| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| one_dog_per_acre |
Posted - Jun 11 2012 : 05:30:04 AM
A week ago, we were told that my son, Owen, is autistic. I am realizing that my tears are because my pride got kicked in the teeth.
Now I have to decide what kind of parent I am going to be, Am I going to get a job to get a hyperbaric chamber and biofeedback, or am I going to accept Owen for who he is, and enjoy him like I have been.
So farmgirls, think good thoughts for me, my life as a parent is starting over, and it's pretty scary.
One good thing did happen due to my hard work this week. I went to the library the check out books on Autism, and drinking wine. When I was in the stacks, a lady was [bleep]ing at her kid, 12, in a really adult way. She noticed the titles of my books and was so nice to her daughter after that :) And I didn't even have to yell at anyone!
“It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black.”-Charlie Brown |
| 11 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| FARMALLChick |
Posted - Jun 29 2012 : 11:58:48 AM
Trish,
I feel for you. My son was diagnosed at age 7. This was after years of trips to the doctor and no one could figure out what was going on. He just turned 12 in April. We've had days where we just struggled to get out of bed and other days of pure joy. Be sure to do your homework,(sounds like you are) find support groups even if it is just us, if the doctor's are throwing so much info at you, your head starts spinning, make them stop and explain it in English. This is a lot to take in and it is okay for you to cry. I do. Your love for your child hasn't changed and you want the best for him no matter what. That's being a mother. You can email me any time with any questions you may have. There are all sorts of online resources too.
Good luck to you and your family.
We are here for you.
Lora
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway" -John Wayne
www.CountryFriedAcres.etsy.com
www.farmallchick.blogspot.com
www.farmallchickphotos.blogspot.com |
| one_dog_per_acre |
Posted - Jun 18 2012 : 05:44:38 AM
Farmgirl love feels good, thank you ALL!
“It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black.”-Charlie Brown |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Jun 16 2012 : 8:27:16 PM
Trish, love knows no boundaries. I will keep both you and Owen in my prayers.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| edlund33 |
Posted - Jun 13 2012 : 10:29:24 PM
I say accept him for who he is and enjoy him! Trish, you are a great mother to Owen, and you don't have to change anything just because he has been labeled. Like any mother, you want what is best for your child. The only thing that may change is that some things that are best for Owen will not be what is best for another child. There are great resources for Autism in our state including the University of WA. Find a support group in your area so you can meet other families with similar challenges. My cousin's son is autistic, and I also have a friend with two autistic children. They have gotten excellent parent education and interactive therapy for these kids that is allowing them all to attend regular public school. You are lucky to have caught the symptoms at a young age and now you can find help for Owen to learn to cope with the things he struggles with so he can be the best he can be. His love for you won't change....he needs you to be strong. Keep up the good work doing what you know is best for him and he will shine!
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
http://blueskyanddaisies.blogspot.com
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| queenmushroom |
Posted - Jun 13 2012 : 08:13:39 AM
Prayers to you and your son. Have you thought of buying or making a "sling" and hang it from a doorway or rafters for him? I don't know much about autism, but when I did a short stint of substitute teaching, one of the schools had a self contained class room for special needs students. In this room was a sling. The sp. ed teacher that I was working with said that autistic love the cocoon like comfort and the rocking of it as well. Might be cheaper and maybe covered under your insurance plan. Just a thought.
Lorie
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
| Joey |
Posted - Jun 12 2012 : 8:27:41 PM
Trish, he is your boy and you are his mother who has loved and known and cared for him everyday of his life. You won't stop now. You will rise to this challenge because you love him and you will do what is best for him. You are already on top of this just by checking out books and getting some info. I work with autistic patients..some worse than others and nobody knows at this point how this will affect him. I have never heard of using a hyperbaric chamber for autism and am not sure how that would even work. Biofeedback is also not common but I can see how maybe that would help some symptoms. The best thing he has going for him is you..his family. Just hug him and be grateful he has you as a mom. My prayers are raised up for you and your son and family. Hugs, Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Jun 11 2012 : 6:26:58 PM
Dear One - I know you are a loving, caring Mother because you are questioning how and what to do for your child. As we stand next to you as Mothers and Grandmother just know that we will lift you up when you are down, cry with you during your fear and pray for all to have the right calling when need be. Your heart and mind are heavy right now but I know that when you look into your childs eyes you can see the purpose of your life.
Love, Light and Healing to you and yours - I am here for you if you need me.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| laurentany |
Posted - Jun 11 2012 : 1:58:52 PM
Trish,
Positive thoughts going out to you and Owen. I think he is a very lucky little boy to have you for his mom!
Hugs,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Jun 11 2012 : 07:25:06 AM
Trish,
Prayers and good thoughts coming your way!
You already sound like a great mom, try not to be so hard on yourself. Trust the good instincts that you already have. We have a couple family friends with special needs kids. One has started a blog journey.
I will get the info and post a link here later for you.
Always know there are Farmgirls here for support anytime day or night!
Blessings,
Linda
www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Country at Heart |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jun 11 2012 : 06:52:50 AM
Oh, Trish - you are ALREADY a wonderful mother! And you will do this as beautifully and with as deep a love as you would had your son not had this challenge. My cousin's son is profoundly autistic, and every one of his successes is a celebration! He is wonderful - and your son is, too! You, your son, your family will all be in my prayers!
Last week, the 700 Club featured a wonderful story about a 14 year old girl named Elizabeth. Instead of me telling you about it, I'm including the link here for you to watch it yourself. It's only about 7 minutes long. I think it will really do wonders for your mother's heart:
http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/mp4/iCM36v1_WS
Also - here is a link to the book Elizabeth "wrote." You'll understand when you watch the video. I'm sure you can find the book elsewhere, but I thought this might give you some insight as to what it's all about:
http://shop.cbn.com/product.asp?sku=9780800720711
MUCH MUCH love and a BIG hug to you, dear sister. You can do this - and you're going to be great at it! I just know it!
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| craftingram |
Posted - Jun 11 2012 : 06:04:29 AM
Trish, as the grandmother of a little guy with autism I understand how you are feeling. No one wants to be told there is something "wrong" with their child. How old is your little boy? Ours is 6 and is doing incredibly well. He just finished first grade, is amazingly good at math, reading better every day, playing basketball, making friends, and is a joy to us all. The first thing you need to do is check out what sort of help is available in your area. I have never heard of using a hyberbaric chamber or feedback, so I wouldn't rush into anything like that. Jenner has had speech therapy, OT and PT. He is in a regular first grade class, but spends two yours of the day with the therapists. Being in the regular class has worked out really well because he watches what the other kids do and picks up their behaviors very quickly. He has a few quirks, but who doesn't? I agree that you should accept and enjoy Owen for who he is, but I'm sure you also want to help him have the best, most productive and happy life he can have. There is a great site called Autism Speaks that can help you find a lot of information. I'll be praying for your peace of mind, acceptance, and strength, and that you will find many resources to help you in this journey. Please keep us updated on how things are going.
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #2708
Romans 8: 38,39 |
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