience was also one of the hardest. It was when it was
confirmed that my son, Caiden was autistic. I knew he deserved a chance and I
knew that I had to spring into action in making sure that he had the best possible
chance to succeed. I discussed this with him and he shared some of his
feelings. Although at first I felt overwhelmed it was a good feeling to know what
was going on and being pointed in the right direction of the correct resources for
him. We began our journey at the Seattle Children's Autism Center in Seattle,
WA and were linked with a team of the most incredible doctors and
psychologists. My son was given medication to calm his anxiety about everything
and the talking with therapists and his support group have been invaluable. I can
definitely see a change in him, he is more outgoing and much more comfortable
with who he is. I used to ask why me? But knowing what is going on and
knowing that I have an awesome support system has been a great experience,
my son has taught me so much this past year and I couldn't be happier with his
progress and mine we have both grown so much. Mommy loves you Caiden.
224 Little Jon has always been a little on the clumbsy side and terrified of heights,
the thought of climbing up or down alone could bring on a melt down. This year
we had two major accomplishments with the help of his step-dad, my husband.
Our first one was a day that we spent going to the Ohio Caverans, Jon was so
intently amazed that after a few seconds of clinging onto his step-dad, he was
taking everything in, when our tour finished, his step-father jumped up in a tree
and pretended to be a monkey. Jon thought this was absolutely hilarious and
then got sad saying he didn't know how to climb a tree. Bob climbed down and
taught him, not only did Jon climb the tree, he got down on his own as well. He
spent the rest of the day proud and happy. A few months later we went to King's
Island, where Jon made huge leaps with courage and friendliness, including
riding the Beast with his step-father.
225 My most memorable experience this year is realizing and seeing how many lives
my son, Kanye, has touched! He is 6 1/2 and went to mainstream Kindergarten
this year and it amazes me at the impact he has made on teachers, staff, &
students. The kids in his class have been able to learn from him, as well as
being peer models for him. When i see one of his classmates out in public, they
always say "hey, you're Kanye's mom!" Then they will proceed to tell me a funny
story of something he did in school. He is such a loveable kid with a million
dollar smile - its hard to not like him even a bit!
226 When one ordinary evening - with all the boys (we have 3, the youngest is the
one living with autism) running around and playing, I was trying to watch
something on TV, it suddenly became extraordinary. Aiden came running over to
me and grabbed my arm pulling me toward him (which usually means come with
me), but he said no when I started to stand, he just wanted me to lean forward
so he could give me a hug and a kiss. Then he smiled and said "I love my
mommy", grinned and ran away. Aiden is not one to give hugs and kisses
without prompting - it truly was a memorable experience.
227 I will never forget the Mother's Day when my then-undiagnosed autistic daughter
was 21 months old. She had been receiving early intervention services for five
months at that point, and had only just started talking a bit. We were attending a
baptism, and I had stepped away to approach the altar. As I returned to our
seats, my husband whispered to our daughter, "Who's that?" and she replied,
"It's Mama!" It was, and always will be, the most wonderful gift I have ever
received. Before that moment she never used the word or referenced me in any
way.
228 Hello, I'm a Grandma of a 3 year. Old atistic grandson. My daughter is only 18
years old and a amazing mother to him. I couldn't be prouder of her! She takes
on some challenge with him and does very well. And he us a sweet and awsom
child! :) happy mothers day Felisa. Martinez. I love you! Love mom! "
229 My most memorable experience with my son this year would definitely have to
be watching him bloom in Mainstreamed first grade. He has turned his wings and
enjoying and soaking up every moment of it. So beautiful to watch him bloom!
230 My most memorible experience with my son this year is how much he has grown
and improved. He trys really hard at school and I found out from his teacher the
other day, he goes to his classroom and anyone else he see's and makes sure
to say good morning and see how they are doing.
231 Well my most memorable moment has to watching my son who is 15 with autism
play for the first time in his back yard with his 11 yr old sister even if it only lasted
for 5 mins it was still memorable and an improvement