What a week...

This week I thought I'd mention two examples of how you can help with autism. The first involves my mom on her plane ride down here. There was a young woman with three children and one was only about two. As everyone got on the plane the little child had a complete come apart. He lost all control and cried and cried. My mom heard a few people remark (as I know we all have done) that they wish the mother could control the child and the child would be quiet. My mom then made the remark, "Perhaps the child is autistic". When she said this it seemed to change the mood and feeling on the plane. It changed to one of understanding and tolerance instead of anger and irritation. The second story involves Dean and Braedon at Costco. While waiting to check out a woman behind Dean asked if Braedon was autistic. Dean told her yes and asked how she knew. She responded that she has a friend with an autisic child and she recognized some of the same behaviors. She then got down on eye level and talked with Braedon for a moment.
My point with these two stories is that understanding a situation often helps when you are in it. Take time to learn a little about autism. Maybe you could be of some help to a mom that needs it. Sometimes if someone where to ask if I needed help it might be the greatest thing to me, especially when I start taking Braedon and Reilly places. Braedon demands constant attention and when he is out of his home, like most autistic children, he can become overwhelmed very easily and loose control.

Okay, enough on my soap box for this week. We had a very busy week. Dean went to Modesto, California for his Grandfather's funeral. He said it was a very nice funeral and I was glad he could go. Braedon had another successful speech therapy appointment. In fact, she remarked on how well he did with his eye contact this week. He also did very well with his NeoNatal Follow-up Program appointment. All of the doctors said he seems to be doing very well and the help we are getting him is working. That was the best news of the week.

Reilly is growing and developing quite the personality. He likes to be held....ALL OF THE TIME! It is going to be a fun struggle with him and his crib. We are determined to win! We refuse to have all four of us sleeping in the same bed.